AUTUMN RIDES
A Dorset Coast Microadventure
Starting point what3words: goodnight.town.thus
Distance: 10km
Riders: Matt and Alex
Come along to old harry's rocks...
There’s something magical about an autumn ride along the coast—the crisp air, the changing colours, and the quiet hum of nature settling in for the colder months. Recently, our founder, Matt, and his friend, Alex, set out on an adventure that encapsulated the beauty of this season. Their journey took them along the rugged yet inviting landscape of the Dorset coast—a place where the sea meets the land in dramatic fashion, and where every pedal stroke brings you closer to nature.
The ride began on the outskirts of the small village of Ulwell. Parking up by a quiet lay-by, Matt and Alex set off on foot, scaling steep steps that led them to the iconic Obelisk, perched high above the coastline. The effort of the climb was rewarded with panoramic views that stretched as far as the eye could see. Beneath them, the winding ridgeline invited them to ride.
As they saddled up, the journey truly began. The descent down the ridge was nothing short of exhilarating. With the cool breeze at their backs, they sped along the track, the path unfolding like a ribbon before them. Below, Old Harry Rocks jutted out into the sea—a timeless sentinel overlooking the shimmering waters. It was here that they paused, allowing the peacefulness of the place to sink in as they enjoyed a simple picnic. There’s a unique kind of joy in these moments—the feeling of being far away from the world, even though it's only a short ride from where they started.
Once rested, they ventured westward along the coast. The terrain changed to a singletrack gravel track winding toward the quaint village of Studland. It was the kind of path where time slows, and all you notice is the soft crunch of tires on earth and the distant sound of the sea. With 90% of their route off-road, they felt safe and free to explore without worry, allowing the ride to unfold naturally, as it always should.
As they cycled through Studland, the charm of the village greeted them—a handful of houses, a stretch of coastline, and the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. There’s a sense of timelessness here, a kind of tranquility that you only find when you wander slightly off the beaten path. They curved back toward the Swanage road, the golden hour casting long shadows and illuminating the landscape in soft hues.
Although it was only a short ride—an hour and a half, covering around 10 kilometers—it was packed with the kind of experiences that make cycling so rewarding. The ridgeline descent, the meandering paths, the quiet village—each added its own layer to the journey.
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TOOLS FOR THE JOB
For Matt, the bike was as much a part of the adventure as the landscape itself. Riding the Temple Adventure Disc 1, he described it as feeling “capable, planted, and agile.” Whether navigating the gravel track or cruising through village roads, the bike felt in its element—reliable and responsive, the perfect companion for a coastal ride.
This route is manageable for all skill levels, meaning anyone can experience the beauty of this coastal adventure. So, why not set out on your own autumn ride? Adventure is just a pedal stroke away.
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