DARKFEST 2026 – The Build Begins!
The dirt is finally flying as DARKFEST 2026 officially enters build mode in South Africa — and this year, it’s bigger than ever. Celebrating a decade of progression, the crew is laying the foundation for what they’re calling the best MTB course in DARKFEST history.
With words by Sam Reynolds and filmed and edited by Arthur Schlander, episode two captures the raw, unfiltered reality of building a world-class freeride venue from the ground up.
Heavy Machinery & “African Engineering”
The build kicks off with the arrival of two excavators — though not without early setbacks. One machine runs out of fuel before even reaching site, forcing the crew into quick problem-solving mode. In true DARKFEST fashion, a bit of improvisation (and a powerful excavator push) keeps the schedule alive.
Despite the delays, the energy is high. The team gets straight to shaping the first corner — a notoriously high-impact berm that takes serious punishment from riders who gap straight into the bank. With heavy compressions chewing through clay, precision reshaping and reinforcement are critical.
Enter Clemens Kaudela
To elevate the 10-year special, world-renowned trail and freeride builder Clemens Kaudela joins the build team. His expertise focuses on refining existing features and introducing new lines that will run smoother, faster and more efficiently than ever before.
From shark fins to step-down landings near the Rocket Launcher lift, every measurement is carefully planned. Efficiency is key — landings are eyed up precisely to avoid rebuilding twice. “Pile it once for max efficiency” becomes the unspoken motto.
Precision Trail Craft in Extreme Heat
South Africa’s intense heat presents unique challenges. Freshly shaped berms and features are covered immediately to retain moisture and prevent clay from cracking. The goal? Let the dirt bake slowly and harden properly so it lasts when riders unleash in just two weeks.
It’s meticulous, calculated trail craftsmanship — the kind that separates good features from legendary ones.
More Than Just Jumps
The DARKFEST crew isn’t just moving dirt. Between machine sessions, they build DIY picnic tables for the local lounge — creating a proper hangout space for riders and crew. With custom A-frames and carefully cut planks, the finished table becomes both a symbol of teamwork and a well-earned rest spot.
And after a long day shaping shark fins and extending rocket landings with a 20-tonne excavator, the team still finds time to spin laps at Banhoek Trails — keeping legs loose and stoke levels high.
Foundation for the 10-Year Special
Hammer week is officially in the books. New landings have been extended, key features perfected, and fresh lines are beginning to take shape. The groundwork is set — and in just two weeks, the world’s top freeride riders will arrive to test every shovelful.
DARKFEST 2026 isn’t just another event — it’s a milestone. And if this early build energy is anything to go by, the 10-year special is set to raise the bar once again.
More build updates are coming soon.