Sam Reynolds is back in The Ride Companion studio and this one’s packed!
On this episode we’re talking DarkFest 10 and, why it MIGHT be the final event, the new Rocket 2 concept for even more airtime and Sam’s full circle return to Polygon bikes after first signing with them back in 2012.
Sam breaks down the behind the scenes story of landing his first ‘proper’ sponsor, how Polygon helped shape his career and the moments he still remembers like they happened yesterday, from Rampage’s Superman over the canyon to early contests in the golden era of slopestyle.
We also dive into the physics and fear factor of the world’s biggest jumps, why tailwhips get harder at speed, what happens if you tap the front brake mid-air and how DarkFest is evolving as the next generation pushes the limits plus, loads more.
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00:00:00 Sam Reynolds Returns (DarkFest 10 could be the last)
00:01:30 Pre Instagram Eurobike hustle
00:04:00 How Polygon signed Sam (2012) + first Indonesia factory trip
00:11:40 The new Polygon build: custom candy red DarkFest bike
00:15:11 Rampage: the iconic Superman over the canyon (full breakdown)
00:23:20 White Style: angry 5th place → double flip → first FMB win
00:25:00 Windy Winterberg: the double flip run + the fake flat tyre story
00:27:30 Garage Tour: Sam’s Stashed bike storage setup
00:29:11 Best Trick → Broken Back (and the golden era of slopestyle)
00:38:11 From hardtails to downhill bikes: the big jump evolution
00:41:27 Is DarkFest ending? Rocket 2, 110ft rebuild & 2026 course changes
00:44:00 Big Air Academy: win bikes + a DarkFest invite (how to enter)
00:49:20 Manta Sleep + Mudhugger
00:59:28 DarkFest physics
01:09:13 InvisiFrame
01:12:50 Kecks Sh*t Yourself moment
01:16:50 Listener Questions (Monster flavours, backyard plans + more)
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