

Even last year he generously decided to take me up to the Rotorua Crankworx course and assist me to have the ride of my life on the sunday morning after the biggest day of his life building and riding the course, then help me pack my gear and clear a spot in one of his famous battle vans for a mission to the airport to drop me off. He could have easily spent the night at the bar soaking up his achievements and had been constantly back-patted about the amazing jumps and the epic contest that had just completed but he went out of his way for his friends in times like these. When you were with Kelly, either in a group or just the two of you, it was a party - a bike party.



There was no weird with Kelly, it was all just good vibes and positivity. Kelly was always stoked, he listened to you, he asked his friends' advice in times of uncertainty, he thought about his life and how to maximize his time here on earth. He did it properly, he did it his way, never stepping on anyone's toes and never claiming anything that was not rightfully earned. He was a sponsor's dream and he brought mountain biking from out of the trees and mountains and onto the TV, into everyone's lounge room. He also brought his fair share of dirt into the house on his socks and grazes! He truly showed everyone how to live.



His bike riding achievements were enormous, but they were nothing compared to his ability to make everyone feel good, and bring out the best in themselves. The realization of just how far reaching Kelly's amazing personality had been, made it even more difficult to comprehend. I felt like for a time we might have been best friends, and we were, to me, but then it was evident that this was a man who may have had 100 best friends. There was enough of him to share. Everyone was his best friend. His unselfish energy made you feel special, anytime you were with the McGazz it was good times.



