Bones Over Metal Freeride and Downhill Video Blog

August 19, 2008 Published by Shovelpick.

This year the Kokanee Crankworx took notes from its Colorado counterpart and put a best trick comp into the mix of the infamous week-long mountain bike festival. And it was more than just big tricks and bikes we were treated to a handful of brave kids on their bikes throwing down some of their best tricks out of their quivers. At stake was $6,000. $3,000 for each different section of the boneyard they were riding.

The first session was held in the middle of the boneyard on a big double next to the big Monster judges tower. The second session took place on the final step down stunt. Every rider on the course was on point, busting out with not a single drop of fear in their eyes. To say the least, it was dope. They were hungry for that dough.The kids throwing down in the boneyard were working alongside New York MC Supernatural to give the crowd even more cheers.

The Telus main stage was exploding with some wild freestyles that kept the crowds’ heads spinning. A microphone’s cord away were two masked graffiti writers whipping their Montana cans around and producing a classic wildstyle repping the Kokanee logo and a clean “Crankworx.” I don’t think a co lab has ever been done like that. You had mad-men on bikes killing the hill, a lyrical genius on the stage, and artistic ninjas bombing a few sheets of plywood. This event undoubtedly had a subtle “next-level” feel to it.

The first session produced classic tricks pulled with surgical precision as well as some new school stuff only a few guys were trying. Gulevich could’ve opened wine bottles with his backflips, and Andrew Taylor and Dustin Wyper were throwing some kryptonite into theirs. Tail whips spun like butter and tight pants torn like pantyhose. Casey Groves, without a doubt, pulled out a rarely seen and daunting trick. He got some “oohs,” awws,” and “holy shits!” out of the crowd with a triple no-footed can. It was definitely a ballsy swing of his legs. Big Brad “The Man” had a hefty wad of $50 bills in his hand courtesy of Volkswagen that he was handing out to any rider who he thought deserved it.

He wasted no time getting a fifty into Casey’s mouth. Almost jokingly he asked if Casey could pull four.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 a double pendulum if you’re one of those people. No matter what you call it he pulled an insane trick. An insane trick that just happened to get a big check for $3000 in his hands.

The 45 minute time limit was up for the first session.After a little break the crowd moved like a swarm of locusts down the hill. The next spectacle was to take place on the final drop in the boneyard. With a bigger risk factor and a hyped up crowd the second session was looking to be fun. Groves and McCaul were twisting out tailwhips down real clean, and Gully with his big corkflips flew proud. Little Andreu Lacondeguy had his classic wicked flat superman down. I was lucky enough to be sitting in a spot with lighting that highlighted the dust getting kicked off his shoes as he extended his legs out. We were given a couple trains of riders as well, this proved for an exciting twist in the show. Greg Watts came through big, simple as that. No one saw it coming, yet everyone nearly blew their throats out from the cheers. He threw a flawless flip whip down the drop . As the crowd went nuts the graffiti writers lit their spraying cans and produced mini flame throwers, just as you used to when you were young.

As always the guru of slopestyle course design, John Cowan, built a perfect canvas for the invitees this year. it’s like he’s the amazing organic farmer and the riders are the five star chefs whipping out award wining dishes. This was a show to be remembered for awhile. At least until next year.

Words by Matt Harris

Big ups to all the riders, organizers, and volunteers this year.

Cheers to Mark from Bones Over Metal and Republik for support.