Cruising the Broads by boat may be the traditional way to take in its beauty and tranquillity – but it's not the only way.
Organisers of the third annual Tour de Broads Festival have unveiled the routes keen cyclists and have-a-go pedallers can take on August 22 and 23.
The event, sponsored by Stalham-based Richardson's Boating Holidays and Pedal Revolution, is organised by Revolution Events and takes in the northern Broads. The Eastern Daily Press is a media partner.
Starting at Strumpshaw Hall near Norwich, the three routes allow everyone from families to serious cyclists to take part. Routes range from the three-mile family ride, to the 40-mile challenge and 70-mile epic route.
Event organiser Luke Rumbelow, 29, said this year's ride will be bigger and better than any other. 'Last year the Tour de Broads doubled its entrants, and this year we are expecting more than 2,000 riders to take part, which is fantastic for this area,' he said. 'The three routes offer something different for every type of rider with challenging ascents and the popular downhill, the Tour de Broads is a cycle event for anyone to come and enjoy.'
There will be a refreshment stop half way round, either at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham or the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club in Wroxham. The Reedham ferry crossing has been removed after causing delays on the route last year.
A festival will be held on the Saturday, with free
activities and optional camping, before the cycle rides the following day. All profits from the rides are used to get local people into cycling.
Bike hire is available.
Greg Munford, chief executive of Richardson's Boating Holidays, said: 'We are really excited to be sponsoring the Tour de Broads and promoting the Broads National Park as a top destination on two wheels.
'The tour route takes cyclists through some of the most picturesque Broads villages and it would be magic if local people could turn out to cheer on those taking part.'
For more information, visit www.revolutionevents.bike. Tickets range from free to £20.
Archant, this newspaper's publisher, The Broads Bike Hire Association and Richardson's will publish a free family cycle trail guide in March.
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