HUNDREDS of cyclists geared up for a bike ride around north Essex.

Bike Events hosted the Essex Castle Ride in aid of the Essex Wildlife Trust.

The ride started from Castle Park, with a choice of a 25, 50 or 75 mile route.

The shorter route passed through Stour Valley while those taking on the 50 mile ride went through Castle Hedingham and the longest route passed through Finchingfield.

Euan Scott-Batey, from Bike Events, said it was a great day with perfect cycling weather.

He said: “It was a great day, much better than we expected considering the expectation of thunderstorms on the day and all the rain the night before.

“It was fantastic, the ride was in aid of the Essex Wildlife Trust which has been our partner charity for three rides this year.”

He said hundreds of people turned out for the event.

He added: “We had a really big send off with about 60 people starting the early morning ride.

“There were about 400 riders throughout the day and they all had a great time.”

Euan added: “Thankfully there were no accidents of any kind on the day, it was just a great day for cycling.”

To find out more about Bike Events visit www.bike-events.co.uk.