You made it!

Yes it’s only 47.5 miles!
But you did it and for the average recreational cyclist it’s a good days ride! Anyone determined to do 50 miles can ride round and round the car park!

Time now to relax
Time now to relax, collect your finishers certificate, curse Creech Hill, chat with other riders and complain about the weather - too hot or too cold - and enjoy a well earned cup of tea and something to eat in the Top o Town Café!

The collection
All finisher’s can collect their certificate to say they completed the ride and we invite you to contribute to our collection for our local South West Dorset Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. All monies collected will benefit local people!

So who organises the ride?
Anne and Peter Robinson who own and run Dorchester Cycles with the assistance of their son James Robinson and daughter Mandy Edwards. The ride is organised for the benefit of our Customers, Friends and indeed anyone who cares to come and join us! Peter has MS hence the collection beneficiaries!

When was the first ‘Great Dorset’?
Dorchester's Ambulance Station staff started the 'Great Dorset' back in 1979, after being inspired by the Brighton Cycle Run and thinking it would be fun if Dorchester had its own event! The original route went all the way to Poole, stopping at Baiter Park for lunch, then over The Sandbanks Ferry and back through Studland, a ride of 60 miles! The original ride attracted 50 cyclists with 200 riding it the second year and 300 in the third year. Not long after Dorchester Cycles started running the event in the early 90's we changed the ride to its current route due to the increase of traffic on the roads. Sandford Lane was particularly busy and we were worried about a cyclist being injured on the busy roads. So we cut out the Poole/Purbecks section and took over 10 miles off the route. Although a little controversial at the time we now believe the ride is safer and more family friendly.

Next year?
We hope the weather was kind and that you enjoyed the ride, see you next year? As always the ‘Great Dorset’ will be on the first Sunday in June – see you then.

James Robinson - March 2011 - Cycle safely!

Dorchester Cycles
31 Great Western Road
Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UF
Tel: 01305 268787