When thinking of the Broads, it is usually boats, windmills and tranquillity which come to mind.
But organisers of an annual cycling festival are confident that bikes will be the latest addition to the stunning landscape after thousands turned out for the summer event.
The third annual Tour De Broads, which took place this weekend, attracted record crowds to ride the picturesque routes around the northern rivers.
Event organiser Luke Rumbelow, 30, said: 'The day was a real success, with many people saying what a wonderful ride it was. To be back by the Broads and feel a part of it was really special.
'And 2,000 people biking along the Norfolk Broads really made bikes feel part of the landscape.'
Starting at Strumpshaw Hall, near Norwich, the three routes allowed everyone from families to serious cyclists to take part – from the three-mile family ride, to the 40-mile 'Challenge' and 70-mile 'Epic' route.
The event was sponsored by Stalham-based Richardson's Boating Holidays and Pedal Revolution and organised by Revolution Events. The Eastern Daily Press is a media partner. A team of 10 from Richardson's Boating Holidays and the EDP took part in the ride too.
Gary Attfield, relationship manager at Archant, this newspaper's publisher, said: 'It was a very well organised event and a beautiful route to take in the Broads. There was an incredible number of people there, all different levels, and it was fantastic to see young people out as well as older and mature riders.'
The event had even sold out of day tickets by 9.20am yesterday, with organisers urging those who could not formally sign up to ride the route, in return for a £10 donation to Macmillan Cancer Research, the ride's official charity.
The Reedham ferry crossing was removed after causing delays on the route last year and a strings of cyclists wound their way through Stalham en route to their lunch break stopping point at the Museum of the Broads.
Museum trustee Trevor Bone, 77, from North Walsham, said it was a busy time as more than 20 volunteers, including family members of the participants and museum workers, helped ensure the riders had a well-deserved break.
It is thought thousands of pounds was raised for cancer charity Macmillan and Love the Broads, an organisation which looks to inspire people to care for the environment.
• For all the information you need to help inspire you to get on your bike this summer, visit www.edp24.co.uk/going-out/summer-of-cycling
• Spotted yourself on the ride? You can buy the photograph. Call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449 or visit
www.edp24.co.uk/buyaphoto
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