The Dorset Dakar

This is a pre-booked event only and is limited to 50 riders.  To take part, you must register below; there is no entry on the day without a booking!

PLEASE NOTE : We have had to change the start location.  It is no longer at Compton Abbas Airfield but a few miles away at Win Green Visitors Car Park. Please see the map below.  Ways to find it:

• • OS Landranger Map 184  ST 924 204
  • latitude and longitude : 50.98368779186676, -2.110224788280277
  • Google Maps : XVMQ+CQ, Salisbury SP7 0ES
  • what3words : ///steam.bucks.loafing

The Dorset section are pleased to announce the second staging of their annual off-road event-

The Dorset Dakar!

Designed to be a gentle-ish introduction to riding trails and very much with the novice rider in mind, you are invited to join us for 10.00am (with an 10:30am departure) on Saturday 8^th July at Win Green Visitors Car Park. Riders will be sent off in buddy pairs with the route comprising a mixture of on and off-road sections (several novice volunteers, riding a variety of bikes, have already tested this run, fear not!), with part-way refreshments provided by Dorset section and finishing at the Fox and Goose pub in Coombe Bissett for a well-earned drink!

The outward route is approximately 28 miles, with a number of bail-out points should you decide it’s all too much and would rather head straight to the pub finish. The return route can be the reverse or, if you prefer, there is a picturesque road route from Coombe Bissett back to the start via the Ebble valley taking in Broad Chalke, West End, Alvediston and Berwick St John.

Finally, this event is subject to good weather.  If it rained all the previous week, some of the tracks would be very muddy.  So please do check this website before turning up at the airfield of the 8th.

The Section is asking for a contribution of £5 towards run expenses.

Now, read the FAQs below, followed by the Dos and Don’ts and then reserve your place with the blue “Book Your Place!” button.

FAQs:

Do I need to be an experienced off-roader to participate?  Absolutely not! We encourage riders of all abilities to have a go and it is aimed at novices. A lot of the off-road section is over well-surfaced trails and any really tricky sections can usually be crossed walking alongside your bike, if necessary.

Do I need a pukka off-road bike? We feel that any lighter weight road bike with reasonable ground clearance should be able to participate with care. Of course, trail-type machines remain the ideal choice. Feel free to ask the run organisers for their advice.

Is it a race?  Absolutely NOT! The idea is for members to enjoy an off-road riding experience, taking as much time as necessary to complete the course, or as much of it as they feel comfortable with.

How many routes are there? There is only one route for 90% of the run. However, there are options between the Easy and Very Easy indicated by direction markers and the final part of the run (3 miles) splits into three final sections depending on your skill level: Beginner (tarmac), Intermediate (rough ground) or Expert (ford and narrow, overgrown hill climb).

Will there be a route sheet? At the start, the OS Map 184 (Landranger Series) will be available for inspection. In addition, the route will be marked on the morning of the run with triangle direction markers. SatNav GPX files will also be available.

Do I need a VMCC eligible bike to take part?  It is preferred but not essential.

Can family and friends watch?  Of course, the route is clearly marked and everyone is welcome to join in at the pub.

Does my bike need to be Taxed and Insured?  Yes. All the byways and roads are classed as public roads, so your bike needs to be legal.

Can I park my trailer / van / motorhome at the start?  We hope so, but we do not yet have permission to do this.  Please check back here nearer the time.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do invest in the OS 184 Map (LandRanger Series)
• Do be courteous to other trail users
• Do give way to all other trail users
• Do wear appropriate clothing
• Do stop and take lots of photographs
• Do enjoy our en-route hospitality
• Do fill up with petrol beforehand (nearest petrol is in Barford St Martin SP3 4AD)
• Do provide your own recovery as the Section is unable to help. Breakdown recovery vehicles will not be able to access certain parts of the route. It is suggested you ride in buddy pairs.
• Don’t speed along- it’s not a race
• Don’t have an excessively loud exhaust- it irritates other trail users