Catherine Hill Bay 11th Dec 2026

 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 show—everyone suddenly looked like they were auditioning for a waterproof superhero movie.

Down the highway we went, through the rain, half of us peeling off at Somersby, then cruising the Old Pac to the Pie. 

A few showers, nothing biblical. 

Most of us made it to the Pie for the usual: coffee, pies, sausage rolls, and a good chinwag.

Not the longest ride ever, but a solid day out. 

Rain tried to ruin the party, but honestly, it just made the pies taste better.

 

 

thanks all for your company today

Rob McKee