The recent upturn in weather will have given sun-starved riders renewed motivation and the chance to tackle the South Downs Sting CX Sportive on Sunday March 9 may appeal to many.
With entries available on the day, the sportive – based at Duncton – takes in tarmac lanes, farm tracks and bridleways and sections of the iconic South Downs Way.
A perfect opportunity to clock some early miles as the sportive season begins in earnest, the the South Downs Sting offers the chance to take in a variety of terrains.
Three distances are on offer, from 50km through to 80km, with the latter boasting 1,400 metres of climbing.
The routes are designed to allow for any bike with even the slightest off-road capability to be used, with 29ers and high-quality hybrids among those recommended by organisers.
For more details, visit www.cxsportive.com or www.southernsportive.com.