CYCLISTS are gearing up for the big Tendring bike race of the year.
Hundreds of riders are set to take part in this year's Tour de Tendring this weekend.
But when the event first began, in 1992, more than 1,000 people joined in.
In 1997 there was a record number of entries topping a staggering 1,300 cyclists.
The early days of the annual ride also saw money raised for the RNLI and the distances were much longer with a 20, 50 or 100 mile route on offer.
Mark Platt, Tendring Council's leisure boss, said: "The Tour de Tendring is a wonderful spectacle.
"The sight of 1500 plus riders of all ages setting out on the ride is one of the highlights of the Tendring year; and with the added bonus of the Women’s Tour preceding the event, this year has all the hallmark of the best one ever."
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