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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out backcountry events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the backcountry events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find backcountry events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Backcountry Events Today
Join in-person Backcountry events happening right now
Killakee Viewpoint ✳️
Join us for this Thursday evening cycle on the southside of the city up to the Killakee viewpoint and back. It’s a decent climb and offers some great views over the city.
🚨Warning: this cycle has a steep/long climb.
🔴 Back and front lights on your bike are essential for this cycle.
The total distance is 25km, and so not far but it has 350m of climbing taken on all at once. For perspective, 350m is about twice the amount of climbing as the Thursday Howth cycle. If you are unsure of your ability to do this, I recommend trying the Thursday Howth Cycle first. We do not go fast up the climb, we go as slow as needed.
Here is our plan for the evening:
1️⃣We leave at 6:30PM from Portobello Harbour
2️⃣We cycle south through Rathfarham and climb up to Killakee via Stocking Lane
3️⃣ We'll head back to starting point via Cruagh Road.
4️⃣ If time allows, we'll make a stop at The Merry Ploughboy pub for a break and refreshment before heading back to the start.
See link for komoot map below:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1944062322?ref=itd&share_token=avWE4P7gDG72obQjmW7n6nUD67jQdNauD2gbxInZd0955579N5&ref=its
⛑ PLEASE WEAR A HELMET and bring a tube in case you have a puncture.
WAIVER & RELEASE:
We are a group composed of volunteers. We are not a professional organisation. As such, each of us is responsible for our own safety and well-being during an organised event. The organiser(s) is not in any way responsible for any participant on the trip. However, as a group of friends, we make an effort to look out for one another to the best of our ability.
By joining this event, you and your guests agree to and accept the following waiver and liability amendment to the Meetup Terms of Service at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ ;
1. My guests and I have read the Meetup Terms of Service at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ and hereby amend it to include the same waiver and release therein to this event's organiser(s) and participants.
Bachata and Salsa classes with Dubachata
Adult Bachata and Salsa dance classes with practice social at Coolock Ardlea Scout Den Coolock Village.
This is a mirror studio located upstairs from the hall with nice wooden floors.
This is a weekly Thursday event. Come down, learn and have fun!
Men and Women are welcome.
Free taster for first timers and discount for students, request via dm.
Beginners cost 10 euro for all beginner classes and practice.
Your Voice Found (YVF) Dublin Speakers Carmelite Centre
Why Not Come with a story , a poem , a wedding speech , anything that worth sharing to a gang of 10 people ? Ping me on Meetup .
There is a door charge to cover the cost of the room for 2 hours.
**Your Voice Found** Does appreciate the helpful staff at Carmelite centre . This is an independent venture.
**Your Voice Found** has been running for nearly a year . There is **no commit** . Its cheap tand cheerful to attend and Carmelite Centre probably have the cheapest coffee / tea in Dublin ! We meet once a month. Same convenient Dublin City Centre location. Same time. Last Thursday of every Month. What is there not to enjoy ? so come along and share stories , impress your boss at the next meeting or engage the family with that wedding speech you keep worrying about. We have helped loads of like minded people . I hope you are the next ! All ages. All abilities. Just ask for James.
Thursday salsa & bachata nights in Lucan
🎉 **Thursday Salsa & Bachata** – Weekly Classes + Social Dancing 💃🕺
Looking for a fun way to start your weekend? Join us every Thursday for a night of dancing, learning, and great vibes!
✨ What to expect:
* Beginner-friendly Salsa & Bachata classes to get you moving
* Social dancing after class to practice and enjoy
* A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — no pressure, just fun
👣 No partner or experience needed
😊 Come solo or bring friends — everyone is welcome
📅 **When**: Every Thursday
📍 **Where**: Kenny's Of Lucan, Lucan Village
⏰ **Time**: 7:00-8:00pm - Cuban Salsa Class
8:00-9:00pm - Bachata Class
9:00-10:00pm - Social Dance Practice
Whether you’re trying dancing for the first time or already love Latin rhythms, this is the perfect place to meet new people, build confidence, and enjoy your Thursday nights.
Bring your energy, your smile, and let’s dance! 🎶🔥
Plenty of free on-street parking is available.
Survival Analysis: From Basic Concepts to Bayesian Models
**Speaker:** Mick Cooney
Survival analysis is a statistical method for analyzing the expected duration of time until an event occurs. In this one-hour talk, we will walk through the application of survival analysis to life insurance policy lapses, starting from foundational concepts and moving toward Bayesian modeling approaches using Stan.
We will begin by setting the scene with a practical example: the impact of the 2008-2011 credit crisis on Irish life insurance. This provides a backdrop to introduce core survival analysis concepts, including censoring, truncation, survival functions, and hazard functions.
Next, we will review classic approaches to modeling survival data. We will cover the non-parametric Kaplan-Meier estimator, discuss standard parametric models, and examine semi-parametric methods like the Cox Proportional Hazards model.
The second half of the talk will focus on Bayesian survival analysis. Using R and Stan, we will demonstrate how to construct Bayesian models for time-to-event data. We will step through the process of assessing model fit and discuss strategies for improving model performance, focusing on handling right-censored data and quantifying uncertainty.
This session provides an overview for practitioners interested in applying both traditional and Bayesian survival analysis techniques to their own data problems.
Backcountry Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Big and Little Sugarloaf
Hello everybody.
Meeting at 9.15am and
starting off from the Kilmacanogue carpark, up the Big Sugarloaf and then over to the Little Sugarloaf, the hike will be approx 13.2km , ascent 675m.
please have proper hiking boots and rain gear, and enough food and liquids for the hike.
