The weather at 6.00 am looked very promising, although the forecast for later in the morning was less optimistic. Nonetheless, James, Doug, Ken Wo and Norm L. met at Hatley Gardens. Ken claimed that he had already completed a demanding work out cycling the 6.5 km form home given the strong head winds. Little, or no sympathy was extended to Ken, The peloton was not going to be dissuaded from the ride because of a little wind.

50m down the track, James asked Norm if he had locked his car - at which point he demonstrated the ability to extend the range of his car key fob. Much to Doug’s amazement, it worked. Sceptical readers may want to check out a similar demo on Top Gear and a more intellectual analysis conducted by Professor Roger Bowely. After a brief demonstration, it was time to tackle the head wind on the way to Mechosin. The biggest decision of the ride was - where to have coffee? The unanimous choice was the Broken Paddle.

Conversation over coffee and tea [as well as the occasional muffin or scone] was more cerebral than usual. With the advent of drones and robots, does a democratically elected parliament need to vote on going to war when it doesn’t involve “boots on the ground” or aircraft with human pilots or naval vessels with breathing crew? Should a “world power” take leadership in the development of a “drone free” war similar to a “nuclear-free war”? From there, the conversation moved on to the US President and his stature in international affairs. Reference was made to the President’s speech at the recent press gallery dinner - a speech that has become known as the “bucket speech”. Other topics included restorative justice and Exit International which promotes the idea have a "departure date" just as we have an "arrival date". James had heard Philip Nitschke interviewed on Hard Talk on the Beeb.

The ride back to Hatley Gardens was marginally easier, but because we were cycling so fast, we still encountered a head wind!!

The Peloton felt pretty good that they had enjoyed a rain free ride - there was little sympathy for Ken who had a 6.5 km ride home in the rain.

The other ride headed to the top end of the Saanich Peninsula.

7 "fearless" riders met at Michells under cloud, wind and gloom. 5 of the 7 had ridden to the meeting spot. Kudos. We wasted no time proceeding up the Lochside, across to Wain and Tatlow Roads to Deep Cove, Chalet Road and Birch Road to enjoy coffee at Deep Cove Market. We were able to sit outside and converse about all the usual and unusual stuff, back through stormy but beautiful Patricia Bay, YYJ, Lochside and back to Michells. Total of approx 36 km, 1:45 riding hours, average speed of 20.4 km/ hr. Max speeds clocked were exceeded 46 km/ hr.

Check the weather and which ride was Doug on?

Skilled observer question: Can you tell if this picture is from today or a previous day?