Bicycling Beginners

**Ride:** While the trains are working on the Hurstbridge line, let's do this Tuesday ride on what looks to be a perfect day for it: We'll do the full length of the Diamond Creek trail from Hurstbridge, stopping for brunch / lunch in Eltham and ride the Main Yarra Trail and others back to town. **Getting there**: **08:43 Hurstbridge** train from **Flinders St** (platform 1) arrives **09:57.** We usually travel in the last carriage if you are wanting company for the trip. Note that I won't join you on the train as I will be riding there directly from home. -Public toilets available at Hurstbridge station. -Coffee at the bakery over the road if you arrive early. This is an easy paced ride and one-way only from **Hurstbridge Station**. We ride the **Main Yarra Trail** to **Alphington** before leaving it for an easier and shorter route back to town. Naturally, you can leave the ride wherever it suits you to head for home. **Suits most riders.** Cycling on well formed Lilydale Topping compacted gravel for some of the ride. Sealed on most of it. There are some short up-hills but nothing too long nor steep. Check the map profile if you wish. (Often, this ride goes to Petty's Orchard however they don't open Tuesdays and Wednesday will be a scorcher) **Total distance**: \~44 Km **Tuesday's forecast**: Melbourne area - 28°C Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. (Hurstbridge will become hotter in late afternoon but we'll be long gone) https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/hurstbridge/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-06 **Speed**: 22 Km/h typically. Not too fast / not too slow. **Recommended bike**: Most bikes. E-bikes if you are confident. Good quality gravel paths are OK for most road bikes. Bulky panniers not recommended as they might slow us all down on the day. **Map and route files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29419633](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29419633) \* * Actual route will vary on the day (we're not going to the apple orchard this time sot it's a little shorter) **Bring**: Water, sunscreen, spare tube & tools, money for lunch / coffee, Myki, your phone with my number. Please pump and check your tyres before leaving home :) **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Yarra River - Sept '25 "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"

Urban Climb Blackburn If you've never climbed before, you need to complete a brief safety induction before you climb the first time (and they'll teach you everything you need to know to be safe indoors). There are sauna facilities, bouldering cave, speed wall and sparkling water too. This group is primarily for rope climbing; top roping or lead climbing. Many members have their lead pass and equipment, but feel free to go and do some bouldering too if you like! If you arrive on time, you'll find us chatting next to the couches in the bouldering area. If you're a little late please let the staff know that you are with the Climb Victoria Meetup, they can make an announcement and someone will come and collect you and introduce you to the group. Some members may even be wearing a black shirt with our logo on it. For more information about the venue and first time waiver, please check out this link to the Urban Climb website - https://urbanclimb.com.au/locations/blackburn/ **Fees:** Fees are paid directly to Urban Climb (this is not a free event). Further information on costs can be found at: https://urbanclimb.com.au/pricing/ . Some climbing memberships also may offer discounted entry, so it may be worth checking your member benefits in such groups **We also now have a Facebook Group:** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/663576119053808](https://www.facebook.com/groups/663576119053808) . This also has a chat function which may help

Play board games with around 20 people on 5+ tables in Elsternwick. Friendly. Inclusive. Free entry, Crunchy Euro and Thematic games. Close to public transport and free parking. Exclusive use of a function room with good lighting at the Caulfield RSL. Games are sometimes organised in advance on our WhatsApp group or in the Aftergame app: https://aftergame.app/groups/bayside-games-1853 However most games are organised following a brief discussion at the venue on the Monday night. Recently we have played the following games: Euros: Inis, Evacuation, On Mars, Kanban EV, The Gallerist, Ark Nova, Galactic Cruise, Viticulture, Scythe, Concordia, Brass, Terra Mystica, Gaia Project, Terraforming Mars, Castles of Burgundy, Lost Ruins of Arnak and Grand Austria Hotel, Anachrony, Orleans, Dune Imperium, Oceans, Yokohama. Economic: Indonesia, Food Chain Magnate, Bus, Irish Gauge and Container. Thematic: Voidfall, Dune (Original), Root, Eclipse, Unfathomable, Nemesis, Spirit Island, Undaunted, Chaos in the Old World, The Godfather, Spartacus and Dominant Species. **Arrive early** The best time to arrive is around 6:50pm as people discuss which games they would like to play before starting longer games at 7:00pm. Arrive early and we can ensure that you are included in a game. However, should you arrive after 7:00pm you may need to wait for games to finish to be included, or if people are playing long games, it might not be practical to start a new game. **Full bar and snacks available** The Caulfield RSL generously provide the venue free of charge. A selection of food and drinks are available for purchase at the bar. Note that only food or drink purchased at the RSL can be consumed at the venue. We look forward to seeing you!

