The last weekend of May saw hundreds of gravel riders and bikepackers gather on the south coast of the Uk for the 2023 edition of the Dorset Dirt Dash. Event co-organiser Markus Stitz sent us in a great selection of images from the weekend, perfect for perusing with a cold beer or a freshly poured mug of tea in your hand. 

The Kinesis UK Dorset Dirt Dash marked the start of the popular Dirt Dash series, organised by Markus Stitz and Charlie Hobbs. The Dirt Dash weekend in Dorset included two events: The Kinesis UK Dorset Dirt Dash 5050, an overnight bikepacking event with an overnight stay at a scenic campsite and tasty food, and the Kinesis UK Dorset Dirt Dash 100, where riders cycle the route in one day. Both events share the same route and offer a very scenic tour of the Jurassic coast, the Isle of Purbeck and the rugged Dorset heathlands.

This year’s included glorious weather and cycling past an illegal rave near Corfe Castle, with a number of roads closed nearby. While there is no timing at both events, the fastest rider, George Budd, made it around the 95-mile route in an impressive 6:45 hrs. 

The next event in the Dirt Dash series will be the Lezyne Cateran Dirt Dash in August, which is already sold out, and the Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash on 23/24 September, both in Scotland. The event in Dunoon will feature both an overnight and one day version like in Dorset, with spaces still available at www.dirtdash.cc. 

A shorter version of the Dorset Dirt Dash route is featured in ‘Great British Gravel Rides’, and the 2022 event route from the Dunoon Dirt Dash is featured in ‘Bikepacking Scotland’ - both books have been published by event organiser Markus Stitz.

The Dirt Dashes are supported by Kinesis UK, Lezyne, Schwalbe Tyres UK and komoot.