Forget boats – the best way to see the Broads this weekend is by bike.

As the final touches are put in place, organisers of the third annual Tour De Broads Festival are tipping this year's event to be the biggest and best yet. With a record 2,000 keen cyclists and have-a-go pedallers entered in the spectacular on August 22 and 23, they may just be right.

And a father and son are taking to the paths for a health charity following the death of a family friend.

Aylsham's 11-year-old Mikah Risebrow who only took up road biking a few months ago, is competing in the annual Tour de Broads event this Sunday with his father Gareth Risebrow.

They are raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation after family friend Richard Birdsall, who was in his 30s, died from Type 2 diabetes earlier this year. Macmillan is the official charity.

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 pre-bought tickets had already sold out, with only a limited number of tickets left for Sunday on a first-come-first-served basis.

He said: 'I am just really pleased that everyone wants to ride around the Norfolk Broads. It will be a spectacular day for people to come and spectate or take part.'

There will be a refreshment stop half way round, either at 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.

For more information visit www.revolutionevents.bike. Tickets range from free to £20. The ride is expected to start at 8.30am.

See Monday's paper for pictures and coverage from the event.