CONDOLENCES FOR LEGENDARY RIDER AND CRANKWORX AMBASSADOR KELLY McGARRY

Trail blazer and builder passes, leaving a legacy of big air and broad smiles

WHISTLER, B.C. February 1, 2016 – The Crankworx whanau is deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our own, Kelly McGarry, the big man, with the big heart and the big smile. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his girlfriend, Samantha, his family, business partner, Tom Hey, and all of his friends here and around the world.

Kelly was a pioneer slopestyle rider and a Crankworx legend, known as much for his big heart and ever-present smile as his epic air. The festival will not be the same without the sight of his golden locks flowing from a lid, mid-flip or his goofy grin at the finish line.

A staple in the gravity scene, 33-year-old McGazza wasn’t just a member of our Crankworx build or ambassador team, he was a part of the whanau. He really was the nice guy of mountain biking, always stopping to chat and high-five the kids, hang out with everyone and be cheeky with his big cheesy grin.

Also a carpenter, the course he built with his friend and Elevate business partner, Tom Hey, for the Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle is one of our best. He learnt a lot about slopestyle courses, having travelled the world competing for a decade, and knew what riders liked. It’s hard to believe the charismatic, affable McGazza is no longer with us.

His contribution to the sport and festival will not be forgotten, and his positive energy will be woefully missed.