14/03/2026
Yesterday was a very sad anniversary for the brand as it was 15 years ago that we lost Rockstar team rider Dave Balderstone suddenly to complications from diabetes.
Dave aka Flowrider was an absolute top bloke and a true riders rider with style to burn. He was also an amazing track builder with an incredible eye for utilizing the available terrain to the maximum.
Originally from Nelson he had moved to Christchurch to do an aircraft engineering apprenticeship and soon fell in with that cooll clique of super fast groms that spun out pro careers for the likes of Rupert Chapman and Joe Nation.
Taken way to soon at just 21 his memory is honoured every year by Gravity Canterbury with a 'Dave's race' round of the local champs and the presentation of the David Balderstone memorial trophy.
Rest in peace my friend.
