Three-day mountain biking epic

The late Kelly McGarry. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
The late Kelly McGarry. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
It's not part of the 10-day Queenstown Bike Festival, as in previous years, but McGazza Fest 2025, over the next three days, remains as action-packed a mountain biking event as ever.

Emmerson Wilken, who along with his wife Meagan is organising it on behalf of the Queenstown Mountain Biking Club (QMTBC), explains they’ve put the brakes on the bike fest due to funding uncertainties, but intend bringing it back next year.

He says McGazza Fest alone attracts international riders as it’s become popular on the biking calendar.

It’s also special as a tribute to world-renowned local-based mountain biking pro Kelly ‘McGazza’ McGarry, who died after a cardiac arrest, aged 33, while riding Queenstown’s Fernhill Loop in 2016 — meaning next year’s 10th anniversary event will be even more special.

Wilken says the aim of McGazza Fest is to ride on some of his favourite spots in a packed schedule mimicking how he lived.

"He would have a photo shoot for sunrise, then he’d be doing some other ride with us during the day, then by the evening he’d be going to Gorge Rd doing the jump park, and then we’re going for beers at Atlas, like every day was just such an action-packed day for him."

He expects 300 to 400 riders for the opening Mega Train at 6pm tomorrow from the top of Skyline, down Hammies and Original to Atlas.

"When Kelly was around, it used to be a bit more carnage because we’d start mid-pack and try and overtake all our mates."

Saturday morning’s Chainless Race is fun for all ages, Wilken says.

The afternoon’s Kids Airbag Jam includes 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".

Saturday’s late afternoon Dream Jam, at Wynyard Bike Park, is a spectacle limited to 100 riders who must be QMTBC members.

Sunday morning’s Memorial Ride sees riders ride up to Kelly McGarry table at the top of the Fernhill loop track where he died.

"The idea behind it is to finish the ride he started," Wilken says.

McGazza Fest concludes with the popular Gorge Rd Jam on Sunday afternoon.

Wilken says he was a good mate of McGarry’s.

"In mountain biking, he’s probably one of the biggest athletes we’ve had, really, he had such a following.

"He was tough as nails, but he was the friendliest guy, like, he had so much time for everybody."

  • For programme info, visit queenstownbikefestival.co.nz

 

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