Well, I can comfortably or uncomfortably state that my Gortex pants failed miserably this morning and I spent most of the day sitting and walking (rather ungainly) in what I can only assume a full, wet nappy would feel like.  So this is what Ive got to look forward to in my dotage, is it? 
So, take note.  Firstly, the ride on the 2nd June to Ashvegas is actually scheduled for Saturday, not Sunday
Secondly, Jim Nolan has an alternative and from one who has turned up a couple of times, a viable alternative to consider.Last winter I asked if anyone was interested in meeting for a coffee and a chat at the Victoria Street Café for a ‘Let’s put things right’ discussion group on a rainy Sunday in lieu of a ride.  There were always between 4 and 6 attendee’s and it worked very well, after all Ulysses is a “social club”.
After a prompting from Anthony last Sunday, there were 4 of us who turned up, namely Bruce, Anthony, Euan and myself. During the course of the conversations and after saving the planet we chatted about the rainy day Sunday alternative to a ride and we decided that we should have a permanent alternative to the Sunday rides. When I started the alternative option I only posted on wet days because I thought I could be taking people away from the rides however after some discussion we decided that a permanent alternative would be a good idea. For example, on that day the ride was to Reefton and I wouldn’t be going on that ride as it was too far.  However I certainly would have met up with whomever was interested in a bit of socialising. 
Euan mentioned that on some Sundays he has prior commitments at midday so it would suit him also. 
Obviously there are a few of us that for whatever reason can’t or don’t want to ride where 1.5 hours in a café sitting down putting things right would suit, that is why we ride, for the chat at the destination.
Also we decided that the Victoria Street Black and White was a good destination, central to overall members, large enough but not too big, the prices are better than a lot of cafés, the food selection is good enough, the coffee is very good, the service has always been good and they have outdoor seating if the weather is good enough.
After you have given this some thought and feedback, I will run it past the café owner to see what their thoughts are.
So far, it has only been posted on “messenger” and not all of us are on that so it obviously would be emailed out to all members and would be put on the FB page.  Initially I would post the alternative on both sites on Saturday evening.
CheersJim