Historical Tours

**Are you looking for a way to launch your New Year in a fresh spacious manner? This could be for you.** **January 1st - 3rd for 45 minutes.** Three mornings of Meditation to start the New Year. Come for one, two or all three mornings and join us at a local cafe afterwards. Whether you are new to meditation or an old practitioner, this is for you. Jenny Anderson is a meditation instructor with 20 years of experience. She will guide you in a spacious, non judgemental manner, with a number of short sits in our beautiful Buddhist Centre in Carlton North. No need to register - Just come along. Concession $5 Working $10 Visit our Website: https://rigpa.org.au/rigpa-melbourne/

This is a 2-3 day ride and walking tour . We be staying at Polana Camp near Healsville Sanctuary. "Polana" Camp, is a historic camp set up by post WWII polish migrants, within 4.1 hectares of a native bushland. Located at Badger Creek, it is just 3km away from Healesville town centre with a number of unique cafes and restaurants, supermarkets and more. It is also a walking distance (1.5 km) from the famous Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. There are a number of tourist's attractions in close proximity and a short drive to the Victoria Yarra Valley wine region with tens of wineries having open cellar doors for visitors. The camp is known for its rich bird life. Very often a laughing kookaburra can be heard, and a number of parrot species would come to the ground (eg. Rosellas, King and Cockies incl the black ones), that are friendly enough to seat on your shoulder or hand for feeding (the camp staff can provide seeds on request).The forest is still a large part of the camp, with a native Australian bushwalking track throughout the property if one would like to explore. Leaving 11:00 from Lillydale Station via the rail trail to Woori Yallock then on back roads to the Polana Camp. The first day will be easy ride around 40km. Arrive at the camp around 3.00 pm . Then can do a walk around the property . Second day ride to Maroondah Dam for a view then on to Yarra Glen for lunch then returning back to Polana. Third day. Into Healsville for late Breakfast at Beechworth Bakery then onto Lilydale Station. Saturday's Route: [Saturdays](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53366453) Sunday's Route: [Sunday Route](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53166553) Monday's Route : [Healsville to Lillydale](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53397405) You will need. A sleeping bag, pillow case as there are bunks, You can also pitch a tent. Insect repellent. Walking Shoes. Spare tube,repair kit,water There is plenty for food options in Healsville and Yarra Glen . Saturday night there will be a late night BBQ as its a tradition at this camp . Cost: $90.00 for the weekend. Payment David Kuttner CBA bsb 067167 account 1128 5085 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 MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding 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 organizer 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.

We are heading to the stunning Great Ocean Road! This will be a once a year event. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with driver. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your Trybooking ticket ($89-$109): [https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST](https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. You do not have to message me for the same. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet at Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 8:50 AM. It's around 4-5 minutes walk from Flinders Street Station. To get directions, please follow this \*\*[Google Map Link ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Federation+Square+Bus+%26+Coach+Pickup+Drop-off+Zone/@-37.8171217,144.9679412,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad642b7a89d520f:0x9629c0ef7d056ab5!8m2!3d-37.817126!4d144.9701299)\*\*or click on the meetup map icon. Cost: $89 - Lucky Bird $99 - Early Bird $109 - Regular Locations: **Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery** \- Huge selection of chocolate and ice cream\. They also offer free chocolate tasting which is a bonus\. 🚻 **Memorial Arch at Eastern View** \- Take photo with Great Ocean Road Sign\. Eastern View's memorial arch is one of the first stops on the Great Ocean Road\. The 243km war memorial was built four times in memory of those who built it\. **Teddy's Lookout** \- Teddy's Lookout at Lorne has one of the best ocean and beach views on the Great Ocean Road\. **Apollo Bay** \- Apollo Bay is one of Australia's most picturesque seaside villages\. This is also be our lunch stop\. Please note that lunch is not included as part of the bus ticket\. 🚻 **Loch Ard Gorge** \- The power of the coastline can be truly felt at Loch Ard Gorge\, one of the few places along the Great Ocean Road that can also be accessed from the beach\. **12 Apostles** \- Despite the 30 rock formations along this stretch of coast\, only eight of the original Apostles remain\. 🚻 **Colac** \- Quick stop at Colac on the way back to Melbourne\. 🚻 Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **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 the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/a/c/2/600_358616002.jpeg Atheists at First Friday Pub Evening Hello Fellow Atheists, Please join with us at the pub for drinks, informal conversation and fun. If you can't make it by 6pm, don't worry - we'll be there for a good 3 hours or more (sometimes to midnight), so turn up whenever you can make it. Children are welcome. Time: From 6:00 pm, First Friday, of every month. Venue: As specified. For information before or on the evening, contact: Andrew - 0438 043 050 or John - 0411 143 744

