Downhill Mountain Biking

Join us for a cosy Friday after-work meetup at the Brussels Christmas Market. We’ll grab a warm **glühwein**, **hot chocolate**, or your favourite festive drink, and enjoy an easygoing evening with friendly people in the heart of Brussels. Whether you’re new to Sunday Vacations or already part of the community, this is the perfect moment to unwind and soak up the holiday atmosphere. 🎅🌟 *** ### **📍 Meeting Point** **Tower Bar – just across from the big Ferris Wheel** We’ll stay there for a bit and those who want may explore the stalls. ### **🎉 What to Expect** * Cosy festive vibes * Glühwein, hot chocolate & winter treats * Friendly conversations and new connections * A walk through the market afterwards * Optional group photos ### **💬 Who Can Join?** Everyone is welcome -solo, new in town, or coming with friends. ### **✨ Join us for a warm and festive Friday evening!** Dress warmly and bring your holiday mood 🎁🎄 By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

# 🗣️ Language Exchange at Gare Maritime **Practice languages over drinks in Brussels' coolest food court!** Join fellow language enthusiasts for an evening of conversation, connection, and cocktails at the stunning Gare Maritime. Whether you're polishing your French, learning Dutch, or practicing any other language, come mingle in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. ## 📍 The Venue **Gare Maritime Food Court** \- Tour & Taxis A breathtaking industrial space transformed into Brussels' hottest social hub. With its soaring ceilings, vibrant atmosphere, and multiple bars serving everything from craft cocktails to Belgian beers, it's the perfect setting for a language meetup. ## 🎯 What to Expect Grab a drink and dive into natural conversations with people from all over the world. Chat in French with a Parisian, practice Dutch with a local, share travel stories in English, or switch between languages as the mood strikes. This is all about organic connections and real conversations - no pressure, no structure, just good vibes and great company. **Everyone welcome:** complete beginners to fluent speakers, locals and expats, native speakers and eager learners. ## 👥 Who Comes to These Events? Our community includes language students, professionals new to Brussels, polyglots, locals wanting to practice their English, expats improving their French or Dutch, and anyone curious about other cultures. The common thread? A love of languages and meeting interesting people. ## 🍹 Drinks & Atmosphere Gare Maritime shines when it comes to drinks. Multiple bars offer creative cocktails, local craft beers, quality wines, and non-alcoholic options. The industrial-chic setting with communal seating makes it easy to strike up conversations and move between groups. ## 💡 First Time? No Worries! Just show up and introduce yourself. People are friendly and everyone remembers being a beginner. The best way to learn is by speaking, and mistakes are just part of the journey. Bring your curiosity and willingness to try - that's all you need.

Join us for a full day of collaborative work at HSBXL! This event is open to everyone who enjoys working in a community environment, whether you're advancing on business ventures, freelance projects, or creative endeavors. Bring your laptops, your enthusiasm, and your projects to collaborate, learn, and share in the main room of our spacious hackerspace. During this **8-hour co-working event**, you'll have the opportunity to work on your project, ask for feedback, offer help to others, and if you wish, share your achievements at the end of the day. **Please Note**: While HSBXL has multiple rooms for various purposes, this coworking event is taking place in the main room. It's important to note that online meetings should be avoided during this event to prevent noise disturbance and to maintain a conducive work environment for everyone. \#\#\# What the day will look like: 1\. Introduction and setting up: Find a comfortable spot in the main room\, set up your workspace and grab a Club Mate\, soft drink\, or a coffee to get your day started\. 2\. Work Session: Dive into your project\, seek assistance\, and collaborate with others\. 3\. Sharing Session: Optional\, but encouraged\! Share what you've worked on\, your challenges\, and triumphs\. \#\#\# How to get to HSBXL: HSBXL is located in Brussels. For detailed instructions on how to get to the hackerspace, please visit [here](https://hsbxl.be/enter/). If you encounter any issues while trying to get in, you can contact us at +32 28804004. Please note that the phone is inside the space. Alternatively, you can also reach out to us in our [Matrix chatroom](https://matrix.to/#/#hsbxl:matrix.org). \#\#\# Requirements Please bring your laptop, and if you have, an extension cord. The space has WiFi, but having your own internet backup solution can also be useful. Join us at this **8-hour co-working day** in the main room of HSBXL, and we hope you'll have made progress on your projects, learned something new, and most importantly, enjoyed the power of community collaboration. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, we welcome you to this day of productivity, sharing, and collaboration.

