Photos from The Dorset Dakar 2024

I think the Dorset Dakar is one of our best events, even if you don’t actually ride the route just being out in the beautiful countryside makes for a very pleasant day out. Although it felt like winter when we arrived at Compton Abbas Airfield the weather did improve.

The ford at Stratford Tony was pretty deep this year with only one rider able to go through ‘feet up’, some others took an early bath, with one bike completely submerged! Particularly gratifying to see two Moto Morini’s not only completing the route but also crossing the ford. Who said Italian electrics are rubbish?

Thankyou very much to Andrew for organising the event with able assistance from Ray, the necessary amount of cake consumed in the planning meetings should not be taken lightly.

Andrew’s report is below.

Well that was Dorset Dakar No 3 and somehow I managed to really upset the Gods of Weather with steady rain for 24 hours prior and heavy showers and strong winds during, the only upside being just as we arrived at the Fox & Goose the Sun shone and the showers desisted. So to all of you who came along very well done as the conditions on the Green Lanes were challenging with plenty of water, mud and slippery chalk and the ford at Stratford Tony was seriously deep and a tree had blown down during the night requiring a degree of violence to make a gap for motorcycles. The ride was tougher than I had planned: congratulations on making it to the finish! Our symbolic Clovelly Spoon award was presented to Kirsty Green, whose machine was not particularly unsuitable (the normal category,) elected the Dorset Dakar as her very first venture onto Green Lanes, I am sorry it was such a baptism of fire, a spoon very well deserved.

I regret that one point has been brought to my notice, which is disappointing, and that is a very few riders appeared not to heed my pleas about going slowly and being considerate to all other users of the green lanes. At least one walker and canine were made anxious by speedy passes. To stop this we will have to review how the Dorset Dakar is run!

Last but by no means least thank you to Ray & Linda, David & Tom at the start. Pippa & Paul for the Pop up Cafe. Ken for riding as ‘tail end Charlie’ and Fay & Andy whose van voluntarily carried out two rescues saving the day. Finally, Colin who was volunteered in his absence to assist with route marking which proved more exciting than planned, enjoy the photos.

Andrew

Thankyou to David Johnson-Newell for additional photos at the start, Paul Wirdnam at the pop up cafe, and Ray at The Fox and Goose.

AT COMPTON ABBAS AIRFIELD