Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first timer?

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Stevemorg
Posts: 654
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:40 pm

Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first timer?

Post by Stevemorg »

My wife has decided to give this bike packing lark a go. I'd like to try something thats likely to have OK weather (it means I can carry less kit) and have come across the Gravel dash at the end of May.

Is it suitable for a first timer (the 2 day 50+50 option) ?
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ballibeg
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2018 7:11 pm

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by ballibeg »

Never been but it looks great! I'm checking my time off......
chris n
Posts: 608
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:38 am

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by chris n »

Did the 100 last year - it rained for about half the ride so good weather not guaranteed. Not very gravelly in places either, but a good route and great fun.
wriggles
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Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:52 am
Location: Dumfries & Galloway

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by wriggles »

Have done the 50/50 a couple of times. Its great.

If not been to Purbecks, then worth it for that as a very pretty area with lots to look at. Route follows the coast for a bit which is stunning. Riding isnt technical at all, apart from a couple of places. Takes in most of the classic Purbecks trails. That part of the south coast seems to have own micro climate, so even if wet, its very mild.

The overnight camp is a field with a big fire, a bit of woodland and a long drop in the corner. The food is excellent. Think Venison wrapped in nettles and wild garlic slow cooked in a pit for 12 hours. A pleasant evening sat round the fire chatting.

People doing it are all very friendly and as its a set route, there are plenty of people to chat to on the way round. Route passes several pubs for refreshment on the way and most people stop for a pint at each.

Try and get into the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers on Friday night. One of the best pubs in the country :-bd
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Richard G
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Location: South Wales

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by Richard G »

Yeah, it's an amazing ride. Tough in places, but what's the worst that can happen... you just get off and push for a bit.
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ballibeg
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2018 7:11 pm

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by ballibeg »

That's me and a pal signed up. Heading down from West of Scotland in case anyone needs a lift.

Dave
Tomwoodbury
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Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by Tomwoodbury »

Myself and a friend are going, and it will also be our first bikepacking experience. We did the bikemonger bimble in 2016 which was also around the purbecks over one day. Lovely route and we had a right laugh drinking with Charlie and a few other really friendly participants that night. Can’t wait!
sbcoombs
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:05 pm

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by sbcoombs »

I am planning to ride the 50/50, although it might be my first outing after 2 months off the bike.
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Kumquat
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Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:14 am

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by Kumquat »

Yes
Did this last year
Good fun.
Hilly first day, flat second.
Take hardly anything. You will probably have a hangover.
Good food.
Beware the long cut.
Grubby little urchin.
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gordonbennett
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Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:28 am

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by gordonbennett »

Well, this has come around quick, I feel mightily unprepared!

Also booked for Markus Stitz on the Friday night - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/markus-s ... ehomesaved

Anyone else going?
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ballibeg
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Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2018 7:11 pm

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by ballibeg »

Yup, 2 of us heading south from Argyll, talk as well. Ideally I'd like to hammock but doubt I'll be quick enough to bag a hang.

Weather looks ok, dry but windy.
Dr Nick
Posts: 350
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:14 pm
Location: Hay-on-Wye

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by Dr Nick »

I am and so is pickers. And the talk. :-bd
Not so much a gravel grinder.... more a gravel (mud and tarmac) groveller...
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Specialist Hoprocker
Posts: 320
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 9:31 am
Location: Deepest Darkest Surrey

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by Specialist Hoprocker »

Yep, I'll be there for the 3rd time. Totally suitable for a first timer.
sbcoombs
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:05 pm

Re: Charlie's Dorset Gravel Dash - suitable for a first time

Post by sbcoombs »

I’ve managed to swing it so I can get there early on Friday. I wish I had bought tickets for Marcus Stitz now but he’s sold out.
Looking forward to the ride. This fine weather has ended the tent or tarp dilemma.
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