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Organiser's Description

The Kinesis UK Dorset Gravel Dash 5050 is the original UK gravel and bikepacking adventure, established back in 2014.

Join us for one or two days of adventure on the best trails in Dorset, England.

It is a self-supported bikepacking event on the Isle of Purbeck around Swanage, split over two days with an overnight camp on 24/25 May 2025. The event is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Dorset and the Jurassic Coast with fine gravel riding, camaraderie, camping and castles.

Please also check out the Kinesis UK Dorset Gravel Dash 100 for a proper one-day gravel challenge. 

More information about all Gravel Dash events can be found at www.dorsetgraveldash.co.uk.

The basics you need to know before entering:

  • When: Saturday 24 May to Sunday 25 May 2024
  • Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping 
  • Route: around 152km with 2000m of climbing. Route subject to changes
  • Entries: £95
  • 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 on teh route, however there will be a generator at the overnight camp) with a minimum recommended tire size of 40mm. Your bike needs to be in good woerking order.
  • Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads, cycle paths
  • Start: 9am Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Near Swanage, BH19 3LF, UK
  • Finish: Sunday afternoon/evening at the Square & Compass. You must arrive at camp, and at the finish for 8pm each day.
  • What is provided: rider briefing, route for navigation, campsite & evening meal, 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 on site (shop etc.)
  • Food: Riders will be provided with a complimentary evening meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free version are available on request (please let us know when you sign up). 
  • 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: No refunds, but you can insure your entry. You can transfer your entry up until the closing date free of charge and are welcome to transfer the entry between similar events

How to get there

We highly encourage you to take the train or cycle to the event. If you cycle in, you're extending your adventure by a couple of days, and don't clogg up the roads. Pretty cool, eh?

By bike: Swanage area is accessed from the east via the Sandbanks Ferry from Bournemouth and Poole area. It's about £1 each way for a foot passenger and an additional £1 for the bike and runs until around 11pm. www.sandbanksferry.co.uk

From the west and north, just ride into town via Corfe Castle.

From the south…. Well that will be France then. Cross-channel ferries sail into Poole harbour daily.

By train: You will find the nearest mainline station is Wareham, about 10 miles to the north. Poole, Branksome and Bournemouth have stations around 10-12 miles away, but you will need to take the Sandbanks ferry across the harbour entrance and onto the 'Isle'. Check out the ferries times here. For rail enquiries check here.

By car: Swanage is accessed from the east via the Sandbanks Ferry from Bournemouth and Poole area. It’s £5.20 each way for a vehicle and runs until around 11pm. As a driver you can also expect delays of up to several hours during peak bank holiday times. More info at www.sandbanksferry.co.uk.

From the west and north, just drive into town via Corfe Castle.

From the south…. Well that will be France then. Cross-channel ferries sail into Poole harbour daily.

Parking:  You should ride in from your campsite or hotel, it’s only a short spin out of Swanage. Campsites such as Acton Fields and Tom’s Field are very close by.

But we do have a parking field next to the wooden henge (yes, it has it’s own “wood henge”). It will be limited to around 80 cars, and we may charge a small fee. Details to follow.

Accommodation
For accommodation please visit the Virtual Swanage website, where you will find everything from camping to fine hotels.

Registration & Rider Briefing
Registration is open on Saturday 24 May from 7.00am. All riders MUST attend a rider briefing at 8.30am.

Here are a few more rules:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • It's not a race.
  • Don’t be a dick.
  • You allow us to film and photograph you and use those images for promotion or documentation.

Prices

UntilDiscounted*Standard
22 May 2025 23:00£90.00£95.00

*Discounted for members of Cycling UK

For each sign-up, the organiser pays the Service Fee of 4% (min 50p). You pay no surcharge

Dates and Status

Start: 24/05/2025 09:00:00

End: 25/05/2025 20:00:00

Status: Open

Total Places: 200

Organiser

Charles Henry Hobbs

+447540383768

Square & Compass Worth Matravers, Near Swanage BH19 3LF UK