Cycling

**Ride**: Let's ride west on paths to Altona and back with a visit to Cherry Lake. We'll find some lunch in Altona with plenty of choices available. **Forecast** **for Thurs**: Partly cloudy with light winds. 17°C **Note the meeting place, please**: Meeting point is in [Docklands at the Cow up a Tree]( https://www.google.com/search?q=cow+in+the+tree) sculpture, opposite Marvel Stadium (see map pin-drop). It's not hard to find. Tap/click the map with the pin-drop. Call me on the day if required. Please be early. **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Check it and your tyres before coming. Best not to have panniers as they'll catch any wind. Speed: 20-25 kmh where appropriate. Not too fast and not too slow. **Distance**: 45 km round trip or catch the train back from Altona or Williamstown **Bring**: Water, jacket, spare tube, tools, your phone with my number. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths, 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Cherry Lake (Feb '18) "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"

Join me for an evening of live classical music at Hamer Hall as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs Jaime conducts Dvořák, Smetana & Coll. We’ll meet outside Hamer Hall first, say hello, then head in together for the 6:45pm pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer before the 7:30pm concert. The program includes Smetana’s Vltava, Francisco Coll’s Piano Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. MSO lists Francisco Coll’s Piano Concerto as the Australian premiere of an MSO co-commission. The performance duration is listed as approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure meetup for anyone interested in orchestral music, whether you already attend classical concerts or just feel like trying something different. You’re very welcome to come solo. We’ll meet before the talk so people do not have to arrive alone, and after the concert we can optionally grab dinner nearby if anyone is interested. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjaqi6gBm3z7q8ai7) Event: [https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-jaime-conducts-dvorak-smetana-coll](https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2026-jaime-conducts-dvorak-smetana-coll) Please check your eligibility for the promo code here: [https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs](https://www.mso.com.au/first-look-seats/first-look-seats-faqs) **Rough timeline** 6:20pm — Meet outside Hamer Hall 6:45pm — Attend the pre-concert talk in the Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer 7:30pm — Concert begins Interval — Short break 9:15pm — Concert finishes and meetup wraps up Afterwards — Optional dinner nearby if people are interested **Tickets** You’ll need to purchase your own ticket for the concert. I’ve already bought mine. My seat is Stall R35, and I purchased it for $23 using the FIRSTLOOK promo code, though prices, promo eligibility, and availability may vary depending on what is still available. Please check your own eligibility before using the promo code. MSO’s First Look Seats page says these tickets are for first-time MSO attendees, with limited allocations and conditions. **What to bring** * Your concert ticket * Anything you need for the evening * Optional: money/card for dinner afterwards **Important notes** Please arrive on time if you want to join the pre-concert talk with the group. If you are running late, you can still attend the concert independently, but it may be harder to meet once we have gone inside. Everyone is responsible for buying their own ticket. Seating may be separate depending on what tickets are still available. You’re welcome to leave straight after the concert. Dinner afterwards is optional and will depend on who is interested on the night. **Other info** This is a social meetup, not a formal music lecture or guided event. The main idea is to enjoy the concert together in a relaxed way and make it easier for people to attend live classical music without feeling like they have to go alone.

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:** This group is suitable for an intermediate type player. You need to be able to play a good level of tennis to participate. Beginners should participate in the Monday program. **YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:** https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching **Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.** **Registration Opens:** 6 Days in advance at 9am **Registration Closes:** Close 6pm the day *before* the event. This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster. **Social Tennis Structure:** * Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne) * Day: Thursday * Time: 10.00am-12.00noon Cost: $10 for Non-Members, $0 for Members. * Participants will play 3 sets of tennis: emphasis on having a good hit of tennis, getting some exercise and making friends. * After each set, participants will rotate around. * Balls are provided each week. * Racquets are available for hire if required. * Some refreshments are available for purchase. * Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis! * Maximum of 12 spots for each session.

