Who Dat? Cailin Carrier - WFM Bike's Sponsored Athlete
Cailin Carrier
Beer and brown pow make this girl happy!! Photo: credit: Alex Chong
Hometown: Brisbane
Current home: Whistler
Years Riding Bikes: I started when I was about 11 or 12, and then didn't ride much between the ages of 17 and 23 whilst finishing school and studying at university. I've been riding Whistler for the last 5 years.
What did you study in school? Studied to be a paramedic at uni, then worked as one for 6 months in Cairns, and then about 3 years in Hobart.
Pemberton Train Gap - Checking off all the good stuff, way to send it Cailin!! Photo credit: Rob Perry
Growing up with a brother who biked, did you get up to the classic shenanigans of plywood jumps and street races? Ha ha, yes, my brother and I definitely created some questionable features in the back yard. My dad built us a little plywood jump (which felt big back then) that we would huck to flat. I'd never really done jumps before so my first time I went OTB and landed on my head three times in a row (points for trying, right?). My dad still finds it hilarious and likes to remind me of it regularly.
You compete and ride in a lot of different bike disciplines, which is your favourite? I love riding the downhill bike! Lately though, since I feel like I'm making some progress on the dirt jumps, I've been finding it harder to decide between the DH and DJ.
Cailin dropping in on the big line at WFM Bike’s ladies only indoor park session at Air Rec Centre. Photo credit: Lisa Mason
Going on a lot of road trips, and travelling to events/races, allows you to see how rad biking is and the places it can take you. Where has been your favourite trip, race, event, so far? Why? I'm lucky to have a great group of riding friends we've been on loads of camping and bike trips to some awesome spots, it's usually the company that makes them! But I think my favourite so far would be Maydena! I went at the beginning of 2019 with a good friend for a couple of days and had such an awesome time. I used to live not far from there and so got the chance to meet up with a lot of old friends whilst also riding some new, super fun trails. The atmosphere at Maydena was great, really chill and friendly. I'm looking forward to heading back there at the end of this year.
You ride a lot of freestyle/dirt jump style stuff, is that where your roots are or just the focus lately? I used to ride and race cross country when I was a young teenager, I always thought downhill, dirt jumps and bmx were really cool, but never thought I'd be able to do any of them.
Crabapple Hits, that’s another checkmark!! Photo credit: Kyle Chapman
Do you have any trick, events, or specific feature goals for this summer? I see you’ve already done the train gap in Pemberton, that’s one less off the list!! Yes, I'd love to be able to comfortably hit the big line of dirt jumps down at the river (and actually make them look smooth) by the end of the summer.
(Editors note - after seeing Cailin ride the really big line at Air rec, I don’t think it will be long before she reaches that goal!!)
Did you move to Whistler for biking? I actually came on a year leave from work, mainly for snowboarding. Once I experienced how great summer was, I quit my job and applied for Canadian residency.
Phat Wednesday fun in the Whistler Bike Park!! Also know as World Cup Wednesday because any given Wednesday it could be chocked full of pros. Congrats on second place at last weeks race!! Photo credit: Clint Trahan.
You’re quite the artist, your pencil portraits are insane!! What's your favourite medium, paint, pencil, charcoal, etc? Thanks! I love working with pencil and charcoal. Oil paints are great, but they're really expensive and you need to use them somewhere with good ventilation.
Have you ever done live model drawings? What's the longest you’ve ever drawn/painted for in one sitting? Yes, I quite enjoy doing live model drawings, I've been meaning to go to some of the weekly sessions they have at Maury Young, but still haven't made it there. I do a few commission drawings occasionally, and I'm also one that leaves things to the last minute. I had one drawing I needed to finish and get posted before I flew out of the country the next day. I think I sat and drew from about midday to 2am in order to get it done in time. I felt pretty cross-eyed after that effort.
#lifelike!! Wow!! Cailin you are amazing!!
You’re going away for a year and only allowed to take 5 things, not including clothes, food, or shelter, what will you take? My three bikes of course, some drawing things and my microwavable heated slippers (my feet get really cold).
No-hander on A-line in the Whistler Bike Park. Photo credit: Coast Mountain Photography
Any shout-outs? Friends, family, people that helped you get here. I have a great group of friends and riding buddies that help keep up the stoke, so huge thanks to my Whistler 'family'! My parents have always been really encouraging with my biking growing up and now that I'm old enough that I should have a proper job/career, house and all that adult stuff, they've been really understanding and accepting that it's not what I'm doing... Last but not least, big thanks to my boyfriend Alex! He's my biggest fan and is very supportive of everything I do.
Toboggan at Riverside jumps in Whistler, BC. Photo credit: Alex Chong
About her sponsorship with WFM Bike
Cailin was asked to join the WFM Bike team as she represent all the things we stand for and get stoked on. Riding all disciplines, sharing her knowledge of bikes freely, and is someone who doesn’t need to advertise that she is a good rider, because you know it when you see her shred. Welcome to the team, Cailin! Stoked to watch your progression, and happy to help you on your way. ~Lisa Mason - WFM Bike Founder
Cailin gets to attend all the WFM Bike events this season, receiving free coaching, WFM Bike Swag, promotion, support, and entry into all events.