**Feeling Like You’re on Autopilot?** You’re doing all the right things — showing up, getting work done, meeting expectations — yet inside, it feels like you’ve hit pause. You’re not learning, not growing, and there’s nothing left to prove. Life is moving, but you feel… stuck. 👉 [Click](https://calendly.com/ahmed-signature-strengths/coaching_session) to book your free 50-minute session today. You might find yourself thinking: * “Maybe I’m the problem for not feeling fulfilled anymore.” * “I’m going through life but without purpose. I’m working, but not adding any value.” * “I’ve lost confidence in myself.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. **What We’ll Do Together** In this 50-minute clarity session, we’ll slow down and untangle what’s really happening beneath the surface. We’ll explore the patterns, fears, and blind spots that keep you stuck — and reconnect you with what brings energy, meaning, and direction. You’ll walk away with: * **Clarity**: A deeper understanding of what you want (and what’s been blocking it). * **Perspective**: Awareness of your strengths and how they connect to your sense of purpose. * **Momentum**: A simple, realistic next step to start moving forward again. **Why We Get Stuck** People tend to get stuck for three main reasons: * **Lack of clarity** – “I don’t know what I want anymore, what gives me energy, or what drains me.” * **Fear of failure** – “What if I make the wrong decision? I have too much responsibility to risk failing.” * **Exhaustion** – “I know what I want, but I’m tired of trying and not getting there.” The truth is, clarity doesn’t come from overthinking — it comes from reconnecting with your strengths and what genuinely matters to you. **Why I Created this Session** I’ve worked with many midlife professionals who reached a point where success stopped feeling fulfilling. They weren’t broken — they were simply ready for a new chapter that aligned with who they’ve become. Through coaching, I’ve helped clients reconnect with their strengths, rediscover purpose, and take confident, meaningful steps forward — personally and professionally. This session was created to help you do the same: get unstuck, get clear, and start moving again. **What to Expect** * 1:1 virtual coaching via Zoom (50 minutes) * Reflective conversation tailored to your situation * Practical insights, mindset shifts, and clarity tools * A calm, supportive space to talk openly about what’s next **Ready to Get Unstuck?** This is a limited-time free clarity session — an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign before taking your next step. 👉 [Click](https://calendly.com/ahmed-signature-strengths/coaching_session) to book your free 50-minute session today. Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and clarity is one honest conversation.

For this hike we will ***mostly follow the GR 512 and the Regional GR “Groene Gordel”.*** We’ll explore Grimbergen with its ***12th-century abbey and charming 18th-century Spanish facades*** on the church square. Along the way, we pass the ***MIRA public observatory, some historic watermills, peaceful parks and nature reserves***. We’ll enjoy the ***tranquility of the Sea Canal***, admire ***beautiful farms and country houses*** and take in ***sweeping views across serene fields and landscapes.*** ***After our hike*** we can continue our good habit of ***taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub*** in Grimbergen before returning to Brussels. **Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)** We will walk at ***an average speed of 5km/h*** both on paved and unpaved roads. ***I’ve never walked this road before*** so it’s ***possible there are some mistakes in the planning***. Be prepared for this. ***●●Meeting point*** We meet at ***09h00*** in ***front of the Delhaize Shop*** ***inside the Montgomery Metro Station.*** There we take the Tram 7 (direction Heysel) until « De Wand » where we change to the bus from « De Lijn » R30 – R31. It will bring us to our destination Grimbergen « Stelplaats » where we start our hike. ***●● Bus tickets*** ***Buy your bus ticket in advance via the aplication fron “De Lijn” – the ticket should be 3 €*** ***●● Bus back to Brussels*** We take the same bus (R30 – R31) to Brussels (De Wand) **LAST bus = 21:46** ***●● Specifics*** distance: \~ 23 km elevation gain: \~ 78 m net walking time ***(breaks are not included here):*** \~5h00 level: ***easy – open to everyone*** ***In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails.*** ●● ***What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water or hot drinks and food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please watch the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be)) \- a \(head\) flashlight and a yellow security vest for the evening **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ***●● Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP ***latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel last day or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. ‘yes RSVP’, but not ‘wait listed’). ***●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** By signing up for this event, ***you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility*** and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

