"If you said you weren't nervous at the top you'd be lying. It's very nerve-wracking up there," smiles Kelly McGarry as we sit on tussock-cloaked knoll at the top of the Rude Rock trail near Arrowtown. Below us a ribbon of dirt snakes through the topography like a river once flowed there. But it's not this trail Kelly is talking about.
He's talking about the moments before he became one of the world's best mountain bike freeriders at the recent Red Bull Rampage held in Zion National Park, Utah.
"You might have seen a few friends have some big crashes and the choppers are flying around – it's nerve-wracking for sure, but I knew it was within my capabilities. I was surprised that no one else went for it."
Kelly is talking about his backflip over a 22-metre canyon gap – the moment he became world famous.
"I just had to remember that I had a lot of time up there and just had to take my time and not rotate too fast. I just had to chill and wait for it to come around," he offers in his casual, understated manner.
To give you an idea of the exposure the event has given the lanky, long-haired rider have a look at the viewer count on his GoPro film of his run at Rampage. Yep, that is 16 million people-plus. Not bad for a guy from Nelson.
Kelly now spends the Kiwi summer living and riding in Queenstown and then heads to USA, Canada and Europe to ride, film and compete during their summer.
He said the New Zealand mountain bike scene was "going off" right now.
"I'm really proud of what is happening here. It's an awesome place to call home and there are a lot of people coming here to ride from overseas now."
A bonus for Kelly is the coastline and he takes any opportunity to get into the waves.
"It's good cross-training and a nice change when you've been biking the whole year."
Not much chance of surf for Kelly on the North Coast this week – flat, flat, flat, but great for kayaking on Waitangi Day or a dive. The South Coast has 2-4 foot of swell with light sea breezes forecast all week. Maybe a pulse on Saturday.
See you out there ...
Derek
PS Another sea lion pup has been born at Tomahawk Beach. This year the pup is well hidden in the dunes at the east end of the beach and Doc is asking if everyone can abide by the temporary closure of this eastern area to dogs. Call DCC dog control on 03 477 4000 to report any dogs in that end of the beach. Call the Dunedin DOC office on 03 477 0677 to discuss concerns in respect to sea lions or other wildlife.
Proudly supported by:
