Something a little different

March 14, 2019

Today was a very special day because I experienced something I had never done before. The entire group rode our bikes to the Cambridge velodrome for breakfast at the Bikery, the cafe at the velodrome. I had an amazing eggs Benedict where sliced potatos were used rather than an English muffin for the base of the Bennie. After breakfast the group took a tour of the velodrome that is home to the national cycling association and team. After the tour 4 of us decided to have a go on the track. We were provided with bikes and some very good instruction. It was a great experience but a little unnerving and one that will not be repeated but I am glad I tried it. It is harder than it looks because the bikes have a fixed gear so you always have to pedal and there are no brakes.

After the velodrome we did an out and back route to a bird sanctuary. It was a very hot and humid day so those who recently arrived found it a little tough. Maureen and I wandered the ground loooking at the amazing trees and ferns but we also saw the native forest parrot. We arrive back pretty late so we opted for a quick bite and a quiet night in.

Maureen at the velodrome before we went in.

A view of the velodrome on the tour. The velodrome is used 85% of the time by locals including a very cool rehab programme using trikes.

The most expensive bike in the shop is a replica of the one given to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for HRH George when they opened the velodrome.

Me on the track with the fitness and spin bike area in the background.

A sliver fern lighting the way for us on the trail.

The forest parrot called a Kaka feeding on some apple.

Under one of the many giant ferns in the sanctuary

Today's ride: 86 km (53 miles)
Total: 713 km (443 miles)

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