Despite an ominous weather forecast predicting a thunderstorm, Wayne, Ken T., David A. Jeff and Norm assembled at Fol Epi setting off for the ride to Mattick’s under sunny skies. However, a cloud formed over the peloton when Jeff took an unexpected tumble resulting in some road rash on his elbow and knee. Norm took out his first aid kit, only to discover the best before date was 2013!
Being a resilient young fella, Jeff got back on his bike and we continued apace along the Goose to the Switch Bridge where we switched to the Lochside. Bad luck doesn’t seem to restrict itself to single incidents. Just before Quadra, Jeff had a puncture in his front tyre. David A resurrected his clinical skills and was able to take out the faulty tube and install a new one in short order - although the Tektro brakes presented a temporary challenge.
The group continued on to Mann Construction where Martin was waiting for us, having enjoyed a snack of freshly picked blackberries.
The sky looked more threatening as we approached Royal Oak, but the rain stayed away for the entire ride.
Coffee was at the golf course. Discussion was a Trump-free zone. There was some discussion of the new land transfer tax and whether it would do anything to moderate house prices. From there it was the ruling that would allow camping outside the Victoria court house after the current landscaping had a chance to recover from the present land use! There was some concern about the number of refugees from Alberta and Saskatchewan continuing to invade Van Isle. There was some chat that if Lisa did not “deliver” on her promises, Dean might make a come back to finish the Blue Bridge!
The ride back to Fol Epi was uneventful; Ken headed to a dental appointment on Royal Oak with the rest continuing south. Martin left at Mann, Dave at Saanich City Hall leaving Wayne, Jeff and Norm to complete the ride to Fol Epi.
In cycling news this week Ryder Hesjedal announced his retirement from the circuit.
If you thought dark matter [not the Hoyne's Dark Matter] was baffling, then you might ponder on this quote:
"Forget mysterious dark matter and the inexplicable accelerating expansion of the universe; the bicycle represents a far more embarrassing hole in the accomplishments of physics.”
Then follow this link

And a warning about having your iPhone in your pocket while cycling