Thanks for all the support and love! Making videos on this stuff is so worth it with all the cool comments to read. Legends

I’ve never commented on one of your video’s, but have watched every single one since 2020, don’t beat yourself up, I stopped riding completely 2 years ago after a concussion at BPW - your gut feel changes when you have kids, and you trusted it, you should be so proud of that, I get that this is your career, but your ability to continue to operate at home for your family overrode the hype, and that is so impressive. Good on you for not doing it in conditions that weren’t optimal, I think that took more strength and courage than just “sending it”. You’re one of the best to watch - don’t lose that.

Don't beat yourself up bro. The 110 is the biggest jump in the world and it's not worth getting hurt if the conditions aren't right. You're a legend Matt

Tom is actually a madman 😅

The drone top to bottom footage was awesome. Props to the drone pilot

Tom Isted is a no doubt one of the best to ever do it on an mtb 🤘 Sick chaps

Absolutely lovin seeing all our UK boys at Darkest. Matt, you are as watchable as ever. Brilliant.

It's almost unbelievable that someone can bail like that on that 110 footer and be mostly fine. Really enjoyed the way you captured the mental struggle of wanting to do something like this and having to leave it (for the moment: obviously it will be there next time!); it's a familiar and relatable feeling even for those of us who are NOT trying 110 foot jumps!

Dude, the whole course is a beast. The 90 is still mad impressive! But you made the right call, trusting your gut, following advice and not smashing yourself up

As an old bike rider in my mid 70s now I find what you are doing is just out of the world & after watching your video's since my Grandson Luca started working with Red Bull at Hardline I really enjoy all your video's & this one will happen for you but please remember that as you get older you do lose that little bit of time in your body but distance stays the same.. but great video again Matt & make sure you stay safe & bad luck about the tyre problem at Hardline this year.

Solid! The pressure of the 110 seemed to crush the fun vibe of the rest of the jumps. Respect for recognizing that the conditions weren't right and having the discipline to save it for another day. Keep up the hard work and thanks for taking us along.

Super impressive bro

Matt you are a true sender and having the self control to not just send it is partly why you so successful. This is what happens when you mix passion, talent and making smart decisions!

Love to see you and Tom buddied up. Two of my favorite riders. How epic!

It will be there ready and waiting for the best moment of your biking life next time Matt.patience will be rewarded and we'll be here to enjoy it.

Isted is a beast! That backflip first time out on the 110 was jaw-dropping. The stakes are so high, as shown by those crashes in relatively still air. Matt, you made the right decision to be cautious. Better to be able to come back next year and have another try.

Dude as a competitive freestyle skier on an international stage in my early twenties I fully respect that decision of the 110. It took a gnarly concussion for me to step back from my own progression and realise there’s more to life than hucking something for the judges (or in your case viewers) pleasure. It’s not going anywhere and when the time is right you’ll pace yourself and you’ll smash it. A lot of those guys have had at least one extra year on the 90 so it has to be put into perspective. Always a pleasure to watch your videos, I’ll be here next time around.

Thanks for sharing Matt. Young guys and girls take note here. Someone of Matt's caliber spending an entire week building up and eventually not hitting it might not be the fairytale ending we (and he) wanted, but it was the smart move. The jumps will still be there and he will be fit and ready for when the time is perfect.

I never comment but I’ve watched every video. Thank you for not pushing yourself into a bad situation. That shows a lot of intelligence. You’re a great person and a great rider. You will absolutely nail the 110 when the time is right

Live to ride another day Matt! Thanks for including us in your struggle and triumphs. That week was a triumph for sure!! 👍

Mate, all viewers love your stuff whether you hit the 110 or not, it'll come another time 💪💪💪💪

Mad respect for hitting any of those. As for the 110', better to walk away than be wheeled away. It'll be waiting for you next year!

I'm over 60 and ride an E bike for fun, have rallied cars and owned dirt bikes in my younger days. My hat goes off to you guys...watching these vids is absolutely incredible, the skills and talent unbelievable.

Absolute crazy place! Those jumps Are insane. Hope the guy who got hurt has a speedy recovery. Big up dark fest!!!

Matt honestly this is truly inspirational stuff. Exploring new elements of your passion and pushing your limits beyond what you believed possible by overcoming fear is the pinnacle of human nature. Well done. I hear the crushing disappointment in your voice but take heart in leaving with your health, progressing to the point you are ready to tackle the final hurdle and relish the anticipation of doing it.

If more people made decisions like the one you did by not jumping, they would still be alive or still able to walk, or still able to hold their children. Your ability not to jump that jump in those conditions when others still did is the best trick I have ever seen any athlete of your skill level ever perform. You are a true professional and I have gained even more respect and admiration for you and the sport/art you represent so well.

every year i find my way back to your channel to watch darkfest. loving to see you hit these jumps

Well done for hitting all that you did Matt. The 110 will be there next year. You have a hell of a skillset and an intrinsic instinct as to what can work and what doesn't. Gut instinct is usually spot on and trusting it is no bad thing. You've had some hits over the years and now with your little lad at home it's gong to be something at the back of your mind. Your channel is one of my favourites along with Tom's. Regretting not hitting it, better than regretting hitting it and getting injured. You and all the boys are proper champions to the MTB cause. I imagine all of us who have watched this have had a slam or few and have to dodge doing something we wanted to do but didn't. Cheers for all you do.

dang man, that’s a crazy Jump that demands respect. Better to wait for the right time, even if it’s not this year. Tom Isted is the King, him and Theo opening up the jumps is seriously brave riding.

