Now in its second year, the Tour of the Cornfields, based in South Cambridgeshire, is a cyclo-cross sportive that uses quiet lanes, by-ways and bridleways to offer a 58 mile ride with over 50% of it off-road.

While the organisers say it’s ideal for cyclo-cross bikes, it’s perfectly acceptable to ride it on a mountain bike. The terrain is mostly flat or undulating, injected with some short climbs, so it should suit riders of all abilities.

The organisers promise some new off-road zones, the return of classic sections and a new off-road signage system to improve navigation. The route follows a number of ancient tracks and roads, including the Harcamlow Way and the Icknield Way. Riders will cross through the site of the abandoned medieval village of Clopton.

You can enter online at www.riderhq.com or download an entry form from http://easterncross.users.btopenworld.com/cornfieldssportive2008.htm.

There’s a 175 rider limit and entries are only being taken in advance. The closing date is 18 August.