The Marin Beyond Road is a new 50-mile endurance ride to be held as part of the Zappi’s Gran Fondo in Oxfordshire on Sunday, July 30.

The new route comprises a 50:50 mix of Tarmac and dirt roads, so it’s suitable for gravel and cyclo-cross bikes. There’s nothing to stop you turning up on a regular mountain bike too, if a day out in the glorious Cotswolds appeals. And why wouldn’t it?

The Beyond Road ride takes its inspiration from Italy’s Strade Bianche Eroica Pro event. Organiser Flavio Zappi wanted a Cotswolds equivalent of the famously brutal road race that takes in the gravel tracks ('strade bianche' or white roads) of Tuscany. The Strade Bianche’s calendar slot means it often suffers appalling weather — let’s hope the Cotswolds in July will be kinder.

Sponsor Marin will also be putting on a demo of its Beyond Road bikes, so if you’re considering adding a drop-bar bike to your fleet, here’s a chance to try one out.

The Zappi’s Gran Fondo Marin Beyond Road ride kicks off at 7:30am at Kirtlington Polo Club, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 3JQ.

For more information see granfondo.zappis.cc.