Everybody's welcome! Non MBTC members need to join club by the fourth ride with us, ask us how! An easy ride, on this balmy weather, aimed to leisure cyclists mostly on bike paths and quiet suburban streets. Leaving Southern Cross station we'll get on the recently opened Dixon Veloway over Foostcray road, then we'll take the Maribyrnong bike trail that deliver us to the Steely Creek trail, then on to the Taylors Creek trail. Following this, we get for a couple of kilometres into the busy Calder Highway to arrive to the Organ Pipes National Park, we may need to lock our bikes, then walk to see the rock formations. Continuing on we'll deviate for a couple of k's to check the site of the Sunbury Festival held here in the mid-70's, there is also a commemorative plaque in honour of Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs. Trains from Sunbury station every 40 minutes or so. In the event of extreme temperature, over 30 deg C, we'll ABANDON the ride and look for a rail station to go back home! Please bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water for the day. Ride end time is a guesstimate only. Check route here (give or take a couple of wrong turns): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53649754 Early lunch at the 24 k mark, at Keilor Village, many choices. The route is 100% sealed, and the terrain is pretty easy to navigate with no climbs. So bring your, in good condition, bike, we suggest 32+ mm tires. We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often to regroup. No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride. RIDE REGISTRATION FORM This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at: [www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider](www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider). ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning front & tail light, spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc. Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc. Check your app for any changes the day before a the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you can not make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity. 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.

\* First for 2026 and our 11th Altona weekly evening ride in its 12th season \* Td'A is a 50km evening ride in the daylight saving months and intended for intermediates due to the speed and headwinds. We cycle on bike paths to Williamstown and Altona and return in the dark on paths and roads. Meeting in South Wharf at Jeff's Shed on Clarendon St, we ride through Docklands to Williamstown for a short break then continue on the coastal path to the seaside suburb of Altona for a quick bite (30mins or so) in the park opposite the fish and chip shop and other eateries. Usually, we're back in town around 9:30pm. **Forecast:** TBA Click this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-08 *Strong winds are the usual experience on this ride making it unsuitable for beginners whenever blowy, which is most of the time.* **Bike:** Any mechanically sound bicycle. Check it and pump your tyres before coming. MTBs may struggle. **Lights:** Excellent lights that illuminate the path are essential. Consider bringing spare lights. **Speed:** 25 km/h typically on paths where appropriate and faster on a few roads but it is mostly paths. You can be sure of headwinds by the coast. **Distance:** 50 km for the round trip **Map:** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6954193 \* \* Actual route may vary on the night **Bring:** \- Water\, jacket\, Myki\, tube\, tools\, bright bike lights\, \- Your phone with my number\. \- Emergency Contact Details \* **Contact:** Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo:** Altona Beach - Dec '25 **\*EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS** : Please ensure you carry these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Written down preferably and with your personal items so it can be found by emergency personnel. There is a link to a template in our Meetup homepage (browser) down in the discussion area. https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling/discussions/ "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"

