Many years ago a group of tough off road cyclists set down the route of the Dorset Dirt. In those days our predecessors had no qualms about tackling the bridleways, byways and old county roads of Dorset on their tourers. These days few off us attempt it without our tough high tech off road mountain bikes.

Over the years little has changed on the high chalk ridges and quiet, wild places of Dorset and the early autumn weather is often perfect for the riders, headbangers and loiterers alike. The first finishers usually show their extreme fitness and cycling skills by returning soon after lunch. Many others enjoy taking their time to appreciate and enjoy the quiet in the sunshine. They will be unlucky if they do not see an enormous variety of wild life from rabbits to deer and pigeons to buzzards. Most years our oldest riders are probably well into their 70’s, and the youngest not yet into his or her teens. We are also pleased that we have a good turnout of women cyclists. Participants come from all over the South of England to start and finish at the Top o’Town café, Dorchester.

See Dorset at its best on this classic 50km off road route. Starting from Dorchester it takes in countryside near to Piddlehinton and Cheselbourne. It then goes west towards the Dorset Gap and along the Wessex Ridgeway to the ‘Gaggle of Geese’ at Buckland Newton for lunch. You then climb Batcombe Hill and return to Dorchester along the high ridge of the chalk downs. We will provide you with a route card at the starting point and will validate it at check points along the way.

It is best if you bring your mountain bike but it is possible to ride it on a robust tourer. You will have a tough ride but will be rewarded by wonderful views, peace and quiet and an abundance of wildlife. This is a reliability ride and we keep the entry fee very low. Because of this please could you note that we do not provide a back up vehicle. Also because most of the marshals cycle to the check points we cannot guarantee to provide refreshments. You should ensure that you take sufficient drink and food. We will do our best to help if you have a problem but you should be prepared to be independent and for example pay for a taxi back if you have a breakdown.