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New And Improved Bike Park Trails

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New And Improved Bike Park Trails

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The Whistler Mountain Bike Park trail crew has been busy this season! There have been some new additions to the park as well as some upgrades to already existing trails. Hips, drops, and loads of loam are popping up in all sorts of places, making the bike park even more exciting than before. Now, we know that discovering where the trail crew has been moving dirt is all part of the fun, but to get you riding the goods right away, we’ve gathered up some of the new and improved bike park trails. Yes, you’re welcome!

DIRT MERCHANT

The Dirt Merchant rebuild started last season and as of late, has been completed. The wait seemed like it would never end but let us be the first to say, it was well worth it. What used to be a double black trail is now a pro line with the addition of some burly features. New drops, hips, and doubles have made their way into the build, and wow, is it good.

ORIGINAL SIN

This classic has seen some love and even the addition of a few new hits. The lower section now finishes with a hip right above the Oakley jump. This smooth exit might just keep you coming back for more Original Sin hits than ever before.

RIPPIN’ RUTABAGA

Rutabaga has made a come back and it’s so good! This trail had faded into the background and was able to be accessed through Dirt Merchant but often didn’t see much action. Since Dirt Merchant’s ascent into pro status, Rutabaga has turned into an option that riders can take instead of carrying on through the hardest part of the trail. Nice dirt and jumps will have you opting for this line more than you probably think.

CREEKSIDE ZONE

The Creekside Zone has seen the addition of a few new trails and even some new features. This part of Whistler Mountain is known for it’s nice dirt and beautiful builds. A word of advice is to pay attention for changes to some of your beloved favourites from last year. As the trails have become bedded in, new lines are appearing and can catch riders off guard.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has had some wicked updates and even some entirely new trails making their way onto the map. As if riding laps all day long could get better but now, there’s even more to choose from. Make sure your ready for the park with the latest and greatest mountain bike gear on the market. Come on into McCoo’s and let us outfit you for a season you won’t soon forget.

Whistler Nighttime Adventures

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Whistler Nighttime Adventures

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When we were young, the waining sun usually meant that it was time to head home for the day. By the time we’re older, it’s almost engrained in us that outdoor activities need to be put on hold when the light finally leaves the sky. But what if the arrival of the stars meant that whole other set of adventures were waiting to be enjoyed and all by moonlight? Nighttime doesn’t have to put a spanner in getting outside, exploring and experiencing what the mountains have to offer. Open your eyes and perhaps, take on one of these Whistler nighttime adventures.

Night Mountain Biking

You haven’t lived until you’ve rode Lost Lake by headlamp. In fact, it’s probably the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in a video game. Weave in and out the trees, only seeing what is right in front of you. Once you’re done, stop for a quick moonlit dip in Lost Lake or to the Upper Village for a beer at HandleBar.

Watching The Stars At Rainbow Park

Stargazing is the perfect nighttime activity. Snuggle up on the dock at Rainbow Park and count the shooting stars. We can bet there will be more than you’ve ever seen before.

Vallea Lumina

A new addition to the Whistler round-up of activities, Vallea Lumina is walk through the woods at Cougar Mountain that is also a multimedia light show. Now, this isn’t just any light show. It’s a journey to a magical land and trust us, this is exactly what it is.

Hiking To The Train Wreck

Grab your headlamps and venture out to the Train Wreck. This is a perfect nighttime activity for those that like to put themselves in spooky situations. The glow of your headlamp on the 1960’s train wreck will surely make goosebumps appear on your arms. This hike is particularly great as you can take the bus back from Cheakamus right into the village for a post adventure beer.

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun leaves the sky and the moon takes it’s place- you just have to get creative with adventuring at nighttime. So grab your best friends, bundle up, and don’t forget some music when you head out on a moonlit evening full of activities. For all your nighttime adventure gear, come stop by McCoo’s…we’re even open late.

Disclaimer: As with all nighttime activities, it is important to be well-prepared and to be familiar with the area you are venturing into.

Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Crankworx is coming to Whistler and to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to be prepared. No, we’re not talking scheduling in what events you need to catch and what after parties you can’t miss- we’re talking about all the nitty gritty stuff, like your bike park kit, water bottle, and of course, beach gear. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need right here for lit Crankworx.

