Innocent Bystander Roundup: Whistler Crankworx 2024

As mountain bikers and industry nerds, we are all well aware of the eleven-day exhibition known as Crankworx, which takes place each year in Whistler, British Columbia (Sḵwiḵw). However, I wanted to find out how those who are not in the know feel about all the hustle and bustle interfering with their vacation.

With a camera in tow, I connected with these innocent bystanders around Whistler Village to find out what they think of us and our festival barging in on their leisure time. I also caught up with a few familiar faces who made the trip out to Whistler specifically to participate in Crankworx. The majority of people I spoke with had nothing but good things to say about the event and the community that surrounded them. I spoke to a number of pros who were clearly here for the event and a handful of individuals who were clearly blindsided.

With a slew of pros to chat with alongside "normal" people, it was relieving to hear that we weren't too much of a nuisance to the general population with all our hooting, hollering, boozing, and not walking our bikes... I can't blame people for not wanting to give a boy in a bucket hat a moment of their time, but I couldn't be happier with the few who did decide to take a moment and engage to share their opinions. Now I need to track down the next jazz fest and talk to more strangers.

One thing is certain, I love people watching!