The Dirt Dash cycling events in Scotland and England are organised by Markus Stitz of Dirt Dash Ltd. He is a filmmaker, journalist and founder of Bikepacking Scotland. Markus has cycled around the world on a singlespeed bike and has mapped a number of popular bikepacking trails in Scotland, England and Germany.
Markus has a great track record in ultra cycling and loves sharing his experiences to encourage more people into cycling. He has finished the Highland Trail 550 three times, the Capital Trail twice, the Atlas Mountain Race on a singlespeed and the Silk Road Mountain Race. He has also documented GBDURO by bike and train and most recently cycled a cargo bike from Edinburgh to Erfurt for Christmas.
Markus is the author of Big Rides, Great British Gravel Rides and Bikepacking Scotland.
The Dirt Dashes are inspired by the Dorset Gravel Dash, credited as the UK’s first gravel event. The event was part of our events for a few years and for 2024 the Dorset Gravel Dash is going back to its roots, organised by Charlie Hobbs, of Bum Butter fame!
REVIEWS
Dirt Therapy!
I’ve ridden the Dorset Dirt Dash several times now. Sometime I’d love to ride the 50/50 but I met some cool chaps several years ago when I first rode the 100 and now it’s become a yearly thing. Great routes, great fun, great value for money & fab organisers. There’s also always super friendly people to meet and chat to. It’s one awesome day out – book it in – you won’t be disappointed.
Scottish Double Dirt Dash
Having participated in both the Dunoon and Cateran Dirt Dashes.. I can confirm that whilst the weather can be …. er… changeable. Both events offered challenging terrain, outstanding scenery, reliable support and guidance with friendly company throughout… The events offer something very different from the norm and, whilst a reasonable level of fitness, equipment and commitment is required – I managed to finish both events with the bare minimum of all three – But finish I did and loved ….almost ..every minute… 🚴🚴🚴 😉 See you in 2024.
Absolutley Outstanding
Really great event, well organised without being impersonal. Fabulous scenery, great route, lovely people, great food and all the joy of being on a bike off the beaten track. I entered on my own but it was instantly like going for a ride with a bunch of your mates. I’m sure Charlie and Markus have to work super hard to make it look so easy but are super relaxed and a pleasure to be with. Do it you wont regret it.
Dorset gravel dash
An event not to be missed. I’ve done the 100 and the 50/50 and they have been some of the best ever days in the saddle. Incredibly well organised and great fun.
The right attitude
Don’t be a dick. It’s a simple enough ethos; I’ve done the Dorset Dash (50:50 and 100 events) and the Dunoon Dash and met lots of lovely folk who take not being a dick to its logical extent ‘be…nice?’. Great routes through cracking scenery with the right amount of pub stops.
Dunoon Dirt Dash 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this low key two day event, well organised in a chilled way by Markus and Charlie. A great group of riders looking out for each other and having a laugh over a beer at night. Stunning views, route a bit tough in places (and the weather!) but highly recommended.. Keep up the good work.. any alternative locations planned??
Another great Dorset Dash
Another well organised Dorset Dash . Always a enjoyable route. Only criticism I have was the breakfast . Was disappointing for the veggie and vegan options. Looking forward to 2023. Thinking of the 100 for 23 . Thanks. Guys.
Dorset 2022 – a great ride!
Fantastic scenery, fantastic crowd! A tough ride in parts but more importantly, everyone I met on the 50/50 is friendly and up for a chat as you ride along. If you have a spot of trouble, people are always willing to offer advice or offer a helping hand. My only slight gripe was all the vegetarian food was gone when I got to camp but effort was made to find me something to eat.
Can’t wait till the next one!
Rode the Dorset Dash far too many moons ago, and really can’t wait until I can participate again. It’s got a real community can-do spirit, with everyone mucking in and just having a good time. Riding a bike is meant to be fun, and that’s what you remember with the dirt dashes – even as you curse Charlie for throwing in all those hill forts…
Dirt Dashing, it’s a thing!
Beer, Bikes and Cheese, it doesn’t get any better than that……. unless its the Dirt Dash that is! In addition to the holy trinity you get amazing scenery, challenging but enjoyable routes and friendships forged with likeminded people. It’s bloody brilliant!
MEDIA COVERAGE
For all image requests and other media requests email markus {at) dirtdash (dot) cc
Dunoon Dirt Dash
Cateran Dirt Dash
Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash
SPONSORS
If you would like to support the 2024 Dirt Dash events, find out more in your sponsorship proposal (PDF, 3.1MB)