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.

Markus Stitz in Vietnam
Markus on his round the world trip in Vietnam

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!


The 2023 Dirt Dashes in a short film.

REVIEWS

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 14 reviews)
Excellent86%
Very good14%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Dirt Therapy!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 21, 2023

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.

Sprinty McGinty

Scottish Double Dirt Dash

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 21, 2023

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.

Jim – Bored Man – Brown

Absolutley Outstanding

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 28, 2023

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.

Ian Roe

Dorset gravel dash

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 20, 2022

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.

Louis Haskell

The right attitude

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 17, 2022

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.

Simon Waddell

Dunoon Dirt Dash 2022

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 15, 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??

Stu B

Another great Dorset Dash

Rated 4.0 out of 5
November 13, 2022

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.

Kevin Simons

Dorset 2022 – a great ride!

Rated 4.0 out of 5
November 13, 2022

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.

Mr P.

Can’t wait till the next one!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 12, 2022

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…

Sam Jones

Dirt Dashing, it’s a thing!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 12, 2022

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!

Dave Moore


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)