DarkFEST 2023: Celebrating the Best of Freeride Mountain Biking

1 min read
darkfest freeride mountain biking

DarkFEST 2023 is set to take the world of mountain biking by storm, with an impressive lineup of riders ready to tackle the biggest jumps and gaps in Stellenbosch’s Hellsend Dirt Compound. The event promises to be a showcase of the incredible skill and bravery of the riders who push the boundaries of their sport and challenge themselves to new heights.

An Adrenaline-Fueled Event

DarkFEST is a festival of freeride mountain biking that began in 2015 and has since become one of the most anticipated events in the sport. The festival is the brainchild of Sam Reynolds, a professional mountain biker who has made a name for himself as one of the most creative riders in the world. Reynolds wanted to create an event that was different from the traditional competitions that dominated the sport, and DarkFEST was born.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

The festival is known for its massive jumps and high-octane action, and DarkFEST 2023 promises to build on this legacy with even bigger jumps and more adrenaline-fueled moments. The riders who take part in the festival are some of the best in the world, and they come from all corners of the globe to showcase their skills.

A Lineup of Legends

The lineup for DarkFEST 2023 is nothing short of impressive, with some of the biggest names in freeride mountain biking ready to take on the challenge. The riders come from all over the world, including the UK, Poland, France, Canada, Spain, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Some of the notable riders taking part in the festival include Sam Reynolds, Kade Edwards, and Tom Isted from the UK, Szymon Godziek from Poland, Matt MacDuff from Canada, and Nicholi Rogatkin from the USA. The festival will also feature some of the best female riders in the sport, including Casey Brown and Vea Verbeeck from Canada, Robin Goomes from New Zealand, and Harriet Burbidge Smith from Australia.

A Celebration of Skill and Bravery

DarkFEST is a celebration of the skill and bravery of the riders who take on the challenge of freeride mountain biking. The festival showcases the beauty and excitement of the sport, as riders push themselves to new heights and test the limits of what is possible.

The festival is also a celebration of the creativity and innovation of the riders, who constantly find new ways to push the boundaries of the sport. DarkFEST is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of the riders who make this event possible, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves mountain biking. With the public able to access the grounds to watch their heroes in action, DarkFEST 2023 will be an event that will stay with spectators for years to come.

Michael Jameson is a Cape Town-born journalist whose reporting on food culture traces the city’s flavours from Bo-Kaap kitchens to township braai spots. When he isn’t tracing spice routes for his weekly column, you’ll find him surfing the chilly Atlantic off Muizenberg with the same ease he navigates parliamentary press briefings.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

The Castle of Good Hope: A Place of Dark History and Hope

Next Story

Butter – All Day Breakfast & Bistro Bar: A Deliciously Buttered-Up Experience

Latest from Blog

Dawn, Dirt and Dinner: A Willowvale Kitchen Without Walls

In Willowvale, farmers cleverly plant in manurefilled pits to save water and feed the soil. They also build special ditches to catch rainwater, making sure not a single drop goes to waste. Cooking happens outdoors, over crackling fires, using fresh food grown right there. They even turn old things into new cooking tools. It’s all about living close to the earth and making every bit count, showing a deep love for nature.

Cape Town Quietly Rewrites the Rules Between Tradition and the State

Cape Town is cleverly changing how it supports traditional initiation camps. They now treat these camps like temporary city areas, providing water, toilets, and trash pickup. This helps keep everyone safe and healthy, using smart data to track everything. It’s a quiet revolution, making sure old traditions fit smoothly into modern city life, and other cities are starting to notice this clever plan.

South Africa Plays Hardball on Hoof-and-Mouth: A Five-Year Blitz to Reopen R7 Billion in Beef Trade

South Africa is launching a massive fiveyear plan to crush FootandMouth Disease for good. They’re upgrading labs, getting tons of vaccines, and working with villages to tag and track every animal. This tough new strategy, backed by big money, aims to reopen a R7 billion beef trade with countries like China and the EU. They’re using strict rules, new tech, and even special meetings with local leaders to make sure no sick animal slips through. It’s a fullon war to protect their cattle and bring back their valuable beef exports!

South Africa’s Gateways in November 2025: 3,1 Million Footprints in 30 Days

In November 2025, South Africa saw a massive 3.1 million people cross its borders. This huge number of visitors, especially 2.37 million noncitizens, made it the busiest November for foreign entries since before COVID hit in 2019. It was like a river of people flowing in, showing how popular South Africa had become again.