For most cyclists the South Downs conjures images of Ditchling Beacon: the last hurdle on the annual London to Brighton ride, and a highlight of local sportives like the Puncheur. It's featured in the Tour of Britain, and even in the Tour de France.
But there's more to the Downs than Ditchling; venture off road onto the network of trails and tracks that interlace the steep chalk hillsides, and a cyclists' playground awaits amid the ancient forts and barrows of this richly storied landscape.
The CrossBones gravelcross sportive on Saturday 11 November promises an intriguing taster of some of the South Downs' best off-road cycling. Starting near Worthing and part of the Kinesis UK Gravelcross Series, CrossBones is a mixed terrain sportive offering cyclists with a taste for adventure a chance to explore the South Downs off-piste.
Course designer Phil Harrison from CX Sportive has over 30 years of event organisation under his belt. The CrossBones ride draws on this experience, along with feedback from knowledgeable local cyclists on their favourite tracks, to provide a flowing course that should offer something for everyone:
"The finished circuit features a choice of three distances from 35-75km, taking in the best mix of the superb tracks, trails and hills that the area has to offer, including climbs over Cisbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring and a mix of riding from the top of the South Downs Way, practically down to the river Arun."
Sounds awesome - but what sort of bike will you need?
The Kinesis UK Gravelcross Series is designed with the new generation of gravel/adventure bikes in mind (like Kinesis UK's Tripster models), but CX Sportive say the events are open to anyone on any off-road capable bike.
"The aim of the events is to put on courses that are varied, fast paced, challenging and exciting," say the organisers.
"You can ride them on gravel bikes, MTBs, pretty much any bike you fancy. CrossBones doesn't feature that much tarmac, but the tracks we've chosen have been picked to keep your pace on and keep the ride interesting. Different parts of the route will play to different bike's strengths, but it should be a blast whatever you ride!"
Apart from the mixed terrain, CrossBones will feature all the trimmings you'd expect from a road sportive. The route will be fully and clearly marked for easy navigation, and as with all events in the series, you'll get well-stocked feed stations, rider and mechanical support, maps, GPS files, full catering at the event HQ in Patching, electronic rider timing and Gold, Silver or Bronze finishers' medals to aim for based on your target pace.
There will also be chance to take a hands on look at series sponsors Kinesis UK's Tripster ATR and new Tripster AT models. Even more excitingly, there's the chance to ride with some Sportive.com reporters - four of us will be there on the day to see what all the muddy fuss is about.
For full details and to sign up, go to www.cxsportive.com.
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