Whistler Trail Profile: Dwayne Johnson

Eric Behn | Post Tag for CycleCycle

If you’ve ever ridden Whistler Mountain Bike Park and didn’t know about this legendary trail, you were probably puzzled over why the name of a washed up WWE wrestler turned actor had been thrown around so much. No, The Game Plan wasn’t playing in the Village 8 Cinemas in Whistler, and no, The Rock isn’t making a comeback in the ring. In fact, most bike park riders probably don’t even have a clue what Dwayne is up to these days. When you hear the name Dwayne Johnson, we’re not talking about the Hollywood “athlete”, but instead, the trail named after his famous wrestling name.

This line is rated Pro and isn't for the in experienced.
This line is rated Pro and isn’t for the in experienced.

Dwayne Johnson is a Pro level trail in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park which is a short, wild rush much like the one our friend Dwayne would have experienced in one of his many WWE fights while jumping from the ropes of a wresting ring. The trail is fast all a flat out riding style: no brakes, no fear.

Before riding this line, you must be comfortable going top speed in order to safely ride the first feature. You can’t afford to undershoot it by much more than slight back tire case. You should also be comfortable on large jumps and drops. If you can ride A Line and Dirt Merchant without trouble and clear all the jumps, Dwayne Johnson is the next piece of the puzzle.

The fade-away is a good place to gather some speed. Then a left onto the trail at top speed.
The fade-away is a good place to gather some speed. Then a left onto the trail at top speed.

The first step up has a easy ride around on the left for first timers hoping to scope the line. The rock drop require more commitment: you can’t ride around but the right side has a roll to drop that is hittable at lower speeds with control. The final jump, though much small also has a left side ride around. It’s always best to follow an experienced rider into the line to get an idea for speed.

 

The step up has a big gap. High risk consequences.
The step up has a big gap. High risk consequences.

Dwayne Johnson peels off from the top of Lower Whistler Downhill and is accessible from the road which divides Upper and Lower Joyride. To get to this trail head you can take Upper Crank it up, Schleyer, Upper Joyride, Whistler Downhill, or Fantastic. To start it off right take the fade away at high speed, and peel left onto Dwayne Johnson. Speed is key as the first main feature after the left turn is a very large 25 to 30 foot step-up. Don’t touch the brakes after the fadeaway and you should ride it smooth.

"The Rock" is one of the biggest in Whistler and is lots of fun. Just point it and send it.
“The Rock” is one of the biggest in Whistler and is lots of fun. Just point it and send it.

“The Rock” drop, giving the trail its name, is a larger 15 foot drop which requires good speed when hitting it from the larger left side. If your still getting comfortable on the trail, you can hit the right side which has a shorter gap but requires good bike control.

The drop shoots you out into a tight left hand turn where you need to keep your composure to stay stable and ride the line out. This turn can be hard to handle as the drop can spit you out at mach 10. Directly after the left hander your shot into a smaller step up. Make sure you have lots of speed to clear it.

The second Step-Up is smaller, mind your speed and don't over shoot.
The second Step-Up is smaller, mind your speed and don’t over shoot.

This will deposit you out beside the skills park at the top of trail heads for Crack Addict, Tech Noire, B Line, etc.

Feel the rush, stay safe and enjoy the trail the way it should be: Fast.


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