Where is a good/cheap place to stay? Is Sept a good month? Has anyone done one of the Richie Sley Camps? I am 33 years old, & I might feel like a tool if I am twice the age of anyone else in the class. Thanks for any help. Is their public transportation/shuttle service from Vancouver to Whistler? Thanks for any help.

Like Alpenglow, I'm heading out to Whistler with some friends in September and would appreciate any info or links about accommodation, recommended routes/bars etc.

Cheers.

" If you don't fall off you're not trying hard enough "

First off,

Is it worth doing the Richie Schley camp? That's hard to say. I've heard good and bad things about his camps. The good: people learn a lot and get chauffered around the mountain by one of the best in the biz. The bad: some have said that you're paying to watch the dude do insane stuff - espcially if your level is somewhat lower than the group than your in. Ages of camp members vary from grom's to dudes in their 50's, but it always depends on the group that you're placed. Here's what I know. The guy is one of the nicest dudes around and he totally rips, but I don't know how well his instruction is with regard to freeriding. I rode a half day with him last summer (met up with him on a slow weekday) and it was my best day of riding all year. That said, I was doing everything in my power to hang with him (again he was just out riding....so he had no obligation to hang with me). Something else to look into. Andrew Shandro has a camp up there through Whistler as well and it's supposed to be worthwhile as well.

Bottom line: Whistler is all about progression. If you come there as a decent rider, you'll leave as a good rider. If you visit as a good rider, you'll amaze your buddies when you get back with the shite you'll do. Expect to push your limits and what you thought was possible. Also, the xc or what the Canucks call "xc" in Whistler/Squamish/Pemberton is off the hook....you won't regret riding trails like Cheap Thrills, D'animal, Foreplay, etc. Check out this link to learn more: http://whistlermountainbike.com/ and this one to learn more about WORCA (one of the coolest cycling groups around). http://www.worca.com

Park advice:
Warm up before hitting the big and fast runs. It's worth considering taking a run down B-Line and then something else before hitting the burly runs each day. The number of people that crash on their first run is staggering. Mostly, a tourist comes in and hits a run like A-Line or Dirt Merchant totally cold and gets thrown the wrong way. It happens almost every day and has happened to one of my buddies too. Something to consider.

Where to stay? For cheap, there are a couple of hostels and there's cheap rooms above the Boot Pub. You can rent homes/condos directly through the owners using a site called alluradirect.com. The usual hotel chains are in the village so you can always book with them.

Is it necessary to stay in the village? I dont' think so and to be quite honest, I like to get away from all of the hoopla. Some love it though. You'll probably save a bit of dough by staying out of the village a bit - but still within walking/riding distance to the village and the park.

Tranportation: You don't need a car in Whistler so just take a bus from the airport in Vancouver to Whistler. I don't have info. on those, but that's what I'd do. To make that decision easier, I'd consider shipping your bike via Fed Ex or UPS directly to a shop (coordinate that with them) so you don't have to worry about transporting it from Van to Whistler. Shops worth talking to are Fantykco and Evolution - if you are considering that option.

September usually has good weather and after Labor Day, it slows down considerably. That said, this September was a wet one and you need to be prepared for that with the right clothes - just in case.

Have fun and be safe.

Cheers,
EB

ebxtreme has some prety good advice

I can probably add a bit.

Plan for beginning of September - before the 15th. Generally great weather in beginning of Sept but changes around the 15 or 20 (good advice for about 12 of the last 15 years)
Also, accommodation is cheaper after Labour Day and its less busy.

Perimeter bus goes direct from the airport to Whistler (about $60 one way) and Greyhound goes from downtown Vancouver - be wary & call ahead, I heard that one or both of these services will not take bikes!

Depending on what kind of bike you have, you may want to rent for your "Bike Park" days anyway (full DH bike about Cdn$100 per day) Also keep in mind that the airlines charge big to take bikes, I think Delta wanted US$75 for each leg of a trip from vancouver to Grand Junction last year ($300!! total each bike) - Car rentals can also actually be quite cheap at this time of year as an alternative to bus.

Schley Camp - took one a couple years ago - basically they broke the large group up into several groups of 6 or 7, I think there were about 5 or 6 instructors. I did learn a lot, but also learned that these full day style lesson were not for me (a personal thing) Whistler also has full day lessons, half day lessons, etc. that you can either book ahead or on the day you want to go. My class was comprised of about 2/3 of the people over 35, with a few young teens and guys in their twenties (the best riders were the older ones and one 13 year old).

Do Not miss the "cross country" riding in the area!! Lots of fantastic trails from highly technical to super easy (heavy on technical). And if you tire of Whistler there is always Squamish, Pemberton or the North Shore. go to the websites that ebxtreme mentioned or ask at the local bike shops. (There are also a couple of group rides once per week for all skill levels) Also, do the cross country first and move the bike park experience into the middle or end of you trip, I've heard of a lot of people who come for a week and then injure themselves on their first day in the park, which ruins the rest of their holiday.

Places to stay - ebxtreme mentioned the Boot PUb, actually called the Shoestring Lodge, due to redevelopment, it may or may not still be there in September, at this point only they know. There is an INternational Youth Hostel too (on the lake facing the mountain, a bit away from the village (10 minute ride or 45-60 minute walk) but great spot. Also there are cheap hotels at that time of year (Listel & Quality Inn come to mind) and there is a campground about 1.5 miles form the village.

I hope this helps - there is some awesome riding here!