We had 8 riders out today, starting at Hatley Gardens, with some driving and some cycling to the start under blue skies, no sign of rain, but a tad cooler than anticipated. The Goose was not too crowded, but there were other walkers [some with dogs], equestrians and a few fellow cyclists.

It was a perfect day for a bike ride - all we had to complain about was the dry dusty conditions - we like to keep our bikes clean!!

The coffee stop was at My Chosen Café - it would have been a tight fit with 8 of us at Broken Paddle. Because of the fantastic weather, coffee and calories were enjoyed at a picnic table beside the petting zoo behind the Café. It was hard to get a conversation going today - Canada's Women's soccer team was given the flick - they are not playing an entertaining brand of soccer, they will have to raise their game if they hope to go farther. The Stanley Cup final was given the flick - no Canadian team so Lord Stanley's Cup stays overseas. The Premier's flakey idea of a Yoga love in was given the flick. Norm L. shared some of his Turkish travel experiences, The new Liberal proposal on electoral reform awaits more details. When the conversation moved to the Senate and the disappearance of the upper house at the provincial level, we needed this Wikipedia entry at the coffee table.

"Some Canadian provinces once possessed upper houses, but abolished them to adopt unicameral systems. Newfoundland had a Legislative Council prior to joining Canada, as did Ontario when it was Upper Canada. Newfoundland has the power to re-establish its upper house, the Legislative Council, pursuant to Term 14 (2) of the Terms of Union.[1] Manitoba had an upper chamber until it was abolished in 1876, New Brunswick's upper chamber was abolished in 1892, Prince Edward Island's upper chamber was abolished in 1893, Nova Scotia's upper chamber was abolished in 1928 and Québec's upper chamber was abolished in 1968."

The composition of the Senate was fodder for conversation - the over-representation of Ontario and Québec was grist for the mill. Despite running on a platform of a tripe E Senate, the current PM has appointed 59 senators - and he still has 11 vacancies to fill!! There are 105 senators, so the PM will have appointed 70 of 105 senators! I didn't know that.

The "over representation" from La Belle Provence brought out the best humour of the morning. James told us about his Glaswegian friend, while living in Québec, went into to an auto repair place and asked for a wheel change. The Glaswegian was totally confused when he picked up his car to be told they had completed a "Huile Change". Good one James, even if you did pick on a Scotsman!!

A pleasant ride back to Hatley Gardens was enjoyed by all. Vive Le Peloton.