Dorset Gravel Dash 5050 2027
29 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
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 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 29/30 May 2027. 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.
New to bikepacking? This really is the perfect starting place as we have excellent back up support. So, if you need a lift to camp, we have you covered. The vibe is very friendly and everyone is welcome.
Please also check out the Kinesis UK Dorset Gravel Dash 100 mile for a proper one-day gravel challenge. And the easier going Doret Gravel Dash 100km (63 miles) one day ride.
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 29 May to Sunday 30 May 2027
- Format: non-timed, self-supported reliability trial with overnight camping
- Route: around 152km with 2000m of climbing. Route subject to changes
- Entries: £99
- 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 38mm. Your bike needs to be in good working and legal order.
- E-bikes: E-bikes are welcome. Your bike needs to be legal. Bring your charger and a lock. For more info on E-bikepacking the 50:50 CLICK HERE.
- Terrain: Singletrack, gravel paths, forestry roads, public roads, cycle paths
- Start: 8am 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, breakfast, vehicle support.
- Camping: We provide a nice place to pitch your tent with other riders, toilets, drinking water supply, and catering. There are no other facilities on site (shop etc.), but we will have an evening bar.
- 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. Toilet Roll. You need to carry all your own kit
- Insurance: All riders are covered by third party insurance for the duration of the event. The cost of this is included in your entry fee. This does not cover any ‘Rider on Rider’ incident, or personal injury, personal possessions etc. Organisers cannot take responsibility for loss or damage of personal possessions during the event. You should arrange your own insurance if you require this.
- 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 30 cars, and we may charge a small fee. Details to follow.