Darkfest 2025: Overcoming Delays with Pure Stoke
Darkfest is all about pushing the limits, but even the most dedicated build crew can’t control the weather. This year, the introduction of a massive roller coaster section, designed to link back into the high-speed rocket line, hit an unexpected roadblock—five days of relentless rain. However, the team didn’t let the downtime go to waste, trading shovels for bikes and heading out for an unforgettable session at Dylan Lamb’s local jumps before capping the day off at the Stellenbosch pump track.
Testing the Limits of the New Roller Coaster Section
With the quarter pipe successfully tested in the previous session, attention turned to completing the ambitious roller coaster section. The challenge? Ensuring enough speed is carried through a sharp left turn into a tight right, allowing riders to flow seamlessly into the final big-air section. Fine-tuning the shark fin gap and berms became a top priority, but with the rain soaking the build site, work ground to a halt.
Dylan Lamb’s Local Jumps: A Change of Scene
Rather than let the weather dampen spirits, the crew took up an invitation from Dylan Lamb, Darkfest’s newest South African rider, to hit up his home trails. Riding technical, sharp jumps brought everyone back to their roots, emphasizing precision, style, and the pure joy of sending it on a hardtail. The session was a reminder of why they do what they do, and Lamb’s enthusiasm as the latest addition to the Darkfest roster was contagious.
Night Shred at Stellenbosch Pump Track
With the rain keeping the big jumps out of commission, the crew moved to the only dry spot left: the Stellenbosch pump track. The night session turned into a full-blown jam, with riders testing gaps, railing berms, and getting creative with lines. Even with a few close calls and minor crashes, the energy was high, proving that Darkfest isn’t just about the biggest jumps—it’s about the love of riding, wherever that may be.
Back to Work: Finalizing the Build
As the rain began to ease, the wet dirt made for ideal shaping conditions. With a renewed sense of motivation, the crew got back to work, refining the step-downs, shark fins, and transitions to ensure the roller coaster section meets the high standards of Darkfest. The challenge remains—can they dial in this technical build and get it to ride as smooth as envisioned? The next few days will tell.
Darkfest 2025 is proving to be an event of perseverance and adaptation. While the weather has thrown a curveball, the stoke remains high, and with progress moving fast again, the wait for the first full-speed test runs won’t be long. Stay tuned for more big air, wild sends, and the final reveal of this year’s most ambitious Darkfest build yet!
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