The ninth annual McGazza Fest organised by Queenstown Mountain Bike Club attracted some of mountainbiking’s top names to celebrate the life of renowned New Zealand rider Kelly "McGazza" McGarry.
Mountainbiking professional McGarry lost his life in 2016, after suffering cardiac arrest while riding the Fernhill Loop Track, aged 33.
Longtime friend Emmerson Wilken organised McGazza Fest, a multi-day mountainbiking event in his memoriam.
"When Kelly was with us he would pack so much in to one day, doing what he loves, so it’s a way to live like him and make the most out of life for a weekend."
Top local and international riders took part in the event, including Robin Goomes, Vinnie Armstrong, and Connor McFarlane.
International Redbull Rampage riders were also present, such as Canadian Jackson Goldstone.
The weekend’s festivities began on Friday night with the "Mega Train" in which about 250 riders started at Skyline and biked down Ben Lomond and ended up at Atlas Bar.
Saturday morning featured the Chainless Race, followed by the Kids Airbag Jam, coaching kids on airbag and mulch jumps.
"Kelly used to do a lot of coaching with the kids so it’s trying to do a similar thing to that," Mr Wilken said.
On Saturday evening hundreds gathered at Fernhill’s Wynard Bike Park as the "Dream Jam" took place.
The Dream Jam involved 100 riders — including the top athletes — taking on big jumps and tricks.
"It created an amazing atmosphere. The crowd was way bigger then we anticipated."
For the first time, a junior category was added to the Dream Jam.
"Seeing the junior riders get to ride alongside some of the best was so cool. They all rode amazingly well."
Unfortunately, rain yesterday meant the Memorial Ride and Gorge Road Jam had to be cancelled.
"Even though we couldn’t do everything we had planned, the Dream Jam definitely ended things on a high," Mr Wilken said.
He paid tribute to all the volunteers who made the event possible.
"Having all the volunteers reflects the community spirit — it’s amazing."
