Column written by Matt MacDuff
For the first time ever at DARKFEST I was fully kitted out in O’Neal gear. Repping my usually big bike set up with Legacy Pants and Sender Shoes I took it a step further this year, adding the Prodigy 50yr Anniversary Jersey, Gloves and the all new 5SRS Moto Helmet. I believe if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good you ride good. That philosophy prompted my decision to go with a full kit for DARKFEST 2020.
First thing I noticed was I enjoyed putting the kit on. Almost every time I suited up I felt ready for battle. Basketball and hockey players have routines before games, why shouldn’t mountain bikers have them as well? I felt I looked like a professional everyday, about to ride the biggest jumps in the world and I believe that translated into my riding. Looking forward to the rest of 2020 and I plan to be working much closer with O’Neal on developing custom kits for video projects and events.
I didn’t get all the tricks I wanted but that’s ok. I’m looking forward to putting even more work in this year, and coming out next year even stronger.
I want to thank Sam Reynolds, Nico Vink, Clemens Kaudela and the entire DARKFEST crew. You guys are taking the sport in an incredible direction and it’s an honor to be a part of it. Thank you for one of the best weeks of my life.
We need more events like this one for sure!
MMD
Photo Credit: Fernando Marmolejo