Mountain Skills 1 Course
***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course***
Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond!
As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment.
Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills.
The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions.
A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers:
Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more…
Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course.
Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2)
**A course includes:**
Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend.
**For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.**
Accommodations can be provided
Feb 21-22 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford
Feb 26/March 01 - MS2 in Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow
March 21-22 MS1 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow
March 28-29 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow
April 09-10 MS1 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow
For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193
Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)
Mountain Skills 1 Course
***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course***
Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond!
As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment.
Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills.
The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions.
A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers:
Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more…
Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course.
Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2)
**A course includes:**
Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend.
**For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.**
Accommodations can be provided
Her are few additionnal dates:
Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow
Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford
March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow
March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow
April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow
For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193
Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)
30's - 45's Singles Speed Friending - Make New 🍻 Friends🤗
Are you Solo and Single!! Easily Make new 💑 friends🍻 with Speed Friending! No need for Apps 😀We are meeting for social drinks including soft drinks 🍺🍸🍷 at the Lemon & Duke Bar. We will be inside the Bar area. The Lemon & Duke Bar has also great food 🍗🍖🍰🍮 . Please, at least buy a drink or a soft drink or so, as we may not be welcomed again to certain bars. We will go to another late bar afterwards. So Dress Nice & neat please. Leave your surfing cloths and 🏖 surfboards at home please.😂
https://youtu.be/wD0Mm6WIcYs?feature=shared
Many new people come solo to socialize and make new friends, so do not worry if you are solo, you are welcome to join us. I will introduce you to others in the group,so you are no longer solo. 😆Welcome to ask me questions about hiking gear and 🐬🐠🐡 scuba diving.
Liam Mc Hike - Kippure Mast - Lough Brays -16km
Hi all,
We will meet at Lough Bray car parking for 9.40, on the trails ASAP thereafter. We will scramble up Eagles Crag, then head to Kippure mast (highest point in Dublin district). Then taking in a circular loop we will return to car park via Lough Brays. There may be some hillside with boggy and wet ground thrown in for good measure.
Appropriate hiking gear & bring gaiters if you have them on this hike.
Please bring some lunch and drinks of your choice.
See you there :-).
Saint-Tropez marathon weekend !
**Saint-Tropez Vibes**: Yachts, stars, sun-soaked glamour on the French Riviera!
Just down from our HQ, we're launching an epic all-inclusive trip for the International Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez on March 29, 2026!
Run the stunning coastline: Marathon, 2x21k relay, or 10k. Breathtaking views of beaches, vineyards & hills!
Spots fill FAST –
[https://eatsleeptrailrun.com/sttropezmarathon](https://eatsleeptrailrun.com/sttropezmarathon)
Surf Trip West Coast with Lessons
All surf equipment provided, Surf board + Wetsuit, Surf Lesson and Return Bus from Dublin. Hot showers & Changing area.
Beginners welcome , 2.5 hour surf lesson with our instructors on the beach and in the water. More advanced options are also available.
Make sure to bring a towel to get changed, swimsuit, sun cream and a snack + drink.
Payment €109 via Revolut to @surfireland ,
See you on the waves,
Davey
Backcountry Events Near You
Connect with your local Backcountry community
April Social - Rehab Tavern Franklinton
After a short winter hibernation, we are back for warmer weather events!
We'll kick things off with our monthly social at [Rehab Tavern ](http://rehabtavern.com/) located in Franklinton!
**Address**: 456 W Town St #460, Columbus, OH 43215
You'll find us at a large table with CAC flyers and placards!
We'll be discussing what warm weather events you'd like to see such as hiking, biking, kayacking, etc!
COUNT RMH Housewarmer Volunteering (Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Spring Social Bowling League 🥳 20% Discount for NEW Bowlers!
☀️ **Shake Off the Winter Chill** **\- Bowl With Us\! 20% off for NEW bowlers\!**
Our 6-week spring social bowling league starts in **April** \- trade social hibernation for strikes\, beers\, and new friends\! Whether you're looking to unwind after work\, meet new people\, or just have a fun night out with pals\, this league is perfect for everyone\! Chill times\, cold drinks\, and plenty of chances to connect with others\. No matter your skill level\, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends\. **;)**
**🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $79 *(while Early Bird is active)***
**🚨NEW to the league??** Use discount code (**MU2P26**) for 20% off - $63.20 *during Early Bird*
**💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
**Why Join?**
🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan
🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar
🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome!
👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early
🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes
💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends!
**Want in?**
Join our Meetup team Ballbusters 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/27x7kclx
Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way!
📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21
***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)***
**Cost & What’s Included:**
✔ $79 Early Bird registration - **NEW bowler?? Get 20% off with code: MU2P26**
✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week)
✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup
✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people
👉 **SIGN UP NOW**
💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
🤑Use promo code MU2P26 to save 20%
📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG
📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7
Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!
Alum Creek Hike to Strawberry Farms Park
Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!
BASEBALL IS BACK!! Clippers' Home Saturday Opener!!! ⚾ 🧢 🌭 🎆 🧨 🎇 🗽 🦅 🇺🇸
**Summary**
Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener!
The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours.
Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats.
**Parking**
I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments.
Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements.
If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf).
**Where We'll Be**
Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf).
We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire.
If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower.
This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are.
We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor.
**Tickets**
Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster.
Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees.
These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park.
**Carry-Ins**
Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed."
I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park.
**Food & Drink**
The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below.
The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra.
While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good.
The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though.
**Peroration**
Let's (watch them) play ball!
Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park
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.





















