GK Ripper.....

Last weekend saw the running of the 6th Annual GK Ripper up here in Squamish. Instead of the usual tag team up down bike race on Diamond Head something different was in the works. The usual players were in attendance but the 2006 GK took the form of a golf tourney at the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club.

The man behind the GK Foundation is the Squamish bred Al Ross.



As the owner of the Tantalus Bike Shop he is already a big part of the cycling scene but his unselfish involvement in events like this make him a true pillar of the community. Al spearheaded the first GK in May of 2000 only 3 months after his good friend Graham Kuebris fell on Pink Starfish. Funds were going to be needed to help pay for GK's medical bills along with a fancy chair and special bed for home, both big ticket items. Graham proved the doctors wrong and was walking again within 5 months and still enjoys the 2 wheels.



Krista McBride was a recipient of the foundation's fund's in 2003 to aid her transition from able bodied to wheelchair. She has since become a big part of the event with her tireless resources helping to pull the event together year after year.

Including a release party for the latest NWD installment on Sat night at the House Sound Brew Pub the players came together to raise a total of $9000 for the GK Foundation this year. Truly Awesome!!

Unlike Eamonn's review, I enjoyed the latest NWD vid, what #7, even though I thought it lacked the production quality of some of the competition. 'Flying High Again' was keeping with the theme of the past installments by Big D and Freeride Entertainment by packing in the max amount of big moves with very little filler. Although a few of the songs reminded me of my youth I have grown to enjoy more downtempo beats.

I personaly could watch a full vid of nothing but Berrecloth, Simmons and McCaul. Darren powers while Wade flows and Cameron seems to slice thru the air with surgical precision. It was also great to see Cowan's still pushing the young guns with his one handed roll. John made it up to Squamish from sunny Cali to play a round in his gum boots.

My team of four included Big Red 'Crusher' Ted, Eric 'Da Ringer' Cseff and Mr. Mike 'Miser' Jones.



For those of you who have ridden with EC you know how he rips! Well he is equally as potent on the links. Although the rest of us all had some great shots that went towards or final 4 under score Eric pretty much carried our team. The trophy included some 20+ bike parts, a 1/2 pack of g.balls and some bed post. No, not new drive trains etc., but one that Peanut, who has helped make Tantalus what it is, put his great welding skills together to create. The trophy which was even topped with a silver cup out of his mom's prized collection.



And yeah the Dream team won!



EC get's to take the trophy home.
A golf game is not complete without some drinks. We didn't have to stuff or bags with beers as Mike Maloche was strategically placed and knows how to mix a mean Caesar.



Wade and Thomas both had a team entered along with Kona's Dik Cox who has always been a huge supporter.


Look for the GK Ripper to become even bigger in 2007. If you want to take part in a great event for an equaly great cause I suggest you grab your clubs or dust off your grandad's old hickory set and make it up to Squamish next year.

Colin