Entries open for The Surly Dorset Gravel Dash 100
100 miles of seaside gravel in one day or two
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Riders meet new friends at weekend long event
The most hardcore race on the calendar is back
Watch this year's round up video to find out...
With a price and spec to rival other direct buy brands
The 2018 Surly Dorset Gravel Dash is on Saturday 26th May 2018 to Sunday 27th May 2018. Created by local bike shop keeper Charlie the Bikemonger, it has a somewhat unique approach and also won awards for being the “Best New Event” too.
A 100 mile gravel event that starts and finishes at a pub by the seaside in Dorset in the summer, waht could be better? And if 100 miles of mixed terrain looks daunting, you can do it over two leisurely days with an overnight camp out, where wild animals and amazing foraged food is served with beer and lots more.
What bike is best? Charlie the Bikemonger explains: “There is no bike that is ideal. You see, on the Surly Dorset Gravel Dash you will find everything from technical descents to damned fast gravel and old railway lines, all garnished with magnificent sea view and ancient hill forts. We have seen fixed wheel, single speed, cross bikes, gravel bikes, lots of mountain bikes and plenty of fat bikes… and they all had a great time. We are however still waiting for our first tandem entry” - any taker?!
The 50:50 overnight option is the most popular as it’s a great adventure packed into one weekend. The food is amazing, the campfire atmosphere is very chilled and friendly and the location is stunning. All they ask you to do is bring minimal camping gear on your bike.
The time and place is remarkable. Swanage is an old Victorian seaside holiday town which makes it ideal for abandoning your partner and children whilst you have a mini adventure. What’s more it coincides with the Purbeck Pirate Festival where the town is taken over by pirates, and there is no shortage of things to see and do. Plus on the Friday evening, legendary round the world cyclist Markus Stitz is giving an engaging account of a bikepacking journey less ordinary, presented with pictures, videos and stories from the road, sometimes tragic, most times funny. And finally, with it being a bank holiday weekend, you have all day Monday to savour the experience and get home.
Book here - www.charliethebikemonger.com, it's £40 for the 100 mile in a 'oner' option and £80 for the 50:50 camping weekender.
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