The end of August saw a group of enthusiastic bikepackers heading for the small town of Alyth, north of Dundee to take part in the inaugural Cateran Dirt Dash. Event co-organiser and route planner extraordinaire Markus Stitz sent us in a fantastic selection of images from the event. Grab a brew and enjoy this photographic feast.

The first Cateran Dirt Dash was a new addition to the line-up of Dirt Dashes run by Markus Stitz and Charlie Hobbs. With a shorter route than the Dorset and Dunoon Dirt Dashes, the event was the perfect opportunity for everyone wanting to give bikepacking a try. Everything else was the same - the Dirt Dashes are valued by riders for their friendly atmosphere, nice campsites in stunning locations, good food and scenic routes.

Supported by Lezyne, Komoot and Schwalbe Tyres UK, the Lezyne Cateran Dirt Dash followed parts of the Cateran Trail, one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Other sections of the route were inspired by routes Markus Stitz has developed for the Cateran Ecomuseum, which are featured in the books ‘Bikepacking Scotland’ and ‘Great British Gravel Rides’, as well as online here.

One rider eloquently summed up the event: ‘‘Such a friendly, well-organised event with a lovely sociable vibe. Met and chatted with lots of interesting people. A big thank you to Markus, Charlie, Bob & the Cateran Team.’

The last of this year's Dirt Dashes will be the Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash on 23/24 September, before the events take a winter break and return in 2024. More information can be found at dirtdash.cc.