Seven riders assembled at the Mann parking lot (which was very wet). Rusty had seen Jim riding up ahead so we proceeded with Jack setting a brisk pace (so he thought) but was passed by Rusty after Royal Oak who then set an even faster pace. Bob joined the group at Lockside (no one stopped so he had to hustle to get on his bike). So, eight riders arrived at McDonalds for a Rusty break sheltering under the roof of the rest area kiosk.

Rain was threatening and a large black cloud seemed to be hovering over the trail ahead. David A decided that it couldn’t be too bad so he and Jack led the group ahead running into a rainstorm as we rounded the corner onto Lockside which lasted until we reached the McTavish interchange. Crossing the footbridge over the highway brought us into sunshine and Ian led at a blow drying 30 km/hr. around the airport, slowing a bit for Hospital hill (Jack slowed a lot). A tired group set off from the top of this hill anxious to get to the coffee shop. Once again the average speed was close to 25.

There was some discussion of being inside or out but since the sun was out it was decided to dry the chairs and take a well deserved coffee outside. Jim joined the group having dealt with some boat business. Dave N complained bitterly of the wet and cold and proceeded to remove and wring out his too colourful socks – Jack was warm and dry and most others had dried out on the ride (except for some feet).

John related stories of his 175 km ride on Saturday with the Oak Bay group. He had a younger, stronger rider assigned to him to help him keep up with the group and marvelled at how this guy would ride up a hill and then back down to pull him up. Ian mentioned that probably this guy was 1/2 John’s age to which John replied “oh no he must have been at least 35” (really!!?). To top this off, John got a flat and the same fellow came and repaired it in about 1 min, without any tools!!

On the ride back, the group split at the McTavish roundabout with the East Sannich group arriving at Mitchel’s ahead of the Lockside group – apparently John was setting the pace. The return from Mitchel’s proceeded as usual with people dropping off to return home as usual.