By: Adrienne Schofhauser
This year marked Diamondback DF5 rider Kelly McGarry’s 6th appearance in the Kokanee Crankworx Slopestyle contest---now the Red Bull Joyride---the pinnacle event of the weeklong mountain bike festival in Whistler. More than 25,000 spectators came out to witness mtb’s biggest names throw down on the monster course.
An FMB circuit rider, McGarry had held it down a few days before the Joyride, in the Crankworx Best Trick contest, flipping the giant Kokanee cabin drop. And the start of his Joyride run looked to be just as impressive. He dropped in with a smooth 3, then a booted big table over the Jeep gap, but when he set out to flip-table the massive double, he nose-tagged. The crash brought a broken clavicle and McGarry was sidelined. But as always, he kept his spirits up.
“I was lucky enough to be pre-qualified for the final after a 5th place finish last year, but unfortunately this year didn't run as smoothly,” McGarry said. “Disappointing, but you have to accept these things as part of the job! A big thanks to Diamondback bikes for all the help and I hope to be back on my bike soon!”
DF5 teammates Eric Porter and Billy Lewis were on hand to show McGarry support. Crankworx landed smack in the middle of the season this year and our team came to celebrate the sport with the rest of our friends in the mtb community. We definitely got our share of sick top-to-bottoms runs, hot sake bombs and long days filled with great times and good people.
