Wilderness Hiking

**TRAIL RUN GROUP** ***WHO SHOULD ATTEND ?*** This group is a LEISURE run group. So whether you are a beginner or have years of experience, this group will suit you. ***WHAT TO EXPECT? ( for our trail run group)*** Our trail runs are relaxed and welcoming — no pressure, no competition! * Ages range from 25 to 70, with all fitness levels. * Everyone sets their own pace — some run, some do a run-walk mix, and some prefer to walk. * We don’t run as a pack, but one member always keeps pace with the slowest so no one gets lost. * A session usually lasts **30–45 minutes**, depending on your pace. We typically have **9–12 regulars** (RSVPs here don’t reflect full attendance, as some register through our chat group). After the run, we usually hang out for a short dinner or drink — a nice way to wind down together. 🥗🍹 ***DISTANCE COVERED :*** About 5 km ***VENUE:*** We go all over Singapore for our trail adventures but our BASE VENUE is at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. ***TIMING:*** For trail runs, we meet once every 2 weeks on Sunday 5pm. The run usually ends around 7pm . ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **\*Sunday, 3rd May 2026, 4:45 PM\*** **Labrador Park MRT to Telok Blangah Hill & back** **ROUTE:** **Labrador Park(LP) MRT > Earth Trail > Telok Telok Blangah Hill > Back to LP MRT** ***Mix of trails, steps, slopes & roads*** **DISTANCE:** **4-5 km** **START TIME :** **Run starts PUNCTUALLY at 5:00 pm** **Please be at the meet-up point by 4:45 pm** **Unable to wait for latecomers** **MEET-UP & START POINT :** **Labrador Park MRT** **END POINT:** **Labrador Park MRT** **DINNER/DRINK:** **Alexandra Retail Centre**

Perhaps less explored than Singapore's more tourist-worn trails, the corridor stretching from Queenstown to the **Singapore River** holds a quiet richness that rewards those who slow down and look closely. Starting at **Queenstown** , we cross over the bridge and into the greenery of the **Park Connector**, tracing a path that weaves between the old and the new. Along the way, we pass the serene **Church of the Good Shepherd** and stroll through the tranquil **Alexandra Canal Linear Park** — a pocket of calm in the heart of the city. From there, we ascend to the iconic **Sky Terrace at Dawson HDB** — one of Singapore's most celebrated public housing developments, soaring **47 storeys high** with sweeping views that reframe the city entirely. A true testament to how Singapore has reimagined everyday living. Rejoining the **Park Connector**, we continue past the historic **Masjid Jamek** before arriving at the beloved **Zion Food Court** famous for its Char-Kway-Teow — a perfect pitstop for a taste of local Singapore hawker delicacies. Then, the walk takes on a new character as we enjoy our evening stroll along the **Singapore River**, one of the nation's most storied waterways. We follow the river's gentle bends, crossing the elegant **Jiak Kim Bridge**, pass the **Rainbow Bridge** before our walk concludes at the vibrant **Clarke Quay** — where history, food, and the city's pulse all come together at the water's edge. This is a walk of contrasts: lush park connectors and towering HDB sky gardens, quiet places of worship and buzzing riverside promenades, heritage and modernity side by side. Come discover a side of Singapore many pass through but few truly see. **Event Details:** Limited to 24 members. (No guests — please ask your friends to RSVP individually.) *(**Note:** Priority will be given to members joining upcoming overseas trips and those who have never joined any of our free walks or hikes before.)* 📱 **Please include your mobile number when you RSVP** — this is needed for safety grouping and communication during the walk. *Full details will be sent to all confirmed participants once RSVP closes.* **EVENT HOST: MJ 87511073**

