Mud, sweat and tears on the Dorset Gravel Dash | Laura Laker

The 100-mile on- and off-road bike-packing event is undoubtedly a challenge, but there is a true sense of adventure

Twenty-two miles from the end of a gruelling, beautiful and intensely varied 100 mile cross-country bike ride through Dorset, the rear derailleur on my bike clacked, pinged and, in the manner of a wounded fly, ended its journey upside down, immobile and missing several parts.

I stood on the dirt track peering down at it, wondering how I'd finish the ride, before my riding buddies set about trying to get me pedalling once more.