Even without our intrepid leader (to quote “I will probably not make this ride. We have work starting in our house that day.”) the Peleton by-laws were upheld, two riders departed Foi Epi precisely at the stroke of 9:30. A third rider fast approaching the starting point, but clearly late, was required to turn around to join these two. No flat tire excuse this time. Two more riders joined at the “Y” at Uptown making our number five for the trip north.

At the Blenkinsop Connector we lost Rob who had to be on a important conference call. He wanted to get in some riding after being off for a while - a short ride is better than none. Preceding north our number was now four. At Michell’s Farm we regained a fifth. A gentleman on a “recumbent” jumped in behind us saying it was for a short distance. He enjoyed drafting off us to the first round-about in Sidney, not so short a distance. He did profess that his taking the lead was of little value to the rest of us given his low profile.

In order to enjoy our break at Georgia Cafe & Deli we had to move an outside table and chairs on to the sidewalk away from the building. This was to avoid window washers repelling down the side of the hotel above Georgia’s. Conversation was varied as usual with the main topic being the WhatsApp email virus. Apparently the virus uses subject lines from previous emails sending the infected message to your contact list. It looks innocent enough but …

The return trip was uneventful, no additional riders taking advantage of our hard work. At Michell’s Farm we stopped to say goodbye to Rusty and learned that even after eye surgery he had completed the Sooke River 10K race on the 19th. His pace was only slightly slower than in previous races in the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association series. He did relate that this year he was fourth in his division. Apparently a couple of younger runners have “aged” into his division providing stiff completion. Three of us continued south, Ian and Hans turning off at Royal Oak, John continuing on home. Another great ride on a beautiful day.

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