Women Make History at Crankworx Whistler

Let me take you back a few weeks to Crankworx Whistler when the vibe in Whistler Village is all about how much fun you can have on two wheels (spoiler alert – a lot). Mud, dust and a full-face helmet are the desired attire for this summer bike fest, which brings some of the best biking athletes from around the globe to Whistler. And the signature event everyone looks out for? Red Bull Joyride.

Twenty of the world’s best slopestyle mountain bikers have two runs on a fast and demanding course to throw down as many high-scoring tricks as possible to make their way up the leaderboard. The course includes huge drops, whale tails, steep step-downs, big berms, hips, dirt spines, trick jumps and more. This event is a nail-biting and heart-thumping ride for the athletes and audience alike, but for the latter, it could make their career…

Natasha Miller is only 17 and the only Canadian athlete about to drop into Whistler’s infamous Boneyard to compete in the first-ever women’s Red Bull Joyride. A crowd of thousands gathers around the dirt stadium, considered by some to be the “Super Bowl of the mountain biking world.” She takes a deep breath, clears her mind and goes for it. Let’s meet Natasha Miller…

You’ve been racing since the age of seven, but how did you get into mountain biking in the first place?

I’ve always liked to bike. I rode my bike to kindergarten every day. My dad took me to watch a BMX race and my immediate reaction was – I want to do that. I did BMX for a long time and figured out that I like to jump more than race. I was always doing tricks on my bike so I bought a stunt jumper and started downhill.

What is it about biking that makes you want to do it every day? How does it make you feel?

It’s just sick. Being in the air is really fun. It feels unreal.

What kind of commitment have you put in to make it to where you are today?

I’m currently in grade 12, which means a decent course load and I’ve been struggling to keep up with that and my biking. I ride after school, at the weekend – I ride most days. I just keep riding.

You made history this year by being part of Crankworx’s first women’s Red Bull Joyride, how did that make you feel?

It feels sick to make history and ride my bike in front of so many people. I just had fun riding my bike.

I can only imagine what it’s like to ride on a course like that, do you do something to clear your mind before you race? What’s going through your head?

I try to think about as little as I can. Last year, we got the opportunity to hit the course and I overthought it and got so scared of it I didn’t do it. This year, I didn’t overthink it.

You saw fellow athlete Harriet Burbidge-Smith take a couple of knocks on her runs, and as you say, it doesn’t always go your way. How do you cope with these kinds of setbacks yourself?

I get back up and try it again. If you’re injured, you heal and ride again.

Did you get a chance to explore Whistler further than the bike park?

I like the lakes – I like to do a bit of fishing at them. I like Zog’s poutine and Fat Tony’s Pizza.

What would you say to other riders coming up behind you?

Keep having fun on your bike – that’s all it’s about.

What would you like the future to hold for you?

I want to train throughout the winter. I didn’t ride as much this year, so I felt a little unprepared. I want to work on some flips and spins, which get you the big points.

There’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing Natasha Miller on the bike circuit in the future. Take a look at her runs in the video below, which earned her a podium spot this summer at Crankwrox Whistler.

For the full Red Bull Joyride 2024 video take a look at the replay on YouTube.

Coming to Whistler in the summer for Crankworx is epic, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Fall riding means less dust and more hero dirt, fewer crowds and good value.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open until October 14, 2024, but do take a look at which zones are open later in the season as that changes as the days get shorter. Remember that Whistler is home to hundreds of cross-country bike trails too, so grab your rain gear and prepare to get messy. For more tips on fall biking, read Fall Biking in Whistler.