Events

DarkFEST 2023: Celebrating the Best of Freeride Mountain Biking

April 19, 2023

1 min read

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.

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.

Wildfire on Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Annual Battle Against the Flames

Each dry summer, wildfires sweep across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, driven by hot winds, invasive plants, and sometimes human carelessness. These fires roar quickly through thick fynbos, threatening rare plants and homes alike, while firefighters battle bravely from land and sky to control the flames. The community comes together, sending supplies and support, showing how deeply Cape Towners care for their mountain. Though fire is part of nature’s cycle, climate change and frequent blazes put this delicate balance at risk, making every effort to protect Table Mountain more important than ever.

Illuminations Across the Vines: The Spier Light Art Exhibition as a Living Canvas

The Spier Light Art Exhibition in Stellenbosch is a magical outdoor event that turns a quiet vineyard into a glowing playground of light and creativity. Artists from near and far use colorful lights to tell stories about history, community, and technology, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the shining artworks. As night falls, the farm transforms into a living canvas where light dances, sparks imagination, and connects people through shared wonder. This event is more than art—it’s a joyful celebration of light’s power to inspire and unite.

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