We arrived in England on April 1 - had to remind ourselves that this was no April fool’s joke. The other thing that was no April fool’s joke was the 93 kilograms of luggage which we checked in when we flew out. Our tandem, Bluebird One, arrived safely in its enormous box. Thankfully we could tie it on the roof of my cousin’s car to get it to her home along with all our other bags.

In no time Carl had the tandem assembled. My cousin’s son Warrick showed Carl the roads in and around Maidenhead and tested the tandem at the same time. We have since ridden from Maidenhead to Marlow, Henley on Thames and of course all the villages in between. It is so beautiful here at the moment. The daffodils nod their huge yellow heads in the breeze and glow in the sunlight. The bluebells and tulips are all blooming too. Blossoms weigh down on the branches. The countryside is charming and very beautiful.

After days of sunshine it snowed on our first Sunday – a beautiful wonderland welcome! We strolled along the Thames path in the afternoon when the sun came out and found a warm pub and indulged in a Sunday lunch. The sun has been shining since but it’s still chilly and coats and scarves are useful for the outdoors.

We have ridden through forests, nature reserves and on the roads. Riding on the roads here is very different. For one it is quieter – no warning calls of "GLASS" or "POTHOLE" etc. What an experience to be respected as a cyclist on the road. Cars take a wide berth around us - I like to think it’s because they respect us and not because they're scared of us! We do look quite mean with our very lumo waterproof and windproof jackets!

Bluebird One now sports big off road style tyres has a carrier on the back with panniers and there is a bag attached to the front handle bars. It even has mudguards. A real tourer! I’m afraid our “Bluebird One” no longer does justice to the racing and world land speed record holding tradition of its namesake. We are going through the agony of considering a name change to “Blue Belle”. I hope Carl will get with the program and understand that cycling now has to happen at a more sedate pace! This is after all what we’re being accustomed to.

At the moment we are staying in an enchanting cottage called Pippins on a farm in High Hurstwood, East Sussex. There is no mobile signal here but the farm has a wireless network which gives us access to the big wide world. This is such a comfortable little home. We're here for a week before we move to Romsey which is in Hampshire. These cottages are the answer. Central heating is such a pleasure and they’re fully equipped.

Yesterday we thought of all our Club 100 friends out on their Saturday ride and breakfast afterwards. We were on a ride on Blue Belle – along forest trails lined with bluebells – beats Jo-burg any day! Our ride started after breakfast (no need to get up early now) at the cottage where we're staying, through the little lanes heading to Crowborough. We had one or two climbs worth noting and then a good downhill. The air thick with farm smells along the way. We then found one of the long distance cycle paths through the Ashdown Forest. It wasn’t long before we had streams, ponds and fields surrounding us and of course the forest. Many cyclists both young and old were out and about on the cycle path, along with horse riders and walkers with their dogs. These cycle paths are fantastic – England is criss-crossed with cycle and walking paths.

We've walked along the Thames on part of the Thames path and along a couple of the other walking routes around Maidenhead. The walks are fabulous and take one through fields or beside a river or canal. The cold does not keep everybody indoors. Families are out and about on foot or on cycles, often with their pets in tow.

Our next few days are going to be spent visiting some of the amazing gardens in the area, finding cosy tea shops and the odd pub or two for a good home cooked meal – and of course ride our wonderful Blue Belle.

I am on the lookout for a dance venue to make sure the dance shoes don’t gather too much dust. The problem here of course is the choice one has. Oh well I guess it’s good to have to make decisions now and again.

Till next time – take care and please keep in touch. Our email address is grim.carlrita@gmail.com