On Sunday the 26th July, a group of D'arcy's friends, old and new, rode an epic ride high above the Whistler-Pemberton corridor and spent a day in the mountains exploring and suffering that D'arcy himself would have been proud of. It was exactly the kind of ride that would have started with a brief phone call from D'arcy on the preceding evening, the only information being a meeting place, number of sandwiches and litres of water needed. Whenever I got those calls I knew it was going to be a day that I'd remember for the rest of my life, the next day. The only thing that makes those days less memorable is the sheer number of them that I experienced with D'arcy Burke.
D'arcy was the embodiment of everything good about Whistler, biking, friendship, love and so many other things. He was one of the first people I met in Whistler, as my boss at Evolution in 2009. D'arcy took my straight under his wing, and introduced me to virtually all the good things that have made this place what it is to me now. He was shocked that I'd only brought a bike for the bike park over, meaning I couldn't ride the famous (unbeknownst to me) Whistler valley trails. After convincing me to buy a bike that could go up as well as down, he took me on my first valley ride, Billy's Epic. From then on, we rode all summer, and it was clear to me straight away that D'arcy was different, in that he was so inclusive and selfless in riding with someone new to a place, when I know he had many other options. It turns out this wasn't just exclusive to me - it's frankly amazing how many people D'arcy showed around trails for the first time, and took on their first experience to a riding spot. He always did this with his trademark modesty and humbleness and often sat mid-pack despite being able to out-climb and descend virtually anyone. D'arcy took me on my first Chilcotins experience, like he did for a number of other people. He had a connection with this mountain range like no other, and knew it like the back of his hand. The first day that I spent up there with D'arcy and Julian I will remember forever, swimming in Mowson Pond and just feeling in awe of this incredible man who seemed to know everything there was to know about bikes and life and just seemed to get enjoyment from imparting it upon other people, rather than keeping it all to himself.
This place will never be the same without you and you'll be with me on every ride. I'm crushed that I'll never turn up to your place again and wait for you to get ready, Sepultura blasting on your stereo, that glint in your eye the only clue that we were about to do something memorable. But the legacy you've left, D'arcy man, will live on forever, as a reminder of how to live and act, how to love a partner, how to be kind to everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Ride on D'arce x
