The Autumn Skylark Sportive is just around the corner, taking place on September 28. The event HQ is in the town of Marsden, close to the M62 and the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, deep in the hills of the South Pennines.

With places still available, this is a great opportunity to end your cycling summer on a laid-back note at what promises to be a highly enjoyable day in the saddle.

There are three route options – 50, 80 and 115-kilometres - and with a flat entry fee of £25, the organisers are happy for you to decide on the day which of the routes you want to follow.

The 50 and 80km options are both just shorter versions of the full 115km loop, with well-signed deviations at 45 and 60km, allowing you to choose longer or shorter options along the way, depending on weather and fitness.

Start times are flexible too, with the first riders released at 8am and the last at 11am. Simply turn up, sign on and choose your own departure time. But don’t forget to check in with the official starter before you leave.

The routes take in several key Tour de France climbs – including Holme Moss and Cragg Vale – but also a network of minor roads and lanes that take you far away from traffic and civilization. There are only two roundabouts on the entire route, which sums up just how rural most of it is.

But there are also frequent villages and small towns to stop in and make cafe stops, along with well-stocked feeds on all three routes. Back at the event HQ – a small upland golf club – there will be a hot meal of pie and peas waiting for you when you get back.

The event website – www.skylarksportive.com – includes lots of extra detail on the event, including videos of critical parts of the route, guides to the major climbs and detailed maps of the routes.