Bike Park Kit

Crankworx is the time to be seen. There are riders from all over the world showing off their skills but they don’t know about the double on Samari Pizza Cat or the sneaky lines on Dirt Merchant. Stand out in a Loose Riders Whistler Chapter kit. Colorful, functional, and oh so snazzy, you’re sure to get WHOOPS and YEAH BOSS’ while riding Family Cross.

Socks

Okay, so socks might not seem like a priority but trust us, they are. Reping some Stance socks in the bike park is just as important as having the newest Santa Cruz Nomad.

Water Bottle

Hello, #HEATWAVE2018. It’s almost as ridiculous to walk around without a water bottle as it is to be wearing pants in this weather. Grab a S’well Water Bottle that matches your look and keeps your beverage cool for up to 24 hours. The perks don’t stop there. These water bottles are eco-friendly.

Action Cam

Imagine this: A first-time trick gets thrown down at Redbull Joy Ride and you can’t believe your eyes. Was it a triple or a quadruple? Don’t settle for waiting for the rerun, watch it instantaneously on your GoPro. Then, let the cheering commence!

Beach Gear

Everyone knows that the place to go to cool down after watching Speed and Style or Fox Air DH is the lake. Show up with all the right gear. Hat, check, RipCurl My Bikini, check, Smith sunnies, check! Who knows, maybe you’ll chat your way into a wrist band or two for just one of the killer Crankworx parties.

Portable Battery Pack

Effectively hopping from after party to after party requires a tremendous amount of battery power. Make sure you aren’t caught with a dead phone by having an Outdoor Technology portable battery pack. Capable of multiple charges, you can graciously lend it to a buddy…if you please.

Crankworx is the festival of the summer season. Make sure you’re prepared to maximize fun for the most lit event of the season yet. Pop into McCoo’s and let us outfit you in everything you’ll need for the gravity-fed action!

 

 

5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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Summer is about the sun, long days, even longer nights, and music! While the latter might not seem like an important part, we can assure you that without it, summer just wouldn’t be the same. Listening to beats while on an adventure or while lazily hanging around the lake can set the perfect tone. It’s also an integral part of some of your warm-weather events. Here are 5 ways music makes a summer!

Festivals

Attending a music festival is a definite highlight of summer. Listening to the sweet melodies of music you’ve never heard before and making golden memories you can keep with you for the rest of your life will connect you with everyone in the crowd.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Tags 2.0 Wireless Earbuds so you don’t miss any phone calls and can re-live some of your favorite songs right after they play live.

A Song For Summer

When the snow is falling and you’re struggling to adjust to the sub-zero temperatures, just put on a song that reminds you of summer. You’ll instantly be whisked right back into warmer days.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Crusher Wireless Headphones to block out the bleak winter and bask in your sunny summer nostalgia.

Background Music For Your Perfect Adventure

Sure, the sound of sweet nature is important to take note of but sometimes, you just need a little more to set the mood. Having music playing while you’re griding through a hike or enjoying a drink with friends by the water will make the experience all that much better.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 3.0 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker to carry with you as you hike to Black Tusk or chill hard at Lakeside Park.

Shred Music

No matter what the season, biking, skiing, snowboarding- they all demand a playlist to shred too!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Method Sport Headphones will keep the tunes flowing while you shred the gnar. 

Tunes For Chillin’ On The Patio And BBQing

Summer is undoubtedly patio season. Whole days can be spent outside on a balcony or at your local spot on the patio, relishing in the summer sun. We also can’t forget the countless BBQ’s that come with the season. They just wouldn’t be the same without tunes!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Barricade XL BT Speaker for your backyard BBQ.

We at McCoo’s are die-hard music fans and can help connect you to your own must- have music accessory to make your summer one to remember.

The Importance Of Sun Protection Year Round

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The Importance Of Sun Protection Year Round

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Chances are, you’ve heard about the damage that the sun can do. If you haven’t, you must have been living under a rock and in that case, you need not worry about sun damage! Despite all the warnings we are subjected to on a regular basis, many think that utilizing sun protection is only for those hot and sunny days. This is wrong and can lead to serious skin problems later on. In fact, the sun rays on a winter day and on a cloudy day still possess a threat. Now, we don’t want to sound like Mom and scold anyone for not lathering in sunscreen but we can provide some more information on the importance of sun protection year round.

