Meet the people behind the Dirt Dashes

The Dirt Dashes are organised by Markus Stitz and Charlie Hobbs. We are are off road cyclists at heart, and both have a proven track record in the events and outdoor industry. Although now a while back, we scooped three awards in the 2015 Bikepacking.com Awards for Best New Route, Best New Ride and Big Trip. Find out more here.

Charlie and Markus on the couch in 2014
Charlie Hobbs and Markus Stitz in Swanage, when Charlie was running his bike shop as Charlie the Bikemonger

Markus Stitz is a filmmaker, journalist and founder of Bikepacking Scotland. He has cycled around the world on a singlespeed bike and has mapped a number of popular bikepacking trails in Scotland and Germany. Markus has a great track record in ultra 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. Markus is the author of Big Rides and Great British Gravel Rides and Bikepacking Scotland.

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

Charlie Hobbs is the founder of the Dorset Gravel Dash, which was the inspiration for the Dirt Dash events. The Gravel Dash has been running successfully from 2013 and was the first gravel cycling event in Britain. Charlie successfully ran ‘Charlie the Bikemonger’ from 2003 – 2019 and is now the merchmonger at much-loved Singletrack Magazine. He also sells Bumbutter, a vegan chamois creme for cyclists and runners.

Charlie at the Dirt Dash in Dorset

What the press says about us & our events

The Guardian on the Dorset Gravel Dash

Road.cc on the Dorset Gravel Dash

Cycling UK on the Dorset Gravel Dash

Surly Bikes on the Dorset Gravel Dash in 2017

Surly Bikes on the Dorset Dirt Dash 2022


Reviews from Dirt Dashers

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 12 reviews)
Excellent83%
Very good17%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Absolutley Outstanding

Rated 5 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

The Surly Dorset Gravel Dash

Rated 5 out of 5
November 12, 2022

Having been coerced many years ago into entering and cycling 100 miles around Dorsets finest Trails, Byways and rural scenic quiet lanes . I can heartily recommend the Gravel Dash as the UK’s finest pub cycling Bikepacking adventure .

It’s a superbly well organised event which has a wonderful camaraderie with fellow entrants enjoying the amazing views and hospitality of the local area provides along the route

I highly recommend the Gravel Dash to anyone wanting a mini adventure and you will all have a story to tell after the event

James Sommerin

Dunoon Dirt Dash 2021

Rated 5 out of 5
November 12, 2022

Tough but enjoyable event. I found it challenging as anything worth doing should be. The riders where a friendly mix of ultra keen experienced riders to I’ll give it a go types ( I’m in the second group ) . Charlie and Markus have organized something unique that you’ll never forget . I strongly recommend it.

Andrew Chamberlin