It's time to put down the chocolates and lace up the walking boots for a hike from **Pécrot to Leuven** (\~21km, 150m elevation). We will walk through the Brabantse Wouden and follow the river Dijle on footpaths and board walks, then finish in the city of Leuven where the streets will be festive and the bars warm and inviting. We will surely find one for a drink (optional) to help us recover from the cold before taking the train back to Brussels. **The weather forecast is sunny but cold (max 4C), so bring plenty of warm clothes. The path will be muddy or frozen and slippery in places.** **We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast.** We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **You can find the GPX track here:** [https://mapy.com/s/cadogumoma](https://mapy.com/s/cadogumoma) **Meeting point and train** We will meet at **10h00** in front of the Starbucks in **Brussels Central**. The train **IC 3607 (Leuven)** leaves from **platform 3 at 10:16** (you can also join this train at Brussel Zuid 10:11, Brussel Noord 10:22). It arrives at **10:41 in Leuven**, where we change on to train **S20 3081 (Ottignies) at 10:55** from **platform D**. We arrive in **Pécrot at 11:12.** **Train tickets** \- Single Brussels to Pécrot\, € 5\.70 or € 3\.40 with Train\+ \- Single Esneux to Brussels\, € 4\.70 or € 2\.80 with Train\+ You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the introductory price of € 3 (1 month) or € 24 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines. **Train back to Brussels** There are \~5 trains per hour from Leuven to Brussels. **Specifics** Distance: \~21 km Elevation gain: \~150 m Net walking time: \~5h Level: ***Easy*** **In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com) website and/or your email.** **What to bring** **\- lunch \- we will *not* stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch** \- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- water \(min 2l\) and enough food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) \- mosquito/tick repellent \- some money for drinks/snacks/etc **Basic rules** The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated. Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike. **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability** You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 50+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Instagram** [https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels](https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels) **Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Hi, Brussels Runners is also accessible as a club on Strava where you can sign up for the same events. ([Strava Event](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/2021351)) Join us for our weekly Saturday run at 10 am at Bois de la Cambre ! We run 5 kms around Bois de la Cambre divided in one bigger lap of 3,5 kms and a smaller one of 1,5 kms. Both start and end at the Woodpecker so, if needed, you can stop there after the first lap. Our goal is to make running more accessible, for that, the pace is very beginner friendly which is around 06:30-07:00 min/km. Let's all have a drink after and chat at the Woodpecker of Bois de la Cambre. Excited to see you there, Rouge Run Club Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**About the session** This is a curated mixed doubles of Intermediate and Advanced levels. It’s an invitational group, no beginners or casual/amateur play. We balance courts for pace and quality. New and Interested in being part of our group? Join here, https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqdVhyuBhFz1d56lv4WVVi Please Direct Message the Organizer with your level. Approval is required before your first RSVP. **Format & level** * Competitive mixed doubles match play with quick rotations * Self-umpired with rally scoring to 21. * We may adjust pairings to keep games balanced. **Shuttles** We provide Yonex Mavis 2000 (Medium, Yellow) match-grade nylon shuttles. Please don’t mix in other shuttles during games. **Other Info** * We’ll post exact court numbers in the WhatsApp group before each session. Check on the day. * To secure your spot, RSVP on Meetup and complete payment by thursday evening (RSVP deadline). Unpaid RSVPs may be moved to the Waitlist so we can release/adjust courts fairly. * Waitlist: If enabled, members may be promoted automatically as spots open. So check regularly for the latest update. **House rules** * Shoes: Clean, non-marking indoor shoes only. * Timing: Arrive 10 minutes early for warm-up and court assignment. Running late? DM the Organizer. * Etiquette: Call lines fairly, rotate quickly, and mind court boundaries. No Aggressive language. * Gear: Bring your racket, water, and a towel. shuttles are provided. **Contact** Questions or first-time approval requests? DM the Organizer with your playing level and availability.