Hi, Jess and Sean will take us for a tour starting out at Murrumbeena Station, heading South towards Dingley Village to pick up on the Dingley Bypass Trail, Westall Road Trail and Dandenong South Trail, until hitting the ELT and heading North before the return leg on the Djerring Trail! We will stop around halfway for refreshment's. Bring your own choice of beverage (nowhere to buy) and there may be some donut's involved! Once we make it back to Murrumbeena we can grab some dinner at one of the restaurants around the Station! Distance is getting up but its a pretty flat ride so have kept it as a beginner+ ride. Also the return leg on the Djerring Trail follows the railway line, so if anyone was feeling it, they can jump on the train back to Murrumbeena Station! See the RWGPS map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53599144 We will kick off from Murrumbeena Railway Station @ 3.00pm. There are trains into Murrumbeena as follows as of checking today: \*From CBD - arriving at 2.51pm departing Flinders 2.31pm \*From Pakenham - arriving 2.52pm departing Pakenham 2.00pm \*From Cranbourne - arriving 2.47pm departing Cranbourne 2.09pm See pin here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2XzCx2xWTNHP9P156 At the moment the long range forecast looks 'TBC' Hopefully see you all there for a nice afternoon outing! **YOUR BIKE** Suitable for any well maintained bike **Note: End time is a guesstimate only** **ESSENTIAL ITEMS** Spare tube, puncture kit, pump, basic tools - good to have with you. Rain & warm gear (according to conditions) Plenty of water for the distance especially if it's going to be hot! Always better to have too much than enough! Check your app for any changes the night before, and on the day of the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. **If you realise you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' immediately even if you are still on the Waitlist.** "Liability Waiver: The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to this liability waiver." Please just ride with some courtesy, use your bell/call out when required passing people, single file on narrow sections, blind corners etc just common sense.

**🚲 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne – Summer Social Cycle!** Saturday 3 January • 10.30 AM – approx. 2:00 PM Please be at the Ferris wheel at 10.15 AM. We will leave by 10.30 AM **Meet & finish at:** Love Café, South Wharf (next to the Skyline Ferris Wheel & Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre) Ready to roll into the new year with sunshine, good company, and Melbourne’s most iconic cycling loop? Join us for a 30 km social ride around the Capital City Trail—fun, flirty, relaxed, and absolutely not a race. Think of it as a moving summer hangout with wheels. **🌞 What to Expect** - A chilled 3‑hour ride with rest breaks every 30–45 minutes - A friendly pace where conversation is encouraged and Lycra‑hero energy is optional - Plenty of time to snack, hydrate, laugh, and enjoy the long‑overdue warm weather (…it’s Melbourne, so fingers crossed) - A big scenic loop through the inner suburbs, leafy **riverside paths, and long stretches** along the Yarra - A gorgeous skyline moment on the return leg—one of the best views in the city **🚴 No Bike? No Problem** You can hire one just across the river at Blue Tongue Bikes in Batman Park. Easy. Feel free to bring an electric bike if you're lazy! ****🚲** What to bring****** Bike, water, bike lock, helmet, fun and smiley 👀 😉 **❤️ Start & Finish** We’ll meet at Love Café—because where better to kick off a flirty summer ride than a place literally called Love? After the loop, we’ll roll right back there to unwind, cool down, and enjoy a well‑earned drink together. **🎉 Vibe Check** This is relaxed exercise, not a time‑trial. It’s about sunshine, connection, movement, and a little playful summer energy. Come for the ride, stay for the people.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy! 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session will be broken into 2 halves, 1st half is training and the 2nd half is games. Please arrive on time as we start exactly at 2 PM. **[[WHO]]** The training is intended for social volleyball players who are beginners or have no experience playing. If you are an 'advanced' player and would like to work on fundamentals, you are more than welcome to join. We also have training and game sessions at our Pascoe Vale location on Friday evenings. **[[HOW MUCH]]** $21 payment will be collected via square reader on the day of the session. **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked for 2 PM- 5 PM. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[THINGS TO BRING]]** We ask that you bring: * Water bottle * Appropriate footwear for indoor court shoes - netball shoes, volleyball shoes, or basketball shoes would be suitable. * Wear contacts or sports glasses if possible. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted to play.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy! 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session will be broken into 2 halves, 1st half is training and the 2nd half is games. Please arrive on time as we start exactly at 6 PM. **[[WHO]]** The training is intended for social volleyball players at the beginner or intermediate level. If you are an 'advanced' player and would like to work on fundamentals, you are more than welcome to join. We also have training and game sessions at our Pascoe Vale location on Friday evenings. **[[HOW MUCH]]** $21 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked for 6 PM-9 PM. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if they are unable to attend. **[[THINGS TO BRING]]** We ask that you bring: * Water bottle * Appropriate footwear for indoor court shoes - netball shoes, volleyball shoes, or basketball shoes would be suitable. * Wear contacts or sports glasses if possible. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted to play.

