The CX Sportive season begins this month, with the fourth outing of the Salisbury Saxon CX on November 9th. CX Sportives mix different surfaces throughout their course to create a varied, well-paced and rideable experience that is a refreshing autumn/winter alternative to straight road or MTB riding.

The Salisbury course offers some real physical challenges - there are some big, big climbs - but there are back lanes and drove roads to really get your legs turning over too. CX Sportive courses are designed to work well for any fast, capable all round bike: CX, hardtail MTB, lightweight full-susser, 29er, hybrid, whatever! The course has something for everyone.

When you think Salisbury, you usually think of the Plain, but there's so much more to the area than that. The Saxon course is set in the Chalke Valley, which runs west from Salisbury to Shaftesbury, and it's a hidden gem. The steep sided valley is flanked on both sides by high ridges with drove roads on each, and a network of tracks and lanes connecting them to the valley road below.

The Saxon CX course traditionally throws the toughest terrain at riders in its first third, presenting a faster finishing section at the end of the day. However, there are a good balance of climbs and descents throughout the 80km ride, while the profiles for the shorter 60 and 40km options are a little less severe. The drove roads that form the twin backbones of the course, particularly the northern drove on the return, stand up well in all weathers.

The course area itself is quite stunning, and a treat to ride on autumn day. The crystal clear River Ebble runs through a series of lost-in-time thatch topped villages along the peaceful valley road, while the strenuous climbs to the top of the droves reveal extensive views of the open countryside.

The event starts and finishes at Salisbury Race Course, and you get full route marking, GPS files, electronic timing, feed station support and free CNP energy mix for your ticket price, plus full catering and a warm cafeteria at the start and finish.

For full details and entry, visit cxsportive.com.