Doesn't matter if you hit that massive jump. You have proved yourself numerous times already. A lot of Filipino riders love watching your videos. Bless you, man. Stay safe.

You legend Matt!! so good to see the comradery and respect between riders, its a beatiful thing to see!!

Matt’s a superb legend but Tom is just next level

This was the best end to my work week, to watch this on a Friday evening after a stressful week at work. Thanks for documenting and posting this video Matt, it's awesome and enjoyable to watch. Despite the ending, you still conquered DarkFest and achieved huge progression. It was interesting to watch you go on your gut feeling and not follow Tom, averting potentially a life-changing injury! From my perspective you have impressive decision-making skills, not just in mountain biking. Thanks again Matt, you are a legend!

No matter whether you're a total beginner or a 20yr pro that feeling of achievement when you push your own limits is the best! Well done mate.

Heal up to the mate with the broken ankle, sorry to see Tom's bike got trashed but glad he didn't have any serious injury. Kudos to you and everyone there who are riding some of the largest jumps in the world, having some of the wildest times of your lives.

Legend . I’m getting anxious just watching you . The amount of courage this takes is incredible .

I appreciate the maturity. You had some awesome riding and it truly is impressive. Looks like a beautiful place too.

Agree with you, things happen for a reason, in any sport, loving your vids, great content, making me feel young and invincible again! Cheers Bud ..

Drone Pilot, Media crew sick Job! Nice riding Matt and all the others shredders!

Matt that was awesome mate and theres nothing to be ashamed of regards the 110.One hell of a jump and not worth the risk if it aint 100% safe to atempt.Amazing footage and love what the drone delivers to us all.Your a LEGEND Matt.

Gratz Matt u Legend, nice edit Ben, awesome drone work Jamie MVP. Men of Science and many skills above and beyond as always, the start to a year thankyou Sam

Awesome video! Smashed it this year, even without the 110, you'll get it next year! Isted is the GOAT with that backflip over the 110 as the first hit of the year! And walking away from that crash is insane - wishing a quick recovery to Carson.

Despite not hitting the 110, I think this is the best video you have ever produced. Such grit. Awesome stuff mate.

Those jumps are f-ing bonkers. Glad you stayed healthy and I can't wait to see attempt it in the future. Cheers!

This video is everything. The narration and dialogue are perfect, the shots are beautiful, the editing supports the narrative impeccably. I’m daydreaming about you slaying this dragon next year and using all this footage and more to make a longer three-act story about the conquest. Legends.

Looking good out there! Nice that you had the whole week this time. Glad that you did so well and walked away unscathed. 👏🙌🔥

Like others I’ve not commented on one of your vids before but got to say I loved the way this one felt. Showed you @mattjones go through the same mental battle we all do. And a strong message for us all to trust our instincts when it doesn’t feel right. You live to ride another day and make another vid for us to enjoy! LEGENDS! 😉

Was trying to figure out where you guys were and here’s the description. The home of Darkfest, since 2018, is a farm called Hellsend on the slopes of Simonsberg, which is close to Stellenbosch and overlooking the Banhoek Valley. None of those words mean anything. Anyways this video is so sick! Love watching you guys ride this. Actually love the sound of no rocks and the wheels in the air.. could do with out the drones but it’s not that bad. Drones while surfing are a nightmare. I’ve watched this video like 3 times. So bad ass

Matt, that was an awesome video and you definitely made the right call...110 aside, that Drone footage was insane! 🤙

You're all good man. It's a tough break when the conditions stop you. If you had the right conditions I'm sure you would have gone for it. That should be a huge boost for your confidence 🙏

Total respect for what you have achieved. Forget about the 110, your tricks go further

Lova ya matt the drone footage was silky smooth

Jesus... Isted's just built of something different isn't he. Unreal video mate, when the time is right you got that 110.

The more we see Tom Isted the more we like him, he loves riding bikes!

SICK!!! Tom is a legend!!!! Well done, Matt!!! Damn, those are narly crashes on 110!! Hope Carson gets well soon!!

This is the type of videos we NEED more of from Matt!!!

Fireeee video as always 🔥 Dark fest is mental, found out about it from your video last year

The drone chase from top to bottom was sick! You may not have hit the 110 like you wanted but the run with the 90 was so smooth looking man!

