Hey everyone,

Hope you're all doing well!

I thought it would be cool to give you a little behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a NightRiders Underground race, from the very first scouting mission all the way to the finish line.

Everything starts long before registrations open. The first step is heading out into the mountains to scout the best possible descent. The goal is always the same: find a unique freeride line that's fun, challenging and truly feels like NightRiders Underground. This part takes a huge amount of time and can sometimes last several weeks before we find the perfect location.

Once we've found the right line, we start posting clues on Instagram about the date and location of the event. Riders have to investigate and be the first to figure it out. Until someone solves the mystery, registrations stay closed.

As soon as the location is discovered, registrations officially open and riders can let us know they'd like to take part.

When registrations close, if we receive more than 32 applications, we hold a random draw. The selected riders then receive a link to complete their registration... but it's not that easy! Before they can access the registration page, they have to solve another puzzle.

Once they're officially signed up, they receive a full race pack with everything they need to know: schedule, meeting point, gear to bring and all the details for the night ahead.

At the same time, I prepare every envelope by hand and send it out by mail. Inside, each rider finds their official game card, which also serves as their race plate, along with NightRiders Underground stickers and stickers from our partners.

Then race day finally arrives.

I spend the day on the mountain getting everything ready: hanging the lights along the course, doing the final checks, setting up the finish area, preparing the meal and, of course, hiding the Golden Ticket somewhere on the track. Whoever finds it wins prizes provided by our partners.

As night falls, everyone gathers at the top of the mountain. The atmosphere is something special. Lights come on, everyone gives their bike one last check, and everything goes quiet.

A few seconds later...

I light a firecracker.

That's the signal.

All 32 riders charge into the darkness, racing full speed down the mountain in search of victory... and maybe the Golden Ticket.

Once everyone reaches the finish, we all get together for dinner. It's the perfect moment to relive the best moments of the race, hand out the prizes and enjoy one last evening together—the kind of atmosphere that defines NightRiders Underground.

Our next event takes place on July 24th. After that, we'll have Stage 12, before wrapping up this first season with our Grand Finale in September. The plan is simple: a helicopter drop at the top of the mountain, a brand-new descent, and everything that makes NightRiders Underground what it is... only bigger.

We'll catch up again in mid-September to look back on Season One, share the results, statistics and content we've created, and hopefully start planning Season Two together. We already have plenty of ideas in the works, with even bigger, crazier projects and an experience we want to take to the next level.

At the same time, we're also working on a 20-minute documentary in collaboration with Sony, telling the story of this first season. It'll showcase the behind-the-scenes work, the riders, our partners and everything we've built together throughout the year. The film is scheduled to be released in October.

Thank you again for your trust and for supporting this adventure. None of this would be possible without you.

See you soon,

Benjamin
NightRiders Underground