The Peloton was due to assemble at the Ferry Terminal for the short ferry crossing to Pender. James, David and Norm L caught the direct 8.35 ferry to Pender. Norm on the other hand took the “leisurely” route:

Mike was at Otter Bay to greet us coming off the ferry in perfect conditions - warm and sunny, with only a light breeze. After a strenuous ferry crossing, a coffee and carbo were in order to prepare us for the hills of Pender Island, so it was a short ride from the ferry terminal to the Pender Island Bakery at the Driftwood Centre where we enjoyed tea/coffee and our choice of carbo - cinnamon bun, muffin or date square. Suitably “re-charged” we were now ready to get serious and head south. Knowing the Island as he does, Mike had charted out a new route for us this year, taking us in a southerly direction towards Magic Lake following such colourful road names as Schooner Way and Pirates Road heading down to Peter Cove and Wallace Point where the tide was extremely low. This was an ideal spot for a short break and some hydration while absorbing the magnificent scenery.

David was having problems with the cleat in his right shoe, but he was able to carry out running repairs to allow him to cycle effectively.

We headed back up Pirates Road, this time stopping to follow the Oak Bluffs Trail for the magnificent viewing spot looking south over the Gulf Islands. Given the number of fishing boats, the fish must have been there in schools!

As we made our way along Canal Road to lunch at Browning Harbour, we encountered a cyclist coming the other way - dressed in black - the Peloton was now complete with the arrival of Norm T. There was disappointment that Wendy, the waitress “with character” was no longer working at Browning Harbour, instead we had the very polite and courteous Chad.

Over lunch we pondered the fate of BC Ferries and whether there was a future for driverless cars, coming to a unanimous decision on neither.

After lunch we headed north along Bedwell Harbour Road and then North West on Port Washington to Grimmer Bay where we stopped at Mike & Peggy’s Pender Retreat for hydration.

As you can see, courtesy of James Garmin we had an exhilarating day - 37kms with over 700m amplitude - not sure about the 78kph - Norm L recorded a top speed of only 53kph! Suitably refreshed, we headed back to the Otter Bay Terminal where we bid Mike au revoir before boarding the 3.20 ferry back to Swatz Bay. Norm T decided to join us for this ferry ride.

On the sail home, we reflected on what a magnificent day we had enjoyed, how dry Pender was - one could smell the dryness, how fortunate we were to live in such a wonderful spot, enjoy good health and active social life.