Weimaraner

Meet Gillian outside Sebastian's, even though it's not open till next week. We'll walk along the beach to Green Point in Brighton (one hour round trip). There are plenty of benches along the way if you don't feel like doing the whole walk. Then back to Brown Cow for a cuppa & chat. For any queries, don't hesitate to get in touch with Gillian 0409219524 http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/6/8/event_431898536.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/7/5/4/event_306566452.jpeg

Kick off the New Year by joining your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on New Year's Day!

Easy, Social 15 km. Celebrate New Years Day with a ride to the beach then take away pizza in new wetlands and coastal woodlands, (of a sort (LOL)) in Elwood. Depart Fed Square, cruise down the St Kilda Road bike track to Fitzroy Street St Kilda trail then the bayside trail to Elwood Beach. If you’re feeling brave, or just curious, a quick dip in the sea, then up the Elwood canal to Ormond Road to purchase take away pizza, or of course, BYO dinner. Zanini Pizzeria & Cucina Italiana https://maps.app.goo.gl/44uDTuQwtJ5Wikoc9 We’ll chill out in the newly rehabilitated Yalukit wetlands and coastal woodlands, a former golf course. Gardenvale Station is nearby, you can bail out there or retrace your ‘steps’ back to fed Square. Bring lights if you’re planning to cycle back to Fed Square in the evening. The ride can be viewed on Ride with GPS: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53621362](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53621362) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider 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 financial MBTC club 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) 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.

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 
Leanne & Lyn 💕

**🌞 Eat, Drink, Dip & Coast — Summer Social Ride along the beach to Point Ormond - 22km Return** A breezy, cheeky, sun‑kissed roll along Melbourne’s waterfront Ready to flirt with summer? We’re taking our wheels, our wit, and our warm‑weather charm on a coastal cruise from the Skyline Ferris Wheel at South Wharf all the way to Point Ormond — with beach dips, café temptations, and plenty of banter stops to keep things loose (especially my muscles, which will absolutely need it). **🚲 Meet & Greet (and maybe a cheeky pre‑ride coffee) 10:15 a.m. — Arrive early** at the Skyline Ferris Wheel, right next to the Love Café by the Exhibition Centre. We'll leave by 10.30 a.m. Grab a snack, sip something energising, and warm up your social muscles. 10:30 a.m. — We roll out. Smooth, slow, and social. **🌊 The Route: Waterfront flirtation** We’ll glide along the cycleway to Beacon Cove, then follow the coastline past Port Melbourne, hugging the bay all the way to St Kilda and finally Point Ormond. It’s about 11 km each way — a breezy 22 km return — and absolutely not a race. Think: leisurely cruising, sunshine, sea breeze, and the occasional “wait, look at that view” pause. 🩱 Swim Optional… but highly encouraged if it’s hot If the day turns steamy, we’re making a splash. Bring towel + bathers if you’re feeling brave, beachy, or both. **☕ Lunch & Swim Stop — Group Choice** We’ll hit the café‑rich stretch around St Kilda for our mystery lunch decision point. The group decides where we land — café, swim, or both. Add an extra hour if we settle in for food or a dip. **🕒 Timing** Expect around 3 hours of rolling and chatting, plus optional extra time for lunch/swim indulgence **💬 Vibe** Light. Flirty. Inclusive. A summer ride with a wink — perfect for loosening up, meeting new people, and letting the coastline do its magic. **👍Requirements** Make sure your bike works and is capable of doing 22km return. Bonus if you can do it as well lol! Bike helmet and Bike Lock **Optional** Consider getting RACV Bike assist insurance. Only $23.50 per year that covers bike repair, or if you need repair and transport and can't finish the ride. Download their Arevo bike navigation app which contains the discount code. Beach towel and bathers (thongs) if an ocean dip is on the cards If you need a bike rental consider [Blue Tongue Bikes](https://bluetonguebikes.com.au/), just across the river at Batman Park, next to King St.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."