CYCLISTS are gearing up to strip off and saddle up for a naked ride through Clacton.

A swarm of riders will bare all as the controversial World Naked Bike Ride returns to the town on July 23.

Daring participants will start out in Marine Parade West at 2pm.

Organisers say the head-turning ride-out was set up as an environmental protest – celebrating the bicycle and the body and raising awareness of bike safety on the roads.

They challenge participants to: “Come as bare as you dare.”

Robert Brown, organiser of the Clacton event, said: “We never know how many are going to show up to take part until the day, but it has been rising each year.

“We always get an amazing reaction from people in Clacton as we go past.

“People actually ask me when we’re coming back. We’re getting more supporters every time.”

Robert says the riders do get some negative comments, but they know their rights and are sending a positive message.

He added: “Some people say they hope it rains on us. Well we will still do it – I’ve done rides in all weathers.

“Some people say it’s wrong, but we think it promotes a positive body image.

“There was a little bit of controversy a few years ago where the council tried to ban us, but the law is on our side.

“We are not doing anything wrong and the police know that. We never have any problems.

“Most people appreciate the message we are trying to send and having nudity at the heart of it makes it very powerful.”

It is the fourth time the annual event has come to Clacton. This year it will be completed with a naked after party at Hope’s Bar – open to everyone.