Events Calendar
  • Active
  • Registration Coming soon

Crankworx Ride Out

Sḵwiḵw/Cwítima (Whistler)

In partnership with
Whistler Blackcomb Logo Original
indigenous women outdoors partner sram 600x200 1
indigenous women outdoors partner hilltopo mtb 600x400 1

Join SRAM and Indigenous Women Outdoors for a day of learning, sharing, and riding in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park!

Held on the traditional, unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat First Nations, this ride is designed to create an inclusive, barrier-free space for Indigenous women and youth to experience Crankworx and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in a safe and welcoming way.

We’ll begin the day with a land welcome and cultural storytelling on the main Crankworx stage in Skier’s Plaza, led by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat Nation knowledge keepers, in partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Cultural Centre. Coffee and snacks will be available at the SRAM “Volcano” before we head into the bike park for guided riding and skill progression.

We’ll close the day with a shared lunch, storytelling, and reflections on the trails, deepening our connection to the land and to one another through cycling.

This event is open to all Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women-identifying and non-binary individuals. All riding levels are welcome—from first-timers to experienced riders.

Join us as we rock Crankworx!

Details:

  • Location: Whistler Bike Park
  • Date: Friday, August 8
  • Registration spots: 40
  • Registration opens: July 8th
  • What is included:
    • Bike rental
    • Protective gear
    • Lift tickets
    • Coaching for all skill levels
    • Community of riding with other Indigenous women*
    • Lunch
    • Custom event collapsible water bottle
    • Raffle prizes

Overview of the Day:

  • 8:00-9:00 AM: Pick up rental gear (if applicable)
    • If you have registered for a ticket that includes rental equipment (bike and protective wear) we recommend to arrive at Guest Services at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola to grab your gear prior to our welcome/meet-and-greet).
  • 8:30-10:00 AM: Meet and Greet – Land Welcome Ceremony 
    • Meet at the SRAM Volcano (Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift) at the base of Whistler Mountain to “check-in”, grab some refreshments and experience the official Crankworx Opening Ceremonies including a Land welcome and stories care of the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre’s knowledge keepers.
  • 10:00 AM- 1:30 PM: Ride, ride, ride!
    • We’ll break into groups and ride leaders will help you with skill progression and building confidence in the bike park, all in a fun and inclusive way. Over the past 4-years the IWO MTB mentorship program has been hard at work with Hilltop MTB, obtaining full MTB Instructor and First Aid certifications – The IWO ride leaders are once again ready to lead the way!
  • 1:30-3:00 PM: Lunch and après
    • Lunch and après in the SRAM VIP Volcano!
  • 1:30-5:00 PM: Rental equipment return
    • All rental gear must be returned to Whistler Blackcomb Guest Services.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • I am a beginner rider. Is this event suitable for me?
    • YES! This event is suitable for all riders beginner to advanced. We will split up into groups based on self-assessed experience to ensure all riders get the most fun out of their day!
  • Do I have to ride all the way until 1:30pm?
    • There are no requirements to ride for the full duration – you and your ride leaders may discuss shortening the ride/skills portion based on energy etc.
  • What if I can’t pick up my gear before the meet-and-greet?
    • We recognize that it may be difficult to arrive in Whistler for 8:30am to pick-up your gear. While advanced gear pick-up can help the day move more smoothly, if you are unable to arrive prior to our meet & greet to pick-up your gear, we will have some team members that will be able to assist.
  • Can I keep my rental gear all day?
    • All rental gear must be returned to Whistler Blackcomb guest services following the ride portion of the day. This may be anytime up until 5:00pm.
  • Other questions?

Registration is coming soon.

Please follow IWO on Instagram to be notified if and when this program will run next season.

Follow on Instagram

Program Leaders

Michele Lobo

Program Lead

Mountain Biking Socials & Race Team Mentorship

Michele Lobo is Yellowknives Dene First Nation along with French Canadian ancestry. She loves spending her time outdoors cycling, hiking, running, snow shoeing, ski touring, and canoe tripping – basically anything that involves moving down a trail. Mountain biking has always held a special place in her life.
Read More

Program Gallery