Pro GRT Round 1 from Goldstein Productions on Vimeo.

The Athertons? Mick Hannah? Santa Cruz Syndicate? The reigning world champion, Steve Peat?

And all those Canadians!

Word on the street is that this weekend’s big Pro Gravity Tour kickoff at Port Angeles will be the biggest collection of downhill racing stars the Northwest has ever seen in one place.

The reason: The big international pros from the Sea Otter Classic, including the Athertons and Peaty, can’t get back to the homeland because of the flight mess created by the unpronounceable Icelandic volcano. So, the reasoning goes, why not mosey on up to Port Angeles and mix it up.

The weather is supposed to be good Friday, so-so on Saturday, better Sunday. But the worst of it may be just a few showers to keep the course tacky. In any case, it’ll be a huge scene.

Check out Katie Holden’s redux of last year’s event above and Luke Strobel’s pre-run video below and below for a taste of the action. See you there!

[Update: Peaty just tweeted he's back home after all...looks like the resumption of flights is working against the PGRT, but it's always a scene no matter what!]