Love Of French Poodles

Vello, David, Gaius and Nietzsche are cycling up Greenhill Road.

At first they stick together, until the road steepens.

Nietzsche forges ahead.

He has the best bike, says Vello.

He has, says David. Perhaps we should make him team leader.

Very funny, says Vello.

I'm out of condition, puffs Gaius. I'm dropping back.

I'll drop back with you, says Vello.

So will I, says David.

It's not really dropping back then, says Vello.

It is, says David.

It is.

Soon they are caught up by Sprocket.

He is trialling his new bike.

He has made many modifications in the short time available.

But kept the San Marco saddle.

He zooms past the Team Philosophe triad.

That was Sprocket! says Gaius.

That surprises me, says David.

On Schopenhauer's bicycle, says Gaius. He's modified it.

I see he kept the saddle, says David. The seat of Schopenhauer's influence.

Did you ever ride it? asks Vello.

Once, says David. It gave me a love of French poodles.

You don't say, says Vello. I never knew you had a love of French poodles.

I don't, says David. It left me as soon as I climbed off the saddle.

Vello laughs, but Gaius is thinking of Schopenhauer's love of French poodles.

And how he also liked cats.

Sweezus and Arthur ride up behind him.

Hey, Gaius! says Sweezus. Seen Sprocky?

He passed us some time ago, says Gaius. He'll be at the summit.

He is.

Sprocket and Nietzsche are both at the summit, in the Mount Lofty café.

They have ordered espressos and water, but are not touching the coffee.

As they wait for their team mates Nietzsche asks Sprocket why he has a gold question mark on his forehead.

And Sprocket asks Nietzsche what he thinks of French poodles.