Dirt Diaries & Deep Summer 2025: Where Storytelling, Community, and Creativity Collide

The 12th edition of Dirt Diaries unfolded earlier this month at the 20th anniversary of Crankworx Whistler, pulling a packed crowd into Whistler Olympic Plaza for an evening of storytelling, creativity, and mountain bike culture at its finest. 

Five filmmakers took on the challenge: craft a short film that featured at least 25% footage on the Whistler Valley Trail Network or in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, while letting their imaginations run wild from there. The result? A lineup of films that captured not only the dirt, but the spirit, heart, and humor of mountain biking. 

The Winner: Hailey Elise – “Paydirt” 

This year, the crown went to Hailey Elise, a Whistler-based freerider, filmmaker, and photographer. With “Paydirt,” Hailey drew a striking parallel between the historic gold rush in coastal BC and today’s creative “rush” in the mountain bike scene – the endless search for that golden nugget of a shot, a trail, or a feeling. 

Her film blended striking visuals, narrative depth, and raw trail energy, leaving judges and the audience alike in awe. The victory was not only a celebration of her filmmaking talent but also a milestone moment, as Hailey continues to push freeride storytelling to new creative heights.

Second Place: Adam Price – “Linear” 

Taking second was Adam Price, a BC-based, UK-born athlete and filmmaker with a passion for connecting people to nature through the lens of mountain biking. His film “Linear” puts a spotlight on the adaptive mountain bike community, documenting the ways riders and trail builders are pushing boundaries, expanding access, and redefining what progression looks like. 

Raw and inspiring, Adam’s work celebrated the growth of adaptive riding while also underlining the universal joy of mountain biking: the flow of a trail, the sense of freedom, and the communities built around wheels on dirt. 

Third Place: Josh Woodward – “The Endless Descent” 

In third came Josh Woodward of Bellingham, Washington. A rider and creative, Josh delivered “The Endless Descent,” a playful yet poetic exploration of the mountain biker’s dream: the mythical trail that never ends. 

Following a crew chasing descents across Bellingham, Cypress Mountain, Squamish, and Whistler, the film revealed what lies behind the true “endless descent”.

Other Contestants Who Left Their Mark 

While the podium celebrated the top three, Sergi Massot and Izzie Larter brought more powerful and unique perspectives to the Dirt Diaries screen, once again demonstrating how talented and bright the creative mountain bike community is. 

Sergi Massot – “Unleashed” 

Sergi’s lighthearted entry took audiences on an unexpected ride, centering not on a rider, but on a trail dog named Lexi. Once a pampered pup living a posh life, Lexi’s journey into the mountain bike world brought laughter, charm, and plenty of tail wags. “Unleashed” was a reminder that adventure partners come in all forms, and that sometimes the best trail companions have four legs instead of two wheels.

Izzie Larter – “HerLines” 

With a strong focus on representation and belonging, Izzie’s film highlighted the power of women in mountain biking. Featuring athletes like Sandy Ward and Bailey Goldstone, her entry celebrated the community events and spaces that elevate women, particularly those from adaptive, Indigenous, and underrepresented communities. Emotionally rich and community-driven, her film underscored how storytelling can shape a more inclusive future for the sport.

Deep Summer Photo Challenge

Storytelling at Crankworx Whistler didn’t stop with Dirt Diaries. The Deep Summer Photo Challenge returned to Whistler Olympic Plaza, showcasing the work of six photographers who each had just three days to shoot, edit, and present a slideshow capturing the essence of mountain biking.

The 2025 winner was Héctor Saura, a 32-year-old rider, photographer, and creative from Barcelona, Spain. Once a teenage hopeful dreaming of becoming a professional dirt jumper, Héctor’s career shifted after injuries pushed him toward the lens. Since 2013, he has been using diverse mediums to document and highlight underserved disciplines of mountain biking, sharing the culture and lifestyle of the sport from his own perspective. His winning slideshow was a stunning testament to both his craft and his passion for telling authentic stories from the mountain bike world.

Joining him in this year’s challenge were Natalie Carriere, Taylen Louise, Drew Boxold, Tanner Stephens, and Pinkbike wildcard winner Zach Saito, each bringing a unique creative voice to the screen

All Deep Summer slideshows can be found now on the Crankworx YouTube channel, showcasing the incredible diversity and artistry within mountain bike culture.

A Celebration of Creativity 

Judged by a powerhouse panel of filmmakers and riders- Anne Cleary, Marshal Chupa, Miranda Miller, and Darren Rayner – Dirt Diaries 2025 underscored what makes the event a Crankworx staple: bold filmmaking, creative risk-taking, and a love for the trails of Whistler.

Alongside it, the Deep Summer Photo Challenge highlighted the artistry and vision of photographers pushing the boundaries of how mountain biking is seen and remembered.

While Hailey Elise took home the Dirt Diaries win and Héctor Saura claimed the Deep Summer crown, every filmmaker and photographer brought their unique lens to the mountain bike world, making for an unforgettable night under the stars at Olympic Plaza.

Watch the Submissions 

All submissions from Dirt Diaries & Deep Summer 2025 are available to watch now on the Crankworx YouTube channel