The Dirt Dashes, bikepacking and gravel events, are organised by Markus Stitz of Dirt Dash Ltd. He is a filmmaker, journalist and founder of Bikepacking Scotland and the Edinburgh Dawn Patrol. Moreover, 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 Stitz in Vietnam
Dirt Dash founder Markus on his round the world trip in Vietnam

Markus has a great track record in ultra cycling and loves sharing his experiences to encourage more people into cycling. Addtionally, he has finished the Highland Trail 550 three times, the Capital Trail twice, the Atlas Mountain Race on a singlespeed, the Silk Road Mountain Race and most recently Mother North.

Furthermore, he has also documented GBDURO by bike and train and most recently cycled cargo bikes from Edinburgh to Erfurt for Christmas and through Norway in winter.

Moreover Markus is the author of Big Rides, Great British Gravel Rides, Bikepacking Scotland, Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire, Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians.

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Dirt Dash Bikepacking and Gravel Events Reviews

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Luigi Ruffin

Cateran dirt dash – year 2

May 13, 2024

Tougher than the previous year with some interesting additions including a forest track that took us through a desolate landscape, and some proper Scottish bog! And a few climbs of course. Brilliant training for some of the sub-Arctic races I do. Loved it. Just sorry I can’t do the other 2 events in the series.

Pat

Dirt Dashing for the first time!

May 13, 2024

Cateran Dirt Dash May 4-5th 2024: thank you Marcus and team! What an amazing experience, the route was definitely challenging enough and varied, such a welcoming crowd. The pizza and set up at Gulabin Lodge was fab, campfires and beautiful setting. On the first day my friend required some assistance and Marcus was on hand to help very quickly. It was my first Dirt Dash and I’m sure it won’t be the last…maybe Dunoon next!

Pamela C

Cateran dirt dash

May 12, 2024

What a superb event the Cateran dirt dash was. The event was really well organised. The route was challenging but fantastic. You never know whats round the next bend or over the next summit. I have already booked for the Dunoon event. What more can I say!

Andy Pringle

Dirt Therapy!

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

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

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

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

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

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


Our Events in the Media

For all media requests email markus {at) dirtdash (dot) cc. Check the individual event pages for more information – Cateran Dirt Dash, Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash and Dunoon Dirt Dash.

Cateran Dirt Dash

Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash

Dunoon Dirt Dash


Sponsorship

Our events are perfect to showcase your products and engage with our audience. If you would like to support the 2026 Dirt Dash events, find out more in your sponsorship proposal (PDF, 2MB).