A popular annual cycling event, the SEG's 75 Mile Reliability Cycle Ride will take place later this month.

The race is used by some of the Essex racing community as one of the first 'warm-up' rides of the year, and frequently typically attracts more than 130 riders – despite the weather, which is usually very cold and windy!

This year's ride will take place on February 28.

Originally organised by the Brentwood section of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) Essex DA ('District Association'), the SEG's 75 was formerly known as the 'Jack Sharp Memorial Ride' (aka 'Brentwood 75').

In 2007 the event was, for the first time, run by the South-East Essex Member Group (SEG) of the CTC Essex DA.

Thus the present name, which reflects these changes in organisation.

This year, the route starts and finishes at the Wickford Café Restaurant, 1-7 The Broadway, Wickford, Essex (map reference OS Sheet 178, TQ747936).

It progresses through country lanes to Great Bardfield and back via a series of 5 checkpoints.

The idea behind a 'reliability' ride is for participants to complete the route within one of three time limits (five, six or seven hours).

To this end, there are staggered start times of8.30am, 9am and 9.30am.

Refreshments are available at the start from the Wickford Café Restaurant, which will be open from 8am. Refreshments are also provided at the half-way stage (Great Bardfield Town Hall).

Council-run car-parking facilities (for example the Castle Road car park, SS6 7QD, which is a short walk away) are free to use on Sundays.

Wickford railway station is nearby too.

This event has been organised and run under the rules of the CTC – the UK's national cyclists' organisation, which has been protecting and promoting the rights of cyclists since 1878.

For more details about the CTC, and the events and services it offers, please call 0844 736 8451 or visit www.ctc.org.uk.

Riders are advised to either join the CTC or another cycling club for insurance purposes.

SEG's 75 participants usually belong to either a racing club, or are members of the CTC and thus insured through their club.

The entry fee is £6 for postal entries, or £7 online.

Further details are available at essexcycling.co.uk/events For more information, please contact organiser John Steer on 01702 529638 or segssec@btinternet.com.