Sometimes the best adventures happen when you just decide to go. A fellow photographer said, “Just head to Whistler—it’s super easy, doesn’t take much.” A few emails, and suddenly I found myself smack in the middle of one of the most insane mountain bike events in the area: Crankworx.
All day baking in the sun, feeling lethargic, sweaty, and completely out of it, I kept grinding, camera in hand, chasing the perfect shot. By nighttime, I’d crash in the back of my car, just hoping not to wake up to a parking ticket. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was all part of the experience.
The real challenge wasn’t just the heat or the long hours—it was learning what it takes to photograph at this level. Some photographers were territorial, keeping to themselves like gatekeepers of the perfect angles. Others were open, friendly, and eager to chat, making the whole experience feel a little less daunting. Being around both sides taught me so much about the world of event photography—capturing moments for riders, sponsors, and an event of this scale.
By the end, I was sunburned, exhausted, and completely wiped out, but my camera was full of shots I couldn’t believe I’d taken. And even in those moments of delirium, I found myself pushing just a little harder—staying on the hill an extra hour, climbing back up for one more angle. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about: going the extra mile and coming away with stories you’ll never forget. Crankworx wasn’t just an event; it was a wild, sweaty, sun-drenched lesson in what it means to grind for something you love.