Fall/Winter

We hate to break it to you, but you’re not just trying to protect yourself from one set of UV rays but two: UVA and UVB. First the good news: You only have to worry about UVA in the winter months and not UVB. You see, UVA is around as long as there is sunlight and is at the same level all year round. When the earth rotates and tilts away from the sun, we experience winter, and the UVB is less intense as some of it barely reaches the surface. UVB is responsible for that golden tan we all love in the summer months and since it’s lacking in the winter, you can’t really get a suntan. Now the bad news: UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus causing more damage.

Options:

  • SunBum Suncare. These guys know their stuff and create a bunch of products that fit with your lifestyle.
  • Airhole Facemask. What’s covered up doesn’t get touched by the sun!

Spring/Summer

It’s really no surprise that the summer sun can hurt your skin and since the sun is at its closest point to the earth,  both those pesky UVB and UVA rays are hitting home. You may be able to get a nice tan but you’re also subject to more damage. What’s more, the rays of the summer sun, high in the sky, arrive at a steep angle and heat the land (and your skin!) much more than those of the winter sun, which hit at a shallow angle. All the more reason to play it safe.

Options:

  • Use the whole range of SunBum Suncare products. Their lines are formulated to protect against both types of UV rays, not just one.
  • Throw on a hat. The RipCurl sunhats are a great option or a Herschel SnapBack.

Don’t be afraid of the sun, just be wise. When heading out on your next adventure, make sure to pack the appropriate sun protection. Still not sure what gear you can use to minimize the impact of the suns rays? Ask one of our staff at McCoo’s! 

How To Make Summer Last

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How To Make Summer Last

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August. It’s both a blessing and a curse. With this month comes fun, hot weather and often more sunny days than not. Yet, there is always a looming sense of it all coming to an end. With the arrival of fall becoming more apparent as the month goes on, the need to get all those summer adventures in starts to take priority.  But what if you could prolong the exploits and feels that come along with the hot season? We’ve got some ideas for how to make summer last in Whistler.

Wear your swimsuit more often than not

Remember back in May or June when you first got to done your new swimsuit. Could it have been the defining moment that summer had officially started? Board shorts and bikinis embody hot days at the lake or lounging in a floaty. So wear those seasonal icons until you have to trade them for a sweater.

Camp

Campfires and sleeping under the stars are what summer is made of. Before the weather turns, get in as many of these memorable nights as you can. Luckily, Whistler is filled with places to camp that only require a short drive or hike.

And bike, hike, swim

All those activities that come with the season. Biking, hiking and of course, swimming should be done in mass quantity. We know that you will miss these when the snow hits.

Hit up all the patios

There is nothing quite as quintessentially summer as lounging on a patio sipping on a cold drink. The GLC, Longhorn, Merlins and even the Roundhouse are open every day so there’s no excuse to not log some serious patio hours.

Lather up in sunscreen

The smell of sunscreen is enough to bring on a wave of summer nostalgia. To keep this time of year with you, consider trading in your signature scent for that of sunscreen. And hey, your skin will thank you!

Munch on fruit

Indulge as much a you can in the seasonal bounty. This may mean bi-weekly trips to the farmers market but that’s just part of summer isn’t it?

Chill at the skate park

Sit back and take in an evening session at skate park. The warm night air, sounds of skate boards passing by and street lights will have you feeling like it’s July and not edging into September. Enjoy it while it lasts, before you know it, the skate park will be under a few metres of snow.

All about the sandals

Snow doesn’t really go well with wearing sandals. Test it out if you don’t believe us. Even if you do, you’ll want to wear those bad boys while the ground is still bare.

We love winter and all but summer, you have our heart. Making the hot season last requires a small amount of commitment but it is possible to keep those vibes going strong well into the fall. If you’re already thinking of next year, stock up on all your summer gear at McCoo’s now while supplies last.

 

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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Over the years, Crankworx has established itself as the party…cough…festival of the summer season. For ten days, mountain bikes, music and art take over the village with people travelling from all over to enjoy the revelry. Wether you’re taking part in one of the many races, events or cheering on the athletes from the sidelines, there is a proper way to do Crankworx. Here are the do’s and don’ts of Crankworx Whistler for maximum fun!

DO wear sunscreen

If you are watching any of the events, make sure you have fully slathered yourself in sunscreen. There is little cover from the elements and you wouldn’t be the first to come away with a sun burn!

McCoo’s suggests Sunbum sunscreen. It protects against all the rays and doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients. 