**Lace up for the ultimate send-off!** Join the Brussels Runners for our **Last Sunday Run of 2025**! Escape the city and conquer the stunning **Bois de la Cambre and Forêt de Soignes** (Sonian Forest) for a truly memorable run. This is more than just a run—it's a celebration of a year well spent on the trails, all set at a comfortable and social pace of 6 min/km. ### ✨ Your Sunday Adventure Includes: * **Distance:** \~13 * **Target Pace:** 6 min/km (Enjoyable and social). * **Terrain:** Embrace the challenge! We'll tackle a dynamic mix of **pine-scented forest trails, soft dirt paths, and scenic open sections.** * **The Vibe:** High-energy, supportive, and the best way to close out your running year! * **Essential Perks:** **Secure Bag Drop** available for your convenience. ### ☕ The Reward: Post-Run Social! Stick around! The tradition continues with an **optional post-run coffee** gathering. Share stories, relax, and enjoy great company with fellow runners—it's the perfect cool-down! **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.** By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. Questions and comments are welcome.

Hello! This is a meet-up to play tennis from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Meeting is on the courts. The courts are booked under the name Jean-Marc. This event is for intermediate and advanced players and not organised for novice players or beginners. Please make sure to bring the exact sum of 10 € in cash. The event is non-commercial. This sum covers the cost of the courts reserved. The organizer is not there to make money out of you. Ladies are encouraged to join. If anyone wants to drop out, they should do it on Saturday morning, not on Sunday the day of the meetup, another wise it would be too late to find a replacement in time or to cancel a court in time with reimbursement. If you don't do this, you will be asked by the organizer to reimburse your participation fee. If this happens too late then those who have cancelled after Saturday morning will have to cover the extra cost for reserving the courts. In the past meetups, it happened too many times that we were an oneven number and because of that all those present had less fun to play. If you don't show up without giving a written excuse in time, the first future participation will be cancelled and you will be asked to reimburse the participation fee. If it happens too many times you will not be able to participate anymore. In case if we are an uneven number of players, then the last player (except the host of course who has to collect the money) can leave or persuade other players to play with him or her. Of course if the last player leaves, then he or she doesn't have to pay the participation fee. If this player leaves, he or she will be added on a future event by the host or organizer in the participation list if the player is far away in the waiting list. This is the advantage of leaving on a voluntary basis;-). We operate on the principle of Fair Play as we do not have umpires or referees. Any disputes or disagreements over line calls or scores should be resolved immediately on the court and, when agreement is not possible, the point or game should be replayed. To be able to replay the game, 3 players need to agree on that without manipulation of the one who disputes an entire game, anotherwise injustice could occur where in the end possibly the biggest cheater could win... This situation applies also, if the host or the organizer is involved. When one of the players still doesn't accept this compromise, then it should be reported (meetup message by preference) to the organizer or host of the meetup event. One of the consequences could be that the first upcoming event could be cancelled by the organizer for the player who doesn't comply with the compromise to play the point or the game again. If the same player does that again for a second time, then the person will see 4 of his next tennis meetups cancelled. If this happens a third time with the same player, then the player in question will be banned from all future tennis meetups with an exclusion as a final result. Whenever there is a big problem, it should be reported as well to the organizer of the group so he can, if necessary, take actions to improve the situation for all the players. Please also note that if you are the first on the waiting list, you will automatically be moved up to the attendance list if someone pulls out. So if you are on the waiting list and see that you cannot attend, please also change your status to not going. If you would like to organize a meet up either this week or next week please get in touch with me, my name is Jean-Marc. It will depend on your initiatives to create more tennis meetups per week.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.