Cycling & Cycle Touring

A relaxed Monday evening exploring the universe from the heart of Melbourne. We’ll begin with an **optional dinner** in South Melbourne, then head to the historic [Melbourne Observatory](https://maps.app.goo.gl/g4R1JhhnDR8ZFEUEA) precinct inside the Royal Botanic Gardens for **Stellar Nights**, hosted by the [Astronomical Society of Victoria](https://www.asv.org.au/Melbourne-Observatory). Stellar Nights is a guided astronomy experience that typically includes: * Telescope viewing (weather permitting) * Viewing through historic and modern telescopes * Short astronomy talks and explanations * A chance to ask questions and learn about what’s visible in the night sky This isn’t a light show or art installation — it’s real observational astronomy run by volunteers who genuinely love space. You’re welcome to join for dinner + the observatory night, or just the main event. **Plan** 5:30 pm – Meet outside **[Oishii Tokyo - South Melbourne](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MehtHSZwghPB7mAm7)** 5:45 pm - Casual seated dinner. Separate bills. 6:45 pm – Walk towards Melbourne Observatory 7:30 pm – Main event begins **Tickets** You’ll need your own ticket for this session. You can purchase it from here [https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/stellar-nights/](https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/stellar-nights/). I got my ticket for **$45**. **Important Notes** * Everyone must purchase their own Stellar Nights ticket in advance. * Telescope viewing depends on weather conditions. * Even if clouded out, the evening still includes talks and observatory access. * Dress warmly — you’ll likely be outside at times. * This involves light walking within the gardens. **Who This Is For** * People curious about astronomy and science * Anyone who enjoys calm, structured experiences * After-work social without loud venues or alcohol focus **Meeting point:** Meet outside [Oishii Tokyo - South Melbourne](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MehtHSZwghPB7mAm7) at **5:30pm**. I’ll post a photo of myself here once I arrive. If you’re running late, please message me your ETA beforehand.

$29 per person for 2 hours of training (includes table hire) ## 🏓 MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC Ready to seriously improve your table tennis — or finally start the right way? Join our **ongoing in-person group coaching sessions at MSAC**, where you’ll train in a structured but fun environment with players who come regularly, as well as new faces every week. Our sessions are designed for **both total beginners and advanced players.** You don’t need experience — and you won’t be bored if you already have it. ### What to expect * ✅ **10–15 players per session** * ✅ **2 experienced coaches on court** * ✅ **Structured drills + match play** * ✅ **Individual feedback based on your level and goals** * ✅ **A welcoming group that trains regularly** You’ll work on **technique, footwork, consistency, tactics, and real match situations** — not just hit balls randomly. We organise the group so everyone is challenged at the right level. ### Why people love these sessions * Ongoing training with a real community * Fast improvement, not just social play * A great way to **move, learn, and make friends** * Fun, supportive atmosphere with serious coaching behind it Whether your goal is to **learn from scratch, get fitter, sharpen your skills, or start competing**, this is a perfect place to train. ### What to bring * 🏓 **Bat/paddle** (if you have one — if not, we’ll provide it) * 👟 **Sports shoes (runners)** * 👕 **Comfortable sports clothes** * 💧 **Water bottle** * 🧴 **Small towel** Grab your paddle, bring your energy, and come hit with us at MSAC. Please send me an email to: p.tretinik@gmail.com to confirm attendance. This helps me to book enough table for a smooth session. NOTE: If this is not your first time coming to this meet up, the cost is $36 for the whole 2 hours.

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:** This group is suitable for a beginner type player only. **YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:** https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching **Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.** **Registration Opens:** 6 Days in advance at 9am **Registration Closes:** Close 6pm the day *before* the event. This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster. **Social Tennis Structure:** * Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne) * Day: Monday * Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm * Cost: $18 for Non-Members, $12 for Members. * Participants will play some casual games of tennis: emphasis on learning about tennis, improving your serve, trying to get the ball into play, and having fun. \*\*\* *Please note there is no coaching for this program.* * Balls are provided each week. * Racquets are available for hire if required. * Some refreshments are available for purchase. * Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis! * Maximum of 8 spots for each session.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/4/e/1/600_434665825.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/4/f/3/600_434665843.jpeg FREE Fit Club @ Federation Square Get Active with a FREE Fun Group Circuit-Base Workout. Lose Body Fat, Gain Muscle and Have Fun! Suited for: Any level of fitness Meet positive & like minded people in a FUN and supportive environment! Where: Fed Square Amphitheater & River Terrance When: Tues 6pm-6:45pm Wed & Fri 7am-7:45am Optional $5 Recovery Nutrition and social time after the session Mindset and Nutrition workshop afterwards. It's FREE, it's FUN, Ask me how! For more information SMS or call 0450 023 682 Jimmy Adam Hoang to register your spot.

