Cateran Dirt Dash

The Cateran Dirt Dash is our newest event, a co-operation with the Cateran Ecomuseum in Perthshire and Angus, a self-supported bikepacking event over two days, taking you around the amazing scenery in the Cateran Ecomuseum; the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s only museum without walls. This event has a shorter route than the Dashes in Dorset and Dunoon and entries are limited to only 50 people in 2023.

Entry (£50) includes …

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What to expect from the route in pictures

Here is what 2022 participants said about our Dirt Dash in Dunoon:

‘Really enjoyed the event – it delivered everything that I expected.’
‘A really fun adventure’
‘Massive thank you, amazing riding’

What to expect from the route in film

The Cateran Dirt Dash 5050 is split over two days with an overnight camp.

Here is what else you need to know before entering:

• When: Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 August 2023
• Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping 
• Route: Day 1 – 26 miles (42km) with ca. 1,000 m of climbing, Day 2 – 24 miles (38km) with ca. 500 m of climbing. Some technical sections that require pushing at times.
• Entries: £50 Enter here
• 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 and public roads
• Start: Saturday 10am in Alyth
• Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening in Alyth
• What is provided: Rider briefing, route/file for navigation, campsite, evening meal, breakfast, 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 (shop etc.)
• Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal and breakfast. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free version are available on request. 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 and Transfers: No refunds. You can insure your entry for an additional fee (service is offered by a third party). You can transfer your entry up until the closing date.

Registration & Rider Briefing
You need to register at the event. Registration is open on Saturday 26 Aug from 8am – 9.45am. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 9.45am.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information on refunds etc. 

The event in pictures

How to get there

By train: The closest train station to Alyth is Dunkeld & Birnam, about 20 miles (32 km) from the start. For timetables and fares check the Scotrail website, bikes need to be reserved in advance. We will supply you with a GPX file how to get from there to the start in the rider briefing.

By bus: Ember runs electric bus services from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Dundee, which take bikes for free. Apollo Way, on the outskirts of Dundee, is the closest station to Alyth, and we will supply you with a GPX file how to get from there to the start in the rider briefing. The cycling distance is around 15 miles (25km). You can book tickets and bike spaces here.

Parking: Limited on street parking is available in Alyth.

Here are a few more rules:

• It’s not a race, it’s a reliability trial!
• Stay cool, be nice, don’t hurt yourself or others.
• If you don’t know what is around a corner, assume it’s a steep drop-off.
• Cycling on public roads carries risks and that you are aware of these risks.
• All bicycles in your party will be ridden safely and responsibly at all times.
• You will obey the law. Whilst using public roads, all riders must observe the Highway Code. If cycling off road, please stick to the route and exercise due care to all other users. Stick to the Outdoor Access Code! 
• Cycling at night is more dangerous, all bikes will not be ridden at night unless lights are used.
• A cycle helmet must be used at all times.
• You understand that bicycling is a hazardous activity. You understand that the sport of bicycling and the use of this equipment involve a risk of injury to any and all parts of the user’s body. You agree to freely and expressly assume and accept any risks and all injury to the user of this equipment while bicycling. You understand that bicycle protective gear such as helmets and gloves are recommended, but they do not eliminate the risk and may not reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
• You agree that you will release the organisers from any and all responsibility of liability for injuries or damages or to any other person. You agree not to make a claim against or sue this organiser for injuries or damages relating to this event.
• Don’t be a dick.
• Don’t ever drop litter!
• You allow us to film and photograph you and use those images for promotion or documentation.
• Use public toilets or toilets on the campsite. If not, use a trowel to bury your s’** and stay well away from water for your comfort break.

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