Dorset Gravel Dash 2018

http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/dorset-gravel-dash-5050---2018-13554-p.asp

Anyone doing this, or done it previously? A mate and I have just got tickets, it looks like a lot of fun. Reckon a 32c tyre will be alright or should I take the MTB?

Excited by the idea of deer cooked underground or whatever else they do this year.

I think @Emyr (or his bro?) has ridden it.

I've ridden tracks n trails in the area (fantastic) but never the event.

I'm doing it! On this bike.

Might add some cranks, a chain etc. for improved functionality. I'm doing it with a couple of mates who've done it before, so trusting them to guide me round. One said a CX bike was fine, but he's also done it on an MTB and is taking an MTB this year. I think we're camping then night before.

100 miles on a balance bike!

Might add some cranks, a chain etc.

So vanilla.

My choice is a 29er with gears and bouncy forks that I am not sure is comfy for more than a couple of hours at a time, and currently has no rack or bikepacking bags; or a 3 speed Pompino with rack and basket and 32c slick tyres. Mate's choice is audax type bike with 32cs or full bouncy MTB plus rucksack. I feel like we are probs leaning towards MTBs, having previously had to walk bikes a long way when our tyres were too slick and narrow.

Is 100 miles a long way off road? It feels like it to me. I'm assuming a fair amount of it will be sort-of-roads.

Maybe I should buy a gravel bike cat.jpg

Liking the look of this! I've some brown grips going cheap if you need some. Search 'odyssey' grips and they should show up.

Thanks. I was waiting on another brown pair so will let you know if they fall through. Do you recognize those tyres ;)

Pompino was my backup as well but single speed with 35c CX tyres - ooer. Apparently the course isn't very technical, but you're right - 100 miles seems like it'll take most of the day each day (60/40).

Yeah, I'm in. Niner RLT I think, with mate on a hardtail. Should be good!

Myself and @socialamnesia are in!

I did Gravel Dash on CX with 32c tyres, so it's doable, however it will be much more comfortable and fun ride (especially on rocky downhills) if you are on 29er.

It also passes Puddletown Forest which has some nice MTB trails.

Cheers, that's helpful, will go 29er.

In. Need to get bike bags, sleeping bag + bivvy and all that jazz. Probably use 32c and cross bike or go fixie but might be a few hills around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD-dnxt9gwc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC7hlaGYZvY

Lightning forecast at the moment, could make an interesting first bivvy experience !

Missed this post, but that would be me.

Did an 85 mile Dorset Gravel Drench last year on the Straggler whose frameset I won for DFL the year before...

Took delivery of my new van today, which I'll be driving down on Friday night. Wasn't sure which dash to ride and whether I'd be there or not so I'll see how I feel on Saturday morning and what Charlie wants to find me a slot for.

I can't do this now, so if anyone wants my place I'll do it for £50.

Looking forward to this.

Top bivi tip I learnt from the brother ride a few weeks ago. don't leave bivi open when you go to get pissed during thunderstorm.

I returned to bed too pissed to be bother to empty out said water adn given how waterproof bivi was basically slept in a pool. Considered weeing in it to warm it up. That's how pissed I was.

Quite a few of us from North drinks will be there. say hi.

Considered weeing in it to warm it up. That's how pissed I was.

#rep

Wished I’d seen this earlier. I normally do the Tour of Wessex but decided to give it a miss this year and this would have been a great replacement.

TBH I'm unsure if I did.

This forum's always been full of bedwetters etc

Excited about this now, even if the weather does look sketchy. Gonna have to drag myself out of bed by not long after 5 to make the 8:45 kick off.

Slightly concerned at how difficult two 50 mile off road days will be, having found it pretty hard covering 50 miles over two half days off road in the Gower last weekend. Hoping the surfaces will be a bit tamer in Dorset though.