DON’T forget an external battery

Your going to need all the battery power you can get to snap, insta story and upload to Facebook. There’s just too much action going on and it would be tragic if friends did see all the fun that you’re having!

McCoo’s suggests the Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0 power bank that boasts 6000 mAh of charge capacity!

DO bring sunglasses

Squint and you may miss a triple tail whip!

McCoo’s suggests Oakley polarized sunglasses with PRIZM technology which fine-tunes vision for specific sports and environments.

DO wear proper footwear

Getting to the best spot to view a Crankworx event often means walking and having the proper footwear will get you there safely.

McCoo’s suggests Reef Sandals or People Shoes for footwear that is both functional and stylish. 

DON’T carry your belongings in your pockets

You’ll be walking up hills, sitting on grassy knolls and probably ending up at a party or two when the events are all over. Putting your personal belongings in pockets is just asking for it. Smarten up and use a backpack!

McCoo’s suggests a stylish Herschel Backpack with enough room to carry water and snacks. 

DO bring an action cam

Make an edit of your Crankworx shenanigans or use an action cam to capture the most insane tricks that you’ve ever seen!

McCoo’s suggests a GoPro with the Karma Grip for smooth shots. 

DO wear a hat

As mentioned, it won’t be easy to find shade or cover from the blazing sun at many of the events. Bring a hat to protect yourself from the heat and ward off a case of sun stroke.

McCoo’s suggests a straw Coal sunhat.

The festival of the summer season is just around the corner. With these helpful tips, you are sure to have a memorable time. Need help getting outfitted for all the action? Stop by McCoo’s!

5 Ways To Cool Down In Whistler

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5 Ways To Cool Down In Whistler

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It’s the heat of the summer…literally! The temperatures are soaring and there in nothing but sun in the forecast. It may be hard to believe while your tan might be thriving and your bikini’s are becoming a wardrobe staple, but one hot day after another can become a bit repetitive. At that point, cooling off becomes a priority. Luckily, Whistler is full of ways to beat the heat. Here are a few ideas for where and how to cool down in the mountains!

The River Of Golden Dreams

River Of Golden Dreams

The River Of Golden Dreams is a favourite summer activity among the locals. Starting at the south end of Alta Lake, the river takes your through a lush, old growth forest, wildflower-lined banks and kicks you out in Green Lake. It’s basically a National Geographic expedition that can be taken in from the comfort of your Explorer 300.

Have a drink on a patio!

Beer

If the weather is a touch to hot for your taste, take cover at one of Whistler’s many patios. Some of our favourites are the Garibaldi Lift Company or Longhorn patio which are both situated at the bottom of the bike park and have great views of all the action.

Swim in a Glacier fed lake!

Alta Lake

Alta Lake is the perfect place to rock one of your McCoo’s swimsuits and to cool off on a hot day. The second largest lake in Whistler, it features three separate parks: Lakeside Park, Wayside Park and Rainbow Park all of which have beach areas and host numerous water-based activities! Paddle boarding anyone?

Visit Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls

Just south of Whistler, lies Brandywine Falls, a 70m water fall that cascades from an unnaturally abrupt cliff to the valley below. A short hike is required to get to the falls but the mist that can be felt from the viewing area will surely cool you down.

Take To The Sky

Harbour Air

Take to the skies and avoid the heat altogether. Harbour Air offers 30 minute glacier tours and remote lake landing tours that depart from Green Lake. Experience the rush and chill of flying over the local mountains and seeing Whistler from the air.

Whistler might be a hot location to spend time in but the soaring temperatures can take a toll if you don’t know where to cool off. With these great ideas, you can experience fun in the mountains and stay out of the heat. As always, make sure you’re adventuring in style with gear outfitted from McCoo’s– guaranteed to look hot but stay functional through all your Whistler activities.

8 Overlooked Canada Day Adventures

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8 Overlooked Canada Day Adventures

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July long weekend is upon us and let’s face it, there are a ton of events going on  to celebrate Canada Day that just about everyone will be attending. But what if you want to spend your Canada Day really soaking up the essence of what it means to be Canadian or maybe, just less crowds? Camping, lakes and all sorts of flannel-donning, beer-drinking activities can fill that void! We’ve got 8 overlooked Canada Day adventures that will keep you off the grid and in the heart of nature.

Camping

Grab your sleeping bag, a flannel shirt and a six pack then venture into the woods, it doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.