**Join your local guides on the best pub crawl in Melbourne!** Meet at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, and explore the best, most well-known venues with people from all over the world. With **4 free 'welcome shots'** upon entry to each bar followed by exclusive drink deals at each, you'll see just why Melbourne is known as the nightlife capital of Australia! Experience a range of Melbourne's most famous bars & pubs throughout the night, with **free entry** for all, and reduced entry/recommendations at the end of the event to keep your night going strong! Play games, **win prizes** and mingle with locals, travelers & everything in between on the most sought-after event in Melbourne! * **4 FREE SHOTS** * **4 BARS ALL WITH FREE SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRY** * **PLENTY OF GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON** * **UNLIMITED MEMORIES & CHANCES TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA!** Starting at 5:30PM at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, you will receive your skip-the-line wristband, free welcome shot and mingle with other attendees before we introduce our games and prizes to be won throughout the evening. We then mix it up weekly, visiting some of Melbourne's most iconic and well-known bars with your pub crawl crew who have lived and breathed the city for most of their lives. **Make sure to lock in your spot ASAP as tickets often sell out!**

**\* Important info for this event \* Start time adjusted to 4:30pm \*** **Due to the size of the group, the venue has asked that we start at 4.30pm once another function has finished so they can give us a separate area in the courtyard. Booking is under Andy. Live music continues until 6.30pm.** **Please be aware that Republica is still open to the public and if the venue reaches capacity entry might be restricted.** **Thanks** 😎 **Hello 2026!** **Welcome to a new year**🍾🏵️ Come along to **Republica** for a relaxed summer atmosphere, beach vibes and live Soul, R&B and Funk tunes with Soultribe, a local 6-piece band🏖️☀️🍹. **We'll have bookings in the outside courtyard under Andy** 😎.

**New Years Day recovery ride from NYE** This will also mark 10 years with me at the helm of Melbourne Cycling (1/1/'16) as its fourth Organiser since our group started in 2008, who'd have thought? 😄 **Ride**: An afternoon social ride on the paths that comprise the 30km Capital City Trail around Melbourne. Coffee stop now at Studley Park Boathouse *We will be back in town by around 4pm but you can head off home anywhere, of course.* **Thursday forecast**: Melbourne area - 21°C Cloudy. Chance of showers that should clear in the morning. Check the link for more details: http://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/melbourne/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-01 **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Please pump your tyres to firm pressures beforehand as soft tyres could make it a struggle. **Speed**: 18 - 22 kmh max (easy) **Distance**: \~30 km (coffee after 15km) **Route**: Depart the Atrium to Main Yarra Trail and cross to the southern side soon after. Coffee stop in Abbotsford at The Convent (bakery cafe) then continue cycling onto Merri Ck Trail through to Rushall, Park St path, Flemington Bridge, Moonee Ponds Trail to Jeff's Shed (Melbourne Exhibition Centre). If Southbank is not too busy, I'll continue leading to Fed Square or we can split from Jeff's Shed. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46981876 \* \*Actual route may vary on the day **Bring**: * Sunscreen, water, money for coffee, tube, tools, your phone with my number in your contacts * Spray jacket (just in case) * Emergency Contact Details \* (See below) **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 *Texting or calling me on the day is preferred as I may miss Meetup messages while I'm cycling* **Photo**: Underneath Swan St Bridge - Aug '25 **\*EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS** : *Please have these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Preferably written down and with any personal items that you carry so it can be found by emergency personnel attending. Just in case.* "*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"*

***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.*

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**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.

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).

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."

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow