For the first time in many moons, the majority of my family converged on the Isle of Purbeck, for both a much-anticipated reunion and my mum’s birthday. Somewhat auspiciously, the even sun came out and dappled the land with happiness; suffice to say that much fine cuisine was appreciated, many sea swims ensued, and (in my case) a number of roughstuff bike rides were enjoyed!

Getting there: I hopped on the train from Bristol to Dorchester West (2 hours, relatively bike-friendly), met up with Alex, and then rode the Jubilee Trail, the Dorset ridgeway, and the coastal road to Kimmeridge. Alex continued onwards and slung his hammock in the woods to sleep amongst the forest animals, and I hung out with family, joining him on a couple of rides, while he enjoyed some R&R on the ‘island’. I also met up with Hat, Phil, Gwen and little Moss for a bracing dip at Chapman’s Pool, and a pasty ‘n cider at the Square and Compass. Joy upon joy!

Molly, Airam, and Martyn, part of the talented team behind Tailfin.

Also: you may have spotted a custom Tailfin full framebag, similar to ones built for their R&D division – devised, printed, laser cut, and sewn in their Bristol workshop by Molly, Airam, and Martyn. I look forward to sharing more about its creation at some point.

Oh, and I saw no less than 5 other bikepackers bimbling around the area, too. Nice!

I’m glad to have met Alex, a kindred spirit in both Jones-biking and seeking the bridleway less travelled.

Better than a Windows XP screen saver.

And way better than the A352, wouldn’t you agree?

Did I mention that Alex loves his Spaceframe almost as much as I love mine?

The stuff of summer cycling adventures – sandals, nettly bridleways, wildflowers, elderberries, and blackberry-stained fingers…

The Chute.

The Portal to Narnia.

The next day, I met up with Alex again, to ride to Swyre Head and play the traditional Dorset game of Dodge the Cowpat.

The bridleway to Chapman’s Pool drops steeply down to a gorgeous bay that’s perfect for a bracing swim.

Be sure to highlight and double underline ‘post-swim refuel at the Square and Compass’ on your Purbeck to-do list.

Heaven’s Gate, complete with blackberries and brambles.

Grass Up the Middle, Purbeck Chapter.

And back to Chapman’s Pool the following day too, this time to see Hat, Phil, and family.

Thank you, Moss, for pointing out this enormous ammonite to me, frozen into the shoreline. I’ve never noticed before, despite it being there for millions of years…

My oh my. Doesn’t that Jones go well with your hat and linen shirt, Phil!

I’m not much of a church-goer. Still, the simple, squat, and crepuscular St. Aldhelm’s Chapel, on the very edge of St. Aldhelm’s Head, makes a worthy detour and peaceful chamber for contemplation.

I met up with Alex for one last ride, accompanying him to the Sandbanks chain ferry. From there, he continued onwards, following the recently published Woods Rat Run.

Alex and Corfe Castle, shot on assignment for Alex’s Mom.

A visual representation of the (many, many) hike-a-bikes he ‘enjoyed’ along the infamous Highland 550 bikepacking route, which he rode earlier this summer. Red rag to a bull, I wonder?

Franks Tank, just like it says on the tin.

Following Sustrans 4 across Rempstone Heath.

Back to film?!

Did I mention I’ve been shooting some film? This roll of Sensia slide film has been sitting in my aged Olympus µ[mju:]-II for a decade or two… so let’s see how it turns out!!! I also bought a roll of Ilford HP5 to try next.

The Bikepacking Journal

I’m delighted to have a shot of mine from Ecuador on the cover of this retrospective issue of the Bikepacking Journal, celebrating 10 years of Bikepacking.com. There’s also a story I wrote about solo touring in Peru, during which my heartstrings were tugged at by a dog called Cuy.

I had a quick flick through the issue, and it’s packed with great storytelling of a travelling, two-wheeled persuasion, as well as a deep dive into the history of bikepacking from esteemed Professor Joe Cruz. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!

The Routes

Here’s how we rode from Dorchester West train station to the rolling hills of Isle of Purbeck.

And this is a nice loop around Rempstone Heath, though ideally, it’s best ridden in the opposite direction, to best enjoy a rocky plume of singletrack.

And here’s a link to the Woods Rat Run, over on Bikepacking.com.

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading and any questions, fire away!