Everyone had starred longingly at a jump that is at the edge of their ability. This is the very extreme and its awesome to watch

quests are about the journey, it'll make it that much sweeter, mad respect

Even though you did do the 110. This was one of your best videos for a long while. Very genuine and sick riding 👏🏻

I hoped you got that monster jump, but never mind I am lover of hardtails and still happy you are one piece and go home making new crazy stuffs. You are on highest level of mountainbiking dude. I Say like 10 years + hobby mtb freestyler . Thank you for motivation Matt!

I think you're setting the best example with your attitude. That in itself is a greater victory than sending it. The day will come and it will taste even better after this. You know, it is just a year... 😁 The Tom's and Carson's run...OH MY GOD...

You hitting the 90 perfect that's a big cahutessss to you! Good job broski!!! Be proud there's a lot of ppl that wouldn't do that.... next time on the 110... you rock

Always love to see a new video 🔥🔥🤘

Your darkfest videos are greater than the others so far great work sir best wishes

was really worried for you - could feel that pressure you put yourself under, epic watch. stay safe!

Conveniently Ben-110 left him self and the bmx at home so gets away scott free. Nice work boys always love cheering on from home in Australia with a beer. Hope Carson heals well took that crash like an absolute soldier

Enjoying watching the dynamic contrast of Matt (who clearly has a normal and relatable level of fear and self-preservation) and Tom (who appears to be entirely fearless)

It just means that the video of when you do make it over the 110 will be even more pumped with more adrenaline and the signature Matt Jones scream will be louder than ever! Can't wait for that one!

Tom is crazy! Be like Tom!! 🚲🚲

Love your vids mate, I bought a Marin coz you inspired me to get back on the bike 🤙 I was soo keen to watch you hit the 110 but from one Dad to another, you gotta follow your gut. I was at my local yesterday and wasnt feeling a gap and called it a day. Not quite a 110 or a 90 but big to me.

Sick footage and riding! I can't believe Tom flipped that 110' again! You'll get it when it's right! Props

WELL done, lad! You bloody Legend! Your top to bottom was steezy as!

Loved the edits with the music in the middle !

I'm so glad you didn't do the 110 in those conditions. It's decisions like that that make you a pro. I hope Carsons heals up fast. Rad content, mate.

That new helfare range looks 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Wow what an emotional rollercoaster Matt! Well done

Im alright with you not doing the big one!! and more power too you!!! I felt stressed watching this and was only relieved when you walked away from it...something was defiantly off! You have a gut instinct for a reason... Well done for listening to it! Rather see you walk away from this uninjured carrying a bit of a sulk then smashing your self up. Live to ride another day :D

I love seeing great athletes bail cause the conditions aren’t right. Like I love Cody Townsend for showing this part of backcountry skiing in his videos. It’ll still be there waiting for you.

One of the best videos I have ever seen for you!

One of your best videos in a long time

When you scuba dive, one of the biggest lessons is learning to quit a dive… every ounce of your body wants to be there: limited time, limited opportunity, but you then find that you have learned to dive another day. Be well and stay safe. Respect!

No stress Matt! Some really awesome riding none the less!!

Well done, Matt! And amazing photo by the drone pilots! ❤

Fantastic riding as always Matt your a legend in the game my fav rider by far

That view from the top is INSANE! World’s largest jumps and some of the prettiest backdrop scenery.

Absolutely out standing and I hope that fella get better soon that was nasty what a hard hard guy balls of steel

I know you’re gutted about not hitting that 110. So many others have said this, but there’s no need to beat yourself up. You absolutely made the best call. It wasn’t meant to be this year. Doesn’t make it a failure. I’m a 52 yo dude who hasn’t ridden a mountain bike since my son broke his collarbone 4 years ago on a ride with me. He hasn’t ridden since either. My point. There’s no reason I should love your channel the way I do. But I have such respect for you and these amazing riders. What pulls me in is the joy you have riding. I get you’re disappointed, but what if you went against your better judgment and rode that jump? The result could have be catastrophic. You made the right call. And I’m psyched you did.

The thing is, if you are gonna do that jump, you want to do it right and to get it right. The pressure is so high and the conditions need to be perfect. Next year you will be able to do it. Sometimes the right call is to hold back and not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Love your vids, glad to see you progressing despite the sub optimal conditions.

That drone footage combined with that riding 🔥

'Tom Istead'.... What a bloody champ!!! Go Matt!!

Really enjoyed the emotion in this video. Spoiler Alert! Could tell you were bummed to not get it by the end, but it's raw and it's good to showcase that sometimes in life it's not just about setting a goal and achieving it. When your dealing with very heavy consequences there's no room for error and there shouldn't be

the footage is god tier and the riding aint bad either

Insane videoi, Toms mad af

Such a sick video man! It’s hard walking away but no point in being injured. Next year 👊

thanks for all the insight. I think it takes so much more to understand what your actually doing and know when to don't do stuff - instead of just beeing thoughtless enough to just try stuipd/deadly things.

Super entertaining! The clips are next level good quality

I wish everyone a friend like Matt 💓

Your health is more important Matt, your videos are ace. Good things come to those who wait. Let’s see what happens next year.