Dunoon Dirt Dash

The Dunoon Dirt Dash offers two different events on the same weekend on 23/24 September. The Dunoon Dirt Dash 5050 is a self-supported bikepacking event over two days, while the Dunoon Dirt Dash 100 is the ultimate one day gravel grinder. Both take you around the amazing scenery on the Cowal Peninsula near Glasgow. Our events are the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty Scotland’s Adventure Coast with fine gravel riding, camaraderie, camping and castles.

This is what 2022 participants said about the event.

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

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Plus, in the overnight 5050 (£95) …

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

What else you need to know before entering:

• When: Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 September 2023
• Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping 
• Route: Day 1: 80km with ca. 1,500m of climbing, Day 2: 50km with ca. 900m of climbing. Some technical sections.
• Entries: £95 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, public roads and cycle paths
• Start: Saturday 9am at Argyll Hotel
• Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at Argyll Hotel
• 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.) Check out pictures from the campsite here
• Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal and breakfast by Winston Churchill Venison. 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 23 Sep from 7am – 8.45am at Argyll Hotel. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 8.45am at Argyll Hotel.

What else you need to know before entering the Dorset Dirt Dash 100:

• When: Sunday 24 Sep 2023
• Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial
• Route: around 160km with ca. 2,900m of climbing
• 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 with a minimum recommended tire size of 40mm, which must be in good working order
• Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads, cycle paths
• Start: 7am start at Argyll Hotel Dunoon
• Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at Argyll Hotel Dunoon
• What is provided: rider briefing, route for navigation, broom wagon
• Minimum kit: Helmet, front and rear lights, sufficient water, emergency blanket, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, phone or GPS for navigation, multitool, spare tube, tire levers, puncture repair kit. You need to carry all your own kit.
• Insurance: You will need your own insurance.
• Refunds: 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 Sunday 24 Sep from 6am – 6.45am at Argyll Hotel. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 6.45am.

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

The event in pictures

Check out the images from the 2022 Dunoon Dirt Dash here

How to get there

We highly encourage you to take the train or cycle to the event.

By bike: You can take both ferries from Gourock to Dunoon. There’s a regular ferry service from Hunter’s Quay to McInroy’s Point. Please check Western Ferries for timetables and fares. Alternatively you can take the passenger ferry from Gourock to Dunoon Pier, which has limited bike spaces. Please check the Calmac website for timetables and fares.

By train: Dunoon has no train station, but you can take the train to Gourock to connect with the ferry to Dunoon. For timetables and fares check the Scotrail website and Calmac website for ferry times.

By car: Dunoon is situated on the Cowal Peninsula. If you are coming from the South or East, there’s a regular ferry service for cars from Hunter’s Quay to McInroy’s Point. Please check Western Ferries for timetables and fares. From the North and West best use the A815 which takes you to Dunoon. Alternatively you can leave your car in Gourock and take the passenger ferry from there to the Dunoon Pier. Please check the Calmac website for timetables and fares.

Parking: Free parking is available in Dunoon – Information about parking can be found here

Accommodation
For accommodation please visit the Dunoon Presents website.

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.
• Help us prevent the spread of a tree disease called “Phytophthora ramorum”! Make sure you wash bikes and shoes at the stations provided and clean all equipment when you get home!

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