What a comeback! One of Tendring's most popular events returned in style with hundreds of riders taking to the roads of the District.

More than 700 people climbed into the saddle to take part in either a 20 mile or 50 mile route through picturesque countryside.

It was a triumphant return for the event which took a breather last year - and the feedback from those taking part was excellent.

The Tour was organised by Tendring District Council (TDC) with its partners Essex County Council and NHS North East Essex and was billed as a fun day for all the family.

With the weather staying fine and dry, that was just the way it turned out.

Councillor Carlo Guglielmi, TDC's Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships and Renewal, was one of a number of Councillors to go along and support the event.

"It was a fantastic day and we were very lucky with the weather which was the icing on the cake," he said.

"They had forecast a few showers but luckily we didn't have a drop of rain all day. People literally turned out in their hundreds and really enjoyed themselves and it was all part of the Council's ongoing commitment to provide popular fun and active events for all ages."

Cllr Guglielmi added a big thank you to TDC's Leisure Services and the Princes Theatre team for organising the event in such a professional manner.

"They made sure all the attractions and services were laid on to perfection, including the French stilt cyclists who were a smash hit with all the youngster residents," he said.

About 150 riders set off at 8am - sent on their way by TDC Chairman Nick Turner - and the rest headed off at 10am with Vice-Chairman John Brown looking after proceedings.

Local Piper James Cole was also on hand to get the day underway and it was completed by the Harwich British Legion Brass Band at about 4.30pm.

In between there was a host of entertainment laid on at the site of the start and finish at Dovercourt Swimming Pool.

It included local bands, Drumz Kool African drumming group along with face painting, bungee trampolines, BMX and skateboarding skills and much much more.

One of the major hits was Firstsite's Artbus which attracted around 250 people which was the most youngsters they had ever had at one event.

Lee Pugh, TDC's Theatre and Entertainments Manager, said he was delighted with the way everything had gone.

"We had a large number of riders register on the day once they realised the weather was going to be ok and the comments we got back were so positive and encouraging," he said.

"Everyone was glad to see the Tour back on the road and they were amazed to see so many people still at the site when they finished their ride. It was a success in so many ways."

The first riders to return were Charlie McCarthy, John Fairbrother and Nigel Smith.

Registration was handled for the first time by Bike Events.

6/6/09