Formerly known as the Dorset Gravel Dash, the Dorset Dirt Dash offers two different events on the same route. The Dorset Dirt Dash 50/50 is a self-supported bikepacking event over two days, while the Dorset Dirt Dash 100 is the ultimate one day gravel grinder.

The next Dirt Dash will take place on 28-29 May 2022.

Whether you choose to ride over one day or two, you can look forward to amazing scenery on the Isle of Purbeck around Swanage. Now in its 7th year, this is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Dorset and the Jurassic Coast with fine gravel riding, camaraderie and castles.

The basics you need to know before entering the Dorset Dirt Dash 50/50

  • When: Saturday 28 May to Sunday 29 May 2022
  • Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping 
  • Route: around 152km with 2000m of climbing. Route subject to changes. Here’s an idea on Komoot
  • Entries: £80 for first 50 entries, £85 afterwards
  • Navigation: The route will be supplied electronically before the event. The course is not marked, you are responsible for your own navigation.
  • Bikes: mountain bikes & gravel bikes (e-bikes are allowed, but we cannot guarantee charging points) with a minimum recommended tire size of 40mm, which must be in good working order
  • Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads, cycle paths
  • Start: 9am at the Red Lion, Swanage
  • Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at the Red Lion, Swanage
  • What is provided: rider briefing, route for navigation, campsite & evening meal on 23 May, goodie bag, broom wagon
  • Camping: We provide a suitable place to pitch your tent with other riders, toilets, drinking water supply, catering. There are no other facilities on site (shop etc.)
  • Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free version are available on request (please let us know when you sign up). You need to bring your own bowl, mug, fork and spoon.
  • Minimum kit: Helmet, front and rear lights, sufficient water, emergency blanket or sleeping bag, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, phone or GPS for navigation, multitool, spare tube, tire levers, puncture repair kit, tent/bivvy bag/tarp. You need to carry all your own kit.
  • Insurance: You will need your own insurance.
  • Refunds: No refunds, but you can insure your entry. You can transfer your entry up until the closing date.

Registration & Rider Briefing
You need to register for the event. Registration is open on Friday 27 May from 6 – 8pm or from 7.30 – 8.30am on Saturday 28 May at the Red Lion. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 8.30am at the Red Lion.

The basics you need to know before entering the Dorset Dirt Dash 100:

  • When: Sunday 29 May 2022
  • Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial 
  • Route: around 152km with 2000m of climbing. Route subject to changes. Here’s an idea on Komoot
  • Entries: £40 for first 50 entries, £45 afterwards
  • Navigation: The route will be supplied electronically before the event. The course is not marked, you are responsible for your own navigation.
  • Bikes: mountain bikes & gravel bikes with a minimum recommended tire size of 40mm, which must be in good working order
  • Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads, cycle paths
  • Start: 8am start at the Red Lion pub, Swanage
  • Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at the Red Lion, Swanage
  • What is provided: rider briefing, route for navigation, goodie bag, broom wagon.
  • Minimum kit: Helmet, front and rear lights, sufficient water, emergency blanket, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, phone or GPS for navigation, multitool, spare tube, tire levers, puncture repair kit. You need to carry all your own kit.
  • Insurance: You will need your own insurance.
  • Refunds: No refunds, but you can insure your entry. Entries can be transfered up until closing date.

Registration & Rider Briefing
You need to register for the event. Registration is open on Sunday 29 May from 6am at the Red Lion. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 7.30am at the Red Lion.

How to get there

We highly encourage you to take the train or cycle to the event. If you cycle in, you’re extending your adventure by a couple of days, and don’t clogg up the roads. Pretty cool, eh?

By bike: Swanage is accessed from the east via the Sandbanks Ferry from Bournemouth and Poole area. It’s about £1 each way for a cyclist and runs until around 11pm. However, do check their website as it has been out of service for months in 2019. www.sandbanksferry.co.uk

From the west and north, just ride into town via Corfe Castle.

From the south…. Well that will be France then. Cross-channel ferries sail into Poole harbour daily.

By train: Swanage has no train station other than a steam train line that is about 4 miles long and of no practical use in getting to the Dirt Dash. You will find the nearest station is Wareham, about 10 miles to the north. Poole, Branksome and Bournemouth have stations around 10-12 miles away, but you will need to take the Sandbanks ferry across the harbour entrance and onto the “Isle” Check out the ferries times hereFor rail enquiries check here.

By car: Swanage is accessed from the east via the Sandbanks Ferry from Bournemouth and Poole area. It’s about £5 each way for a vehicle and runs until around 11pm. However, do check their website as it has been out of service for months at time in 2019. As a driver you can also expect delays of up to several hours during peak bank holiday times. More info at www.sandbanksferry.co.uk.

From the west and north, just drive into town via Corfe Castle.

From the south…. Well that will be France then. Cross-channel ferries sail into Poole harbour daily.

Parking: DO NOT PARK at the Red Lion. Swanage is a tourist town and is geared up for short term/high price parking. Free on-street parking is all around. However, the area on the hill above Swanage hospital has wide streets, and plenty of parking. The north end, Northbrook Road, has on street parking, but can get busy on beach days. As you will be leaving your car for a day or two park considerately and keep your valuables out of sight.

Accommodation
For accommodation please visit the Virtual Swanage website, where you will find everything from camping to fine hotels.

At a Glance
  • 28 May 2022 7:30am
  • Tickets On Sale
  • Dorset Dirt Dash 2022Dorset Dirt Dash 2022Swanage, Dorset, UK
  • Up to 94 miles (152 km)
  • From 85.00 GBP
63 High St,Swanage,Dorset,BH19 2LY,UK