Got a last-minute call to play “Ride Leader” today—basically the biking equivalent of being asked to DJ a wedding with no playlist.   I wasn’t exactly prepared, but hey, we’ve done this route before, and it’s pretty straightforward. Weather looked like it was auditioning for a rainstorm, but BOM promised, “Don’t worry, mate, you’ll be fine till tonight.” Sure, BOM. Sure. About 15 riders gathered at Berowra for the briefing. Three faces I didn’t recognize, but apparently Keith was the only newbie.  Poor Keith—he didn’t know what he signed up for. We rolled out  at 10 a.m.  sharp, heading for morning tea at the Triangle. I set a decent pace—roads were quiet, just a few cars, trucks, and the occasional bike.  Nothing dramatic happened en route, which is always a win in my book. Then… the rain decided to RSVP just as we hit the bottom of Bumble Hill Road.  Time for Plan B: abort mission and head to the Pie for lunch.  Cue the wet-weather fashion sho...

  Last time I visited Mt Piper it was a big wheel in the NSW power supply. Today it represents only about 1/3 of the total. Wind and solar are now the predominant energy sources in NSW. Mt Piper is scheduled to play a support role rather than the base load role it had played in the past. A fascinating view into the past! 17 riders arrived at Macca’s Vineyard for the ride to the historical Mt Piper Power Station. Situated between Portland and Wallerawang, there were a number of possible routes to the well supported visitor’s area, I selected the one that would get everyone there without the need to spend time on the gravel. I was hopeful that we would see all at the destination. It was not to be so. We lost one rider before we even left the Macca’s. Rob T had seniors moment stepping off his bike at the refuelling garage so now we were down to 16. (hope the knee improves Rob), Frosty left before morning tea so we were now down to15 who all arrived at South Bowenfels for morning tea w...