Darkfest 2024 Kicks Off In Stellenbosch

Darkfest is on, and there is a whole lot of excitement as it all goes down at the Hellsend Dirt Compound at Vuurberg farm in Stellenbosch.

With riders gathered from all over the world, this year’s Darkfest is turning into a huge event. It includes the largest dirt-to-dirt mountain bike jumps in the world, measuring up to an incredible 110 feet!

One of the exciting side events is the Spankbikes Best Whip that was won by Vinny Armstrong ladies and Kade Edwards Men in 2023, and both are competing again this year.

According to Bike Mag, “a mountain bike whip is a stylish and advanced trick performed by mountain bikers. In it, they turn their bike sideways in mid-air while jumping off a lip or ramp. It’s a crowd-pleasing manoeuvre that adds flair and style to a rider’s skills on the trail.”

And while you’re here, please allow us to take you back to some of the craziness and unseen footage from last year’s event, The Documentary by Thomas Sandell! Take a look behind the scenes with interviews from some of the top characters in the 2023 edition.

Check the documentary here:

But back to the present – a limited batch of tickets will be on sale to watch the action live at The Hellsend Dirt Compound at Vuurberg farm from 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, 10 February. You can buy tickets here –

The rider list is totally stacked, with returning Darkfest veterans, some heavy new additions and some of the leading women in MTB Freeride. They will unleash their bikes on the famous course, including the 110 ft jump.

Check South African legend Theo Erlangsen ride the full track here. (The full ride POV starts at 6:12)