BTFB, I did the Leukemia sponsored ride yesterday to keep a not so regular cyclist friend company and the area may be among your normal rides, I don't know, but the countryside around Great Wakering and Barling is pretty good for cycling. I don't get that way, that often but the traffic was very light considering, if not non-existent. It's not forty miles tho' unless you introduce a bit of a loop.
See the map posted on
http://www.southendbikeathon.co.uk/route.html
You could always from your part of the world do one great big loop Wickford, Hullbridge, Hockley, Ashingdon, Rochford, Barling Loop (Mucking Hall Road), Little/Great Wakering, North Shoebury and then the coast road (Shoebury/Thorpe Bay/Southend/Chalkwell/Leigh on Sea as far as you like West before turning inland again to the return point of your choice? I would probably turn right at the Kursaal on the sea front and make my way North via Sutton Road which runs pretty much all the way back to Rochford.
Interestingly there's some good isolated riding on Foulness Island off to the West, but I think this is a MoD site, unless you're a resident but you might want to make some enquiries; lovely long time trial roads with very little traffic. A couple of nice pubs that way as well.
If you're looking further afield, I used to love doing a day trip out to Mersea Island as a youngster (all by bike). Lovely deserted roads, farmhouses, small towns and a surprisingly lovely beach. Just a thought. You would have to put some mileage in for that one, but that's nothing for you, I'm sure.
Southend Wheelers run out from Canewdon Village Hall at 10.00 am every Sunday and cater for all riders. Usually they do a big loop in the aforementioned areas (and further afield for those a bit hardcore) and come back for tea and cakes. Might be worth a try one Sunday.
