Always one of my favorite racers. I was lucky enough to go to the 2002 Grouse Mountain World Cup, and the pits were wide open up on the top of the hill. You could just stroll around and chat with the racers (if they would even notice you). John was there and had his Turner all shiny and fresh (before the horrendous rain came through that totally determined the race). He was super friendly and had no problem with me sitting on his race bike to feel the suspension setup. Fantastic ambassador for Turner, amazing competitor, and just a strait shooter all around. I miss not seeing him on the scene, but am stoked that he's starting a family and doing the moto thing. Good on ya, John. Keep the rubber side down!
John is an old friend of ours. . . it's good to hear from him and take a trip back down memory lane. It's amazing to realize how fast things change, time will always move forward and we can only do our best not to forget where we came from.
Kirkaldie hit me so hard with his elbow in Vermont 4X one year, I saw stars for like 30 sec. The NZ Dive bomber was someone to watch out for, no matter where you were! haha. Kirkaldie was rad!
Nice story. To all who remember dropping off the sketchy, fast upper section just above altar boy at the top of Idaho back in the day: On the third photo, look at JK's right foot, his speed and commitment, great stuff.
John took me on my first DH ride ever in SB ( but we pedaled up?) Him and Shaums were like dealers and I'm still hooked 15 years later on MTB's because of those two. Thanks guys! The SB and MTB race seen was all time back then.
Adam_Schaeffer
3/1/2011 1:15 PM
Always one of my favorite racers. I was lucky enough to go to the 2002 Grouse Mountain World Cup, and the pits were wide open up on the top of the hill. You could just stroll around and chat with the racers (if they would even notice you). John was there and had his Turner all shiny and fresh (before the horrendous rain came through that totally determined the race). He was super friendly and had no problem with me sitting on his race bike to feel the suspension setup. Fantastic ambassador for Turner, amazing competitor, and just a strait shooter all around. I miss not seeing him on the scene, but am stoked that he's starting a family and doing the moto thing. Good on ya, John. Keep the rubber side down!
Feather Merchant
12/23/2010 11:14 AM
He was always a baller and fun to watch. I'm glad I got to see him racing live a few times.
tmx
12/23/2010 11:07 AM
Was thinking of him just the other day, skipping through the muddy WV course like a smooth perfect rock across a glassy lake.
Ahab
12/23/2010 10:09 AM
Legend. Loved seeing that guy lay waste to Norba courses and at the US Open.
turnerbikes
12/23/2010 10:04 AM
John is an old friend of ours. . . it's good to hear from him and take a trip back down memory lane. It's amazing to realize how fast things change, time will always move forward and we can only do our best not to forget where we came from.
Rich_Houseman
12/23/2010 9:13 AM
Kirkaldie hit me so hard with his elbow in Vermont 4X one year, I saw stars for like 30 sec. The NZ Dive bomber was someone to watch out for, no matter where you were! haha. Kirkaldie was rad!
TRex
12/23/2010 12:04 AM
Nice story. To all who remember dropping off the sketchy, fast upper section just above altar boy at the top of Idaho back in the day: On the third photo, look at JK's right foot, his speed and commitment, great stuff.
MW
12/22/2010 9:43 PM
John took me on my first DH ride ever in SB ( but we pedaled up?) Him and Shaums were like dealers and I'm still hooked 15 years later on MTB's because of those two. Thanks guys! The SB and MTB race seen was all time back then.
sideshow
12/22/2010 8:16 PM
legend. seeing him at mt snow as a youngin was inspirational. class act and fast as hell.
axel
12/22/2010 8:13 PM
i remember watching him race Andrew Neethling in dual slalom finals at Brian Head, UT Norba.
jptree
12/22/2010 7:06 PM
Kircaldie is a badass!!
MattPatt
12/22/2010 5:27 PM
Guys like John make me proud to be a Kiwi!
TomPro
12/22/2010 11:45 AM
Yeah! True legend! Thanks again for your goggle back than...
elmatzo
12/22/2010 10:51 AM
Legend!!
intensecycles
12/22/2010 10:43 AM
Always a great competitor and a guy you looked forward to seeing every weekend on and off the track. Thanks Sven
quintonspaulding
12/22/2010 10:19 AM
John Kirkcaldie has ALWAYS had time for everybody... and has ALWAYS been a gentleman!
bturman
12/22/2010 9:54 AM
So determined in that last photo. Love it.
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