#DarkFEST Course Preview – With Mum Commentary

There’s something called #DarkFEST happening in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It’s not an event for those of you with a sensitive disposition. We’ve already ignored the press release titled ‘Sam Reynolds Injured’ with a link to ‘Instagram Crash Clip‘, because, eew. Who wants to see that? Certainly not Sam’s mum. Or this mum, who has given us her take on the course preview…

There’s no need for him to be jumping over this tree. I know an axe can be dangerous, but he’s surely old enough now not to lick his knife, run with scissors, or wield an axe without care. Maybe he didn’t join the Scouts. If he had, he’d know how to clear this trail properly.

I don’t know how many times I’ve said to my kids ‘if your friend told you to jump off a cliff, would you?’ But maybe that Clemens is leading Brendan astray here, I’d be tempted to have a word with his mum.

A good spanking is what Brendan needs. Silly boy. At least he does seem to be holding on with both hands, and both his feet are on the pedals. Small mercies, I suppose.

He’s showing a bit of sense here, he’s using his brake to slow down a bit. I do wish he’d wear some thicker gloves though.

Is that pile of blue things supposed to be a soft landing? Really. There should be a big net. I hope someone has some good antiseptic cream for if he falls off. And they’ll be needing a good big lollipop to keep him quiet while they get the grit out.

He’s not really that high up is he, Clemens is just small? Probably doesn’t eat his vegetables. These boys should be eating lots of vegetables. Kale especially, it’s good for bones.

If you look on Instagram, there’s plenty more footage and shots from the riders – they’re all clearly having fun filming each other in practice:

Graham here isn’t wearing any gloves at all. This is quite worrying.

Maybe Ethan should tuck his shirt in? Or wear a nice cotton vest?

In all seriousness, this line looks pretty nuts. We wish all the riders well, send speedy recovery vibes to those with injuries, and nice calming cups of chamomile tea to all their nearest and dearest.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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