Must-have accessory: RipCurl Finley Shirt, this is button up plaid shirt is sure to become a summer staple. 

Sunbathing

Visit anyone of the local lakes and work on your tan. If there seems to be a bunch of people on the same program, pack up and head to One Mile, Mosquito or Lilooet Lake in Pemberton.

Must-have accessory: RipCurl MyBikini or board shorts are meant to look good while you do cool stuff. 

Canoeing

Go on a wild safari down The River Of Golden Dreams. Make sure to pack a ton of sunscreen, the forest canopy is deceiving and many have been known to get some serious sun burns!

Must-have accessory: A Slowtide Towel in case of an unexpected capsize!

Hiking

Escape the hustle and bustle of the village by heading for a hike in the mountains. With all the nice weather, many of the local hikes such as Black Tusk, the Backcomb Ascent Trail and Ancient Cedars are all clear of snow.

Must-have accessory: Keep the sun out of your eyes with a pair of Oakley polarized sunglasses. 

Biking

Hit up the Whistler Bike Park or one of the many trails surrounding the village. With everyone eating Canada Day cake or watching the parade, the bike trails are sure to be clear!

Must-have accessory: The POC Trabec helmet will protect your head whilst keeping it cool.

Golfing

Four! Or maybe your yelling one fifty in commemoration of Canada’s Birthday. What ever your choice of warning for oncoming golf balls, golfing is a great activity to do on Canada Day.

Must-have accessory: An Oakley t-shirt is fancy enough to golf in and hang out in the clubhouse afterwards. 

Fishing

The ultimate Canadian experience- just you, the river and your fishing rod. Oh, and the fish but actually catching one is an added bonus, right?

Must-have accessory: A Coal Hat will protect you against the elements. 

Horseback Riding

Take in the stunning landscape of Canada from horseback and feel your heart swell with Canadian pride.

Must-have accessory: A GoPro and a selfie stick are necessary. If there are no pictures, it didn’t actually happen right?

Get outfitted by McCoo’s for these overlooked Canada Day adventures that will keep you away from the crowds and having a good ol’ Canadian time!

Why You Need A Power Bank

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Why You Need A Power Bank

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We’ve all been there before, your waiting on a text from someone important, your favourite song is about to drop or your relying heavily on google maps and then the unbelievable happens: Your phone dies. Only a few short years ago this would mean running into every establishment asking if they had a certain phone cord and if you could hang out at the bar while it charges. Not anymore, portable power banks are here. Before we get into why you need a power bank, let’s chat about what they even are.

The Technology

We’re not going to get all Bill Nye on you and lecture about how batteries work in case you’re interested, here is a summarized version: Power banks are comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy (deposit it in the bank) and then later use it to charge up a mobile device (withdraw it from the bank).

Types On The Market

  1. Universal Power Bank: These come in many sizes and varieties which can be tailored to your device requirements and to your budget.
  2. Blue Tooth Enabled Power Bank: Looking to run speakers and connect your music? This style of power bank is for you.
  3. Solar Charged Power Bank: These power banks have panels that can trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight. It’s known to not be as fast but hey, it’s eco-friendly and we like that.

How Many Charges Does A Power Bank Hold

This is a loaded question. You see, power banks come in all sizes and power bank capacities (this is the nerd term for “how much charge”). The power bank capacity should be stated on the packaging of your power bank but the power requirements of the device requiring the charge are not. So how many times a device (phone, tablet, computer, etc) can be charged cannot be accurately determined. This all being said, you should be able to get a few full phone charges of out of one power bank before it needs to be re-charged itself.

And finally…

Why You Need A Power Bank

There are a number of life moments that really can’t be missed as a result of your phone being flat. We’ve gathered a few to showcase when a power bank would really come in handy…

  1. Matched with Tinder dream girl/guy
  2. Sent a message to the wrong person.
  3. Need to check your bank balance to see if one more beer is possible.
  4. Phone flashlight required for navigating stairs.
  5. Going to be late for work.
  6. Lost all your homies while shredding the mountain.
  7. Being chased by a bear and require assistance.
  8. Your friend has lost their phone at Garfinkels and would like you to call it.
  9. The music at the party sucks and you know your playlist is way better.
  10. Directions to that little corner of Emerald that you never even knew existed.

If you’ve decided that a portable power bank is something you need in your life, just come on by McCoo’s, we’ll sort you out.