The visitor's centre is located in a former luxury hotel and houses an interactive display about the Tijuca Forest, a gift store and cafe. This is our meeting point where we'll do our pre-ride orientation.

The Tijuca Forest holds many titles - it is the world's biggest urban rainforest, the first reforestation project in the Americas, and Latin America's first protected area. It is home to many rare and endangered species. Our ride takes us along a car-free section of forest road with small waterfalls cascading down beside us. The ride has great views of Christ the Redeemer and the city. It's a fairly easy ride with one hill that can be walked up if you don't feel like pedalling. We'll hear many birds and be on the lookout for the many species that we have encountered on our rides, from giant earthworms to monkeys, toucans, armadilos and sloths.

This is one optional addition to our ride. If all members of the group feel like continuing to Alto da Boa Vista, we continue through the forest for another hour to this historic neighbourhood. You'll be able to take an Uber or taxi home from here, or enjoy a snack or meal.

Another optional finishing point for our ride is the leafy neighbourhood of Cosme Velho. Here you have the option of visiting a local restaurant or the historic home and art collection of Roberto Marinho, who created Brazil's biggest media empire.