Crankworx at 20: From Volunteer Days to Global Stage
This week in Whistler, the world's biggest mountain bike festival turns 20. Crankworx has evolved from a local celebration of the sport into a global brand with stops in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and Canada. I had the chance to sit down with the man steering the ride, Darren Kinnaird, Managing Director of Crankworx Events Inc.
Darren's journey with Crankworx started in 2005 as a volunteer. Today, he leads the team that produces the Crankworx World Tour, the Summer Series, and a packed slate of events that draw elite athletes, passionate amateurs, and tens of thousands of fans yearly.
The 20th edition in Whistler isn't just a birthday party. It's a showcase of tradition and innovation. Classic events like the Canadian Open Downhill and Red Bull Joyride remain cornerstones. At the same time, new additions like the Bosch e-MTB Challenge and expanded adaptive mountain biking programs signal the festival's commitment to inclusion and growth.
Adaptive competition, in particular, has been a game-changer. Darren shared the story of a 19-year-old local quadriplegic athlete who returned to race this summer after receiving a specially designed bike last year. Behind the scenes, trail crews worked late into the night to adapt courses, proof that accessibility isn't an afterthought, but a core value.
Of course, Red Bull Joyride remains the marquee event, "the Super Bowl of slopestyle," as Darren calls it. With massive features, world-class tricks, and a crowd topping 35,000, it's a spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels. The addition of women's competition in recent years has accelerated progression at an incredible pace, inspiring the next generation of riders.
Crankworx isn't just about the riding. It's an economic and cultural engine for the Sea-to-Sky corridor and every community it visits. The last economic impact study for Whistler pegged the festival's value at over $56 million, and the ripple effects extend far beyond tourism dollars. The event leaves lasting benefits, from grassroots programs like Share the Ride to legacy infrastructure like new adaptive-access ramps.
When I asked Darren for his three keys to running an event like Crankworx, his answer was simple: passion, curiosity, and empathy. Passion keeps you going, curiosity pushes you to innovate, and empathy helps you understand and meet the needs of athletes, fans, and partners.
As Crankworx looks to its next 20 years, one thing is clear. The blend of world-class competition, community connection, and an open invitation to "come ride with us" will keep it at the forefront of mountain biking culture.
If you want to hear the whole 30-minute conversation, including the origin of the name "Crankworx," stories from the early days, and the inside scoop on this year's new events, you can watch it below.