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

***FREE TOUR TICKET FOR ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MEETUP MEMBERS*** Use Promo Code **MEETUP2025** to get your free ticket and route smart guide at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197) You can do the tour solo/with your favorite peeps, or try to generate a group ride of Meetup CycleNuts by RSVPing here and posting the day and time you are interested in others joining you. Either way, have fun on your memory-making adventure, and thank you for being a CycleNut! ### SOL in Columbus, OH \- A Smart\-guided Short One\-way Loop Bikeway Tour Short One-way Loop (SOL) in Columbus on bikeways. The smart-guided tour is mostly through scenic riverside parks with a quick downtown peek. All of that in 10 miles! 83% of the route is bikeway, and the rest is Google Maps designated "bicycle-friendly roads". This short ride passes through several beautiful riverside parks. Passing through downtown the route runs alongside Huntington Park baseball stadium, Nationwide Arena hockey stadium, near North Market (worth a stop if you enjoy markets with lots of tasty treats), within a few blocks of the state capitol, convention center, art museum, center of science and industry, several first-class hotels, and much more (see Points of Interest list below). Easily, anywhere along the way, the tour can be detoured to nearby points of interest. This smart-guided route comes with CycleNuts' 50% downhill guarantee. Sweating is optional. If your bike has gears, you might use them to climb in a few spots. All bikes are appropriate for this smart-guided tour (even a single-speed if you do not mind walking your bike up the spots mentioned). The route is shaded about 50% of the way. Sweating is optional - you set your pace, starting time, and touring agenda. Points of interest: COSI Scioto River North Market German Village The Scioto Mile Brewery District Huntington Park Nationwide Arena Columbus Union Station Arch Greater Columbus Convention Center **The Meetup plan = Show up, Rally with whoever else shows up, and Roll following the smart-guided instructions.** This is a smart guided tour route that can be ridden any day or time, solo or with others. It is only posted with a repeating set time and date with a tour leader to fit the Meetup format, and, more importantly, to encourage you to get out and ride when it is convenient for you. **If you are going to ride it and would like the company of others, then simply RSVP and post in the comments when it is that you are going to ride - date and time.** Take pictures/videos and share. Have fun! ***This is a repeating event on the calendar***\*, but the date and time do not necessarily need to be what is posted. **If you are interested in riding with a group, then simply RSVP and leave a message in the comment section** giving the date and time you would like others to join you. If you are interested in riding by yourself or with your private group of friends, then simply do it.\* ***The mission of this format is to create a catalog*** *of free group tour routes available for CycleNuts to ride as a group, or solo, in an area spanning several states. **The goal is to get people out cycling** either in groups or solo. **The vision is a cycling community with resources** available for bike tours, bike talk, and a format for lives experienced at the speed of bike.*

## Real Estate Investing 101 Ready to dive into **real estate** but don’t know where to start? This **online** event is perfect for beginners looking to learn the basics of property investing. We’ll cover everything from finding deals to understanding market trends—all in a chill, easy-to-follow style. Whether you want to buy your first rental or just get savvy with your money, join us and get the lowdown on **real estate investing**! REGISTER HERE:[ REGISTRATION](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/RNFpVd3GvACJhcqBcIz6?am_id=debbie3491%7C)

**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.