Perhaps less explored than Singapore's more tourist-worn trails, the corridor stretching from Queenstown to the Singapore River holds a quiet richness that rewards those who slow down and look closely. Starting at **Queenstown** , we cross over the bridge and into the greenery of the **Park Connector**, tracing a path that weaves between the old and the new. Along the way, we pass the serene **Church of the Good Shepherd** and stroll through the tranquil **Alexandra Canal Linear Park** — a pocket of calm in the heart of the city. From there, we ascend to the iconic **Sky Terrace at Dawson HDB** — one of Singapore's most celebrated public housing developments, soaring 47 storeys high with sweeping views that reframe the city entirely. A true testament to how Singapore has reimagined everyday living. Rejoining the **Park Connector**, we continue past the historic **Masjid Jamek** before arriving at the beloved **Zion Food Court** — a perfect pitstop for a taste of local Singapore. Then, the walk takes on a new character as we reach the **start of the Singapore River**, one of the nation's most storied waterways. We follow the river's gentle bends, crossing the elegant **Jiak Kim Bridge**, before our walk concludes at the vibrant **Clarke Quay** — where history, food, and the city's pulse all come together at the water's edge. This is a walk of contrasts: lush park connectors and towering HDB sky gardens, quiet places of worship and buzzing riverside promenades, heritage and modernity side by side. Come discover a side of Singapore many pass through but few truly see. **Event Details:** Limited to 12 members. No guests — please ask your friends to RSVP individually. *(Priority will be given to members joining upcoming overseas trips and those who have never joined any of our free walks or hikes before.)* 📱 **Please include your mobile number when you RSVP** — this is needed for safety grouping and communication during the walk. *Full details will be sent to all confirmed participants once RSVP closes.* EVENT HOST: MJ 87511073

**For ages 13 and above.** These classes are for climbers who just started their bouldering journey and want an introduction to the basics of bouldering. Experience a thoughtfully crafted introductory class for beginners. * Highly recommended for first-timers * One hour guided session, one hour free and easy gym access * Guided mobility warm-up * Safety briefing: learn how to fall safely and identify falling zones * Introduction to bouldering and basic terms * Basic climbing techniques ### **Address** 61 Robinson Rd, #05-03/04, Singapore 068893 ### **Schedule** Sundays 6PM - 8PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Hi Everyone, With Covid19 happening, there is still a limited participants for group events of up to 8 pax happening, so this just to keep the virtual skating together going. The Challenge is to skate as much as you can during this pandemic each week. And see how we rank on leaderboard of Strava. The ranking is arranged by most distances skated each week. Do join us through on Strava App below: Leaderboard updates on a weekly basis and resets every week (Mon to Sun) Join us at https://www.strava.com/clubs/freewheelers_sg (Kindly note that with specifically the Strava app, it is unable to cater for Inline skating option, so you will have list your tracking via run or ride for your ranking to show up in leaderboard. And this is the main challenge majority of skaters will be using.) Feel feel to contact Janice on Meetup if you need help with the apps to join us on these virtual skating challenges. You can also ask Janice for link to join a telegram group where impromptu small group skating events are frequently organized if you are looking for skating buddies. Special Note: Heard feedback from some Iphone users that trouble getting apps FOC. All these apps should be free. Please make sure you download the FREE VERSION. And please download the app, before you join via Challenge Links as the Challenge Links lead Iphone users to paid versions I think. Android Phones should be automatic directed to free version. IPHONE DOWNLOAD LINKS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strava-run-ride-swim/id426826309

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/4/e/2/600_434874498.jpeg Check out www.A2 Movements.com for detailed info! Bring water, wear sporty attire (long pants & covered shoes + rubber sole and the waiver form (can be found on website)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/5/8/7/600_434874663.jpeg Bring water, wear sporty attire (long pants & covered shoes + rubber sole and the waiver form (can be found on website)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/5/8/7/600_434874663.jpeg For newcomers & experienced practitioner to train in the lodge to further progress their skills or try new moves Bring water, wear sporty attire (long pants & covered shoes + rubber sole and the waiver form (can be found on website)

VINYASA YOGA Class may be cancelled if minimum number of 3 attendees is not reached. Please pm host for confirmation. Yoga mats are not provided. Blocks can be provided on request.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.