The action sports event Farm Jam has again drawn large crowds in Southland, with an elite field of riders displaying their full array of skills.
But this year was a little different, with the event dedicated to the memory of global mountain bike superstar Kelly McGarry.
Amid a typical New Zealand backdrop, a sheep farm in Winton was playing host to some of the world's best BMX, motor-cross and mountain bike riders.
And competitors had extra motivation to honour legendary Kiwi free-rider McGarry, who tragically passed away on Monday.
"He was the pinnacle of what any sports ambassador really should be. He was just so full of life and so full of energy," says organiser Brett Frew.
The event attracted some big names, including X-Fighters champion Levi Sherwood and three-time X-Games BMX gold medallist Kyle Baldock.
But this year's event was more about remembering someone who inspired many of them to take up the sport.
"I grew up with posters of him all over my walls and he really inspired me to want to go out there and do what I do," says rider Conor Macfarlane.
McGarry, who became world famous for a backflip on his mountain bike over a canyon in Utah, was not only one of the best in the sport but also one of the nicest to compete.
"Everyone in the world loved him. Kelly got on with everyone. He gave every kid the time. He'd never be too cool for anyone, which is something not a lot of pros have," says rider Phil Mclean.
That love for the 33-year-old echoed through the tracks of Winton.
McGarry was remembered as the man who took free-ride mountain biking in New Zealand to new heights.
Newshub.
