Darkfest Is Back — And The Jumps Are Getting Even Bigger
In the first build episode, the crew returns to the famous Vuurberg farm to start preparing the world’s biggest jumps. Meanwhile, Sam Reynolds is staying home to support his family after his daughter recovered from Encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease. Despite this, the expert build team - guided by the Trails Crew and some humorous "senior management" moments - is already challenging the limits of what can be achieved.
Watch the first behind-the-scenes episode of the 10th edition of the Darkfest below.
"Hey everyone, we are BACK for the 10th edition (can you believe it) of Darkfest here in Stellenbosch, South Africa! Sadly, I can't be there myself after my Daughter has been in the hospital, but the build is in safe hands for now until I can get out there! Or is it... Theo Erlangsen takes the keys and explains all the upgrades we will be making, like the Dewalt Loco Zone for Adolf, the riders, and spectators to watch from and sip on some Ice-cold Monsters and beers, as well as the new mega rocket to the side! We end the video with a compilation of some of our favourite moments from the last 9 years to get you stoked! Enjoy!"
- Sam Reynolds
What’s New for the 10th Edition of DARKFEST?
Rocket Falcon Heavy: Plans are underway to create a new, massive takeoff lip to the left of the original rocket. This new feature bypasses the drop to allow full throttle from the step-up, aiming for the most airtime ever on a mountain bike.
The Loco Lounge: To honor Adolf Silva, a new wooden "Loco Lounge" platform is being built at the Step-Up, supported by DEWALT, giving spectators a front-row view of the most extreme tricks.
Quarter Pipe Refinements: After a collapse last year, the team is steepening the landing to enable riders to jump even higher.
With Austrian Godfather Clemens Kaudela and the arrival of heavy machinery on Monday, Darkfest's 10th year is expected to be the most festive yet!