This year the Kokanee Crankworx took notes from its Colorado counterpart and put a best trick comp into the mix of the week-long mountain bike festival. And it was more than just big tricks and bikes.
A handful of brave kids on bikes throwing down some of their best tricks out of their respective goody bags. At stake was $6,000. $3,000 for each different section of the boneyard they were riding. The first session took place in the middle of the boneyard on a big double next to the big Monster judges tower. The second session was on the last step down stunt. Every rider on the course was on point and every rider was busting out with not a single drop of fear in their eyes. To say the least, it was dope.It wasn't only the riders on the hill that were providing the scorching hot crowd with some cheer-worthy entertainment either. New York MC Supernatural was on the Telus main stage throwing out some wild freestyles that kept the crowds' heads spinning. Not more than a stones throw away were two masked graffiti writers whipping their Montana cans around and producing a classic wildstyle repping the Kokanee logo and a clean "Crankworx." It was obviously a really fun day.
At the first session we were seeing the classic tricks thrown with surgical precision as well as some new school stuff only a few guys were trying. Gulevich was pulling huge corked out backflips. Andrew Taylor and Dustin Wyper were throwing some kryptonite into there backflips. Tailwhips done with ease and tight pants torn like pantyhose. Casey Groves, without a doubt, pulled out the newest and most jaw dropping trick. At first, he started the hype in the crowd with a triple no footed can. That's right, a can to the right, then the left, then to the right again. It was definitely a next level piece of foot work. Big Brad "The Man" had $2000 worth of $50 bills in his hand courtesy of Volkswagen that he was tossing out to any rider who he felt deserved it. He, without question, tossed a bill Casey's way along with some taunting words pushing him to put another can into it. Casey's a really skilled rider and agreed with a huge grin to Brad's pushes. On his next run he pulled the quad no footed can. Or the double pendulum if you want to call it that. Either way it was nuts, and got him $3000 in his pocket, and his first cash prize in his life.
The second session was the last drop. This one was interesting to watch because the risk was bigger and the crowd was ancy for some action. I'm not saying that the upper session was anything but spectacular, but, you could tell the guys were taking it easy out of fear of getting hurt before the big Monster Slopestyle at the end of the week. Groves and McCaul were throwing tailwhips down real clean, and Gully with his big corkflips flew proud. Andreu Lacondeguy had his supermans stretched out further than a yoga teacher could have done. The whole crew of riders were putting on one hell of a show. No one could touch what Greg Watts pulled out of his pocket though. Out of nowhere a flawless flip-whip came flying off the drop. The crowd went nuts and the graffiti writers lit their spraying cans and blew flames. John Cowan produced a killer course for the riders and they took full advantage. It was a great comp, and we can only hope they follow up with another one next year.
Video by ShovelPick Productions in association with bonesovermetal.com and with support from Pinkbike.com and republikmtb.com
After the show Miles and I headed over to Ka Ze sushi. I've got to give up huge props to this place. I'm coming from Hawaii and we have some great sushi joints there. This little hole in the wall sushi bar puts all my local ones to shame. Everything was fresh and super tasty. The chef whips out some incredible rolls. Combine that with the hot sake and you're set for raging the village.
Words by Matt Harris aka
freeridebigisland.pinkbike.com Big ups to all the riders, organizers, and volunteers this year.
*pics were found at random on the site, so thanks for uploading them-you all rule*