The ride today was ever more scattered - even by our standards.
En route to Fol Epi, Ian, Norm T and David B. [good to have Davide B with us] had the rare privilege of having the Blue Bridge open just as they were trying to meet the 9:30 arrival time. 10 of 11 riders left Fol Epi, while Norm L had started from home, proceeding to Esquimalt Road and the freshly minted start of the E & N trail. At the Esquimalt graving dock we noted that the cruise ships seen on the last ride are repaired and back to sea - very fast turnaround times. We sped along the E & N to join the Goose. Along the way there were rumoured sightings of Ken W in the company of Ken T and Ken S.
Where the trail crosses Island Highway, the main Peloton split - some staying on the Goose to RRU while 6 riders took the extra plunge down to Ocean Boulevard, some reaching speeds of 52.5 km/ hr. on the downhill We were greeted at the lagoon by the beautiful surroundings of mountains, ocean, lagoon, swans, geese, ducks, herons, etc. And then of course the serious uphill climb back to RRU for coffee. Norm T took the "half climb and ducked out through the back trail" route through the back side of RRU, meeting the earlier arrivals. The "full hill riders" arrived shortly thereafter with tales of an almost insurmountable climb. We settled into coffee on the RRU patio after discovering some mouldy banana bread at the RRU cafeteria. A very determined but friendly male peacock [our new mascot] decided to share some of our snacks and give several reminders at close range that the feeding rate was a bit slow. David A captured the scene on film.
Given the high turnout, there were two tables of coffee conversation. At one, it revolved around Victoria staples: tent city, homelessness, Blue Bridge, etc. The other table consisting of Rusty, Ian and David A carried on an intellectual discussion about music, musical instruments and sports, South African rugby and cricket in particular. [Editors note - cricket, intellectual?????]
Meanwhile, Dave N and Norm L gave up on coffee, opting instead for a speedy return to the city to attend to “urgent business”.
On the return journey to the city, individuals branched off to follow their own route home after an enjoyable ride.

And now for the bonuses.

If you want to improve your cycling language, you may want to read this article . Are you a “grimpeur” or a “rouleur”?

Thanks to a lead from Jim McN, the blogger has been checking out the World Artistic Cycling Event. Perhaps some members of the Peloton who would not want to enter the singles competition, may consider joining Jim and enter the team event - Masters Division of course.

Your Blogger found this item on the ABC News about a cycling accident in the Clare Valley north of Adelaide. Who would have thought?