Tour de Broads North is another big success as event enjoys first marriage proposal

More than 2,000, all on two wheels, with one surprise pop of a very big question.

Eastern Daily Press: The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

These were the components that helped make the Tour de Broads North one of its most successful events yet.

Starting and finishing in the picturesque Hoveton Hall, the event saw almost 2,300 cyclists mount their bikes and take part, with participants competing in either 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile circuits.

Eastern Daily Press: The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Wensum Valley Cycling club Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Wensum Valley Cycling club Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

The event was particularly special for two of the competitors - Jonno and Alex - when at the half way point Jonno went down on one knee to ask Alex to marry him.

Neil Turner, of organisers Pedal Revolution, said: 'The event went incredibly well and we were particularly delighted for Alex and Jonno. They have already promised to take part in the race next year for their honeymoon.

'Hoveton Hall was also a wonderful location, it really is a beautiful place and such hidden gem. Harry and Rachel Buxton were extremely welcoming to all the riders and we were pleased to see everybody treating the grounds with respect as they rode through.'

The four routes saw riders whizz by some of the region's most recognisable landmarks, taking in not only the famous Norfolk Broads, but for the more ambitious riders, some of the coast as well, including Happisburgh and Hemsby.

Mr Turner added the competitors had a wide range of ages, with the oldest competitor just months short of his 90th birthday and the youngest only eight.

Mr Turner added: 'The conditions were ideal for cycling - just below 20 degrees with a light breeze, though I'm sure some of the cyclists would argue it wasn't light.

'However, we had lots of smiling faces at the end of the rides so I think everybody really enjoyed themselves. Everyone who finished was also treated to a free ice cream from Ronaldo's which was always going to be popular.'

The event followed April's Tour de Broads South, which started and finished on the Great Yarmouth seafront.

Eastern Daily Press: The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Byline: Sonya Duncan The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. Byline: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Mr Turner said plans are already well under way for next year's events, with dates still to be confirmed.

Eastern Daily Press: The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. He team from the NNAB Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 The Tour De Broads from Hoveton Hall. He team from the NNAB Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)