**Ride**: A ride we did last in Feb '25 Let's ride from the City out to Blackburn Nth via Koonung Trail (near Eastern Fwy) to visit Blackburn Lake Sanctuary (Lunch in Blackburn first) and return via Gardiners Ck Trail. We'll be on paths with some Blackburn roads involved to make the linkage. See the map below. **Target group**: Suited for intermediates. E-bikes okay if you're confident. **Trains:** Coming in by train? There are bus replacements on Frankston and Craigieburn lines. https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Forecast**: 26°C. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of 1mm rain over the day. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/blackburn/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-02 **Distance**: Approx 56 km **Speed**: 22-25 kmh on the flat sections (not too slow, not too fast) **Map & GPS files:** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315) Note: Koonung Trail does go up and down a bit. We will also encounter detours from the path due to works on the Eastern Fwy. **Bring**: Sunscreen, spray jacket, snacks, water, tools, tube, phone (with my number), money for lunch and emergencies. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 (make sure you have my number, please) \***Photo**: Blackburn Lake - (Apr 2023) "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

There is a vibrant food culture in Clayton. With Asian flavours. If you like Yum Cha or Ba Minh's its got it all. Then we will explore the DIngley Bypass trail. We will meet at Caulfield Railway Station outside Platform 1. Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water . Your bike needs to be in good order. Ride route [Caulfield - Gardenvale](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54522163) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

Announcing the 2026 Photo Competition. We all take photos on our rides with the club. Every so often you snap a photo and its just says it all. It works and you want the world to know about it. Here is your opportunity to post your photos with us . Christopher Ian , who is a Professional Photographer and Judge, will select the winner from those who have posted their entry. The is also a members choice. At our Annual General Meeting April 26 , members will be able to vote their pick. How to post your photo. Just go to the Photos section on this page and upload it then under caption add your name and the ride name that the photo was taken on. Rules You can enter up to 5 photos for the year between May 2025- April 2026. You can delete a photo. The photo(s) are from a ride(s) or events that you attended with the club. Prizes for the following categories Best landscape, Best action, Best social and Best Bike photos. There will also be 2 major prizes , best photo as selected by Chris Ian and best photo as elected by members who attend the Annual General Meeting. There are now 4 categories for best bike , best landscape, best social and best action shot .The winners will get their photos developed and framed . If you have any question please leave a comment .

A loop ride from Fed Square via the Mooney Ponds Trail, the Zoo, Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Anniversary Trail, Outer Circle Trail, Djerring Trail to Caulfield and then on-road/bike lanes back to Fed Square. Coffee stop at District 35 (or thereabouts, recommendations welcome), lunch at Carnegie Station (Koornang Road eateries or BYO). You are welcome to drop off the ride at any time, preferably at or before Caulfield Station. Ride will be subject to weather and may be cancelled at short notice - so far, so good. Route: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54781777](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54781777) This ride is for financial MBTC members or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club, check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS * sunny disposition * completed Ride Registration Form * be comfortable riding in/beside traffic for 10 km on the return leg (option to drop off at Caulfield) * a comfortable, working bicycle or E-bike * Functioning headlight & tail light * Spare tube and a puncture kit * MYKI card * ATM card/cash * basic tools * rain gear * food/snacks, etc WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' as soon as you know but no later than the day before ride day. The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found [here](https://www.mbtc.org.au/refund-cancellation-policy/). When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

Join me for a full-day rail trail ride on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. For this trip, I’m planning to ride the Ballarat to Linton section and then return the same way. The trail is a high-standard rail trail with a predominantly crushed granite surface, and the Ballarat to Smythesdale and Smythesdale to Linton sections are listed as 20km and 17km respectively, so this plan works out to roughly 75–80km return once station access is included. We’ll meet at **6:45am** at **V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station**, then catch the **7:15am train from Southern Cross**. For the return, there are multiple train options from **Wendouree**, including **6:37pm, 7:17pm, 8:12pm and 9:17pm**, so we can decide on the day depending on pace, breaks, and how the group is feeling. This ride is best suited to people with **reasonable fitness** who are comfortable riding **at least 80km at around 15km/h**. Please only RSVP if you are confident with that distance and pace. As this is an unsealed crushed-granite rail trail, a bike suitable for rail trail riding is recommended. More information about the trail here: [https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/ballarat-skipton-rail-trail/](https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/ballarat-skipton-rail-trail/) Related YouTube video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5HYaaDir8M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t6xQI1fwnI) **What to bring** Helmet, front and rear lights, puncture repair kit, enough water, and lunch. Please also dress according to the forecast and expected conditions on the day. **Important notes** This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. It is also dependent on V/Line train availability and may need to be cancelled if there are coach replacements, major timetable changes, or other disruptions. . V/Line also notes that bicycles can be carried on trains only if space is available, and for Ballarat services bike space is generally limited and subject to conductor discretion.

***High Bank Distillery tours*** walk you through our story, our process, and a tasting of our spirits (and maybe a few in the works). We end in the Barrel Room for a wonderful tasting of their best sellers! **The tours *cost $10/person* and we ask that you *arrive 10 minutes prior* to the start of the tour.** **4:30pm TOUR** **5:30pm DRINKS & DINNER**: We'll try a drink made with your favorite spirit you tasted on tour. We'll grab a bite to eat there, too. **PARKING**: Street parking and Ohio Power Tool parking lot nearby. **[High Bank Distillery](https://www.highbankco.com/)** is your destination for great food, cold drinks, and fun times in Columbus, OH. We pride ourselves in the quality and flavors of our spirits, distilled and prepared in house, and perfect for any occasion. Pair our creative cocktails with some traditional pub food, and you have the recipe for a perfect night out.

This Monday 4/27/26 at 6:30p we will walking at Thompson Park. The address is 5600 Thompson Rd. We will meet at the shelter house. The walk will be approximately 2 miles on paved trails~Join us if you can.

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.