Southern Sportive organisers the Cycle Events Organisation, stage their first CX Sportive of the winter this weekend; the Salisbury Saxon CX, from Salisbury Race Course on Sunday (Nov 20th).

CX Sportive events launched in January to great acclaim with their first event from Woodcote in the Chilterns. The Salisbury Saxon joins January’s Woodcote event for a winter 2011/12 where the events seem certain to grow.

The Salisbury Saxon course offers 80km, 60km or 40km route options across the droves and combes west of Salisbury Town. The area is a natural amphitheatre for great riding;  the tiny river Ebble traces the floor of the valley that forms the backbone of a course which winds you constantly up and downs to the north and south.

Ancient drove roads atop each of these downs, along with the narrow valley road,  form the main arteries of the route, while the lanes, tracks and trails between the three  weave in the detail; testing climbs that top out at 20%,  descents that will send your stupid grin count off the scale, and a procession of picture box villages, scenery and sumptuous views.

It’s a full multi terrain and multi bike event, mixing quit lanes with farm tracks, trials and bridleway, open to just about anything you care to ride. It’s ideal for cyclocross bikes, and great for an XC MTB, 29er or hybrid. You could even use an adapted road hack with a change of tyres if you’re feeling hardy, but leave your shiny carbon pride and joy at home for this one.

The event feature the full package of support and organisational attention to detail that the organisers have been bringing to events for some 20 years. Fully marked routes are backed up with detailed maps and GPS files.

Support and feed stations keep you going on the course and RFID timing gives you instant performance feedback at the finish line, and event photographers R&R Photos will record the day. Plus, Whyte Bikes will be on show, with their full demo flee, including their ground-breaking new CX bikes.

You can find out more and book your place at www.cxsportive.com

or call 0118 988 6041 for more details.