**🚴‍♂️ Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: The Great Suburban Spin‑Off (Cheeky Edition) 🚴‍♀️** **When** Friday 14 February 11:00am start . Please arrive at 10.45 am **Meet at:** Love Bar, South Wharf (next to the Skyline Ferris Wheel, opposite the Exhibition Centre) **Distance**: ~30km (plus optional coastal chaos) **Finish**:~ 2–3pm at Hughesdale Station Melbourne, it’s time to clip in, roll out, and flirt shamelessly with the middle suburbs. Join Eat Drink Dance Melbourne for a social bike ride with big personality — part scenic cruise, part snack‑hunting expedition, part rolling group chat. Zero Lycra‑snobbery, zero racing, maximum fun. **+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++** **🌿 The Adventure** We launch from Love Bar (because of course we do) and glide along the river before sliding onto Swanston Street’s bike paths like a well‑oiled social machine. Then it’s up to Princes Park, onto the Capital City Trail, and across to the leafy charm of Fairfield Boathouse. **Expect**: - 30km of “I swear this is still leisurely” riding - 4–5 hours including snack‑based diplomacy - Café stops, ice‑cream stops, hydration stops, existential‑crisis stops - A pace that encourages conversation, not competition - Views that make you say “wow, Melbourne, you’re actually kinda hot” We then follow the Outer Circle Rail Trail to Hughesdale Station, where the official ride wraps up and the trains whisk you back to the city like the responsible adult you pretend to be. **🌊 Optional Coastal Extension** (For the Bold, the Beautiful, and the Mildly Delusional) If you’re still feeling spicy, you can continue from Hughesdale to Elwood Beach, then cruise the Bayside coastal path back into the city. **Perfect for**: - People who don’t melt in the heat - People who think “just a bit further” is a personality trait - People who want to brag later **✨ Vibe Check** This is classic Eat Drink Dance Melbourne energy: Playful, social, a little chaotic, and very snack‑positive. **Bring**: - A bike that won’t betray you - Water - Snacks - Bike Lock and helmet - Sunscreen - A sense of humour - Your best “I’m absolutely stopping for ice cream” attitude If you want to, you can hire a bike at l [Blue Tongue Bike Rental](https://bluetonguebikes.com.au/) just across the river from where we start. please allow 15 minutes or so to arrange this. Come roll with us, chat with strangers, and see Melbourne from angles you didn’t know existed. **⚠️ Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️** These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **👟 Fitness Requirements** Riding: 10–15 km/hr We walk/ride at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event. **⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow** Small social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness. **👩‍💼 Time Constraints** If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time. **⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️** **👻 No‑Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events. - Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event. - No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group. - Last‑minute cancellations **(“flaking”)** may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist. **👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List** This is a security issue. **Do NOT turn up unannounced**. If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed. **⏰ Late Arrivals** If you’re late, the group will not wait. - You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group. - It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events. **🎲 Second Chances** If something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event. **🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.

**Please note the starting place is at The Atrium** **Ride**: An afternoon social ride on the paths that comprise the 30km Capital City Trail around Melbourne. Coffee stop at Studley Park Boathouse. *We will be back in town by before 4pm but you can head off home anywhere, of course.* **Sunday forecast**: Melbourne area - 15°C Shower or two (0 - 1mm for the day). Winds west to northwesterly. Check the link for more details closer to the day: http://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/melbourne/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-31 **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Please pump your tyres to firm pressures beforehand as soft tyres could make you 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 at Studley Park (outdoor bakery cafe) after 14km 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). https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46981876 \* \*Actual route may vary on the day **Bring**: * Spray jacket, water, tube, tools, your phone with my number in your contacts * 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"*

A Saturday train ride to the country to pedal back to Melbourne. **Ride**: We catch the Southern Cross **9:15 Vline train** arriving Bacchus Marsh at **10:00** then cycle **55km to Werribee** on backroads. From Werribee, we ride on paths to Point Cook and via Altona to finish in the City at Jeff's Shed (Melbourne Exhibition Centre) **Forecast**: Partly cloudy, light chance of 0-1mm, winds becoming westerly 15-20 km/h during the morning. Max 17°C https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/bacchus-marsh/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-30 ( 12° when we start riding in Bacchus Marsh ) **Suits:** Upper intermediates and above. Conventional dropbar road bikes only, thanks **Speed**: 25-30 kmh typically. Faster if the tailwinds are favourable. **Map and GPX files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43071692](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43071692) \* \* Route may vary on the day. All roads are sealed. **Bring**: Spare tube(s), tools, water, energy snacks, phone with my number (cellular coverage not guaranteed everywhere) & money for emergencies. Please fit and use a bright flashing tail-light. Coloured jersey / jacket advisable for safety, ie, no black tops, please. Check your bike's mechanical condition including tyres beforehand, please. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Bacchus Marsh - Werribee - Aug '14 "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"

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

BIKE RIDE TO SUNBURY Dust off your bikes, pump up your tires, and get out and ride. • When: Saturday, May 30, 10AM • Where: Leaving from the Westerville Library, 126 S. State Street, 43081 ◦ Meet at East side of parking lot by the playground. Trip Itentiary • 20 miles round trip • Ride to Sunbury, stop for lunch (Location TBD), then ride back to the Westerville Library • All skill levels welcome Contact: Therese Butz (614-561-1976), Art Kahn (614-370-5246) Columbus Ski Club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

Discover practical ways homeowners can expand tree canopy on their own properties and advocate for stronger tree coverage in their communities. Come learn how important trees are, even in our own yards, for helping with climate change by absorbing carbon and reducing heat, providing habitat for wildlife, and improving the health and wellbeing of our communities through cleaner air, shade, and more comfortable places to live. **Presenter** Todd Fleishans is a local consulting arborist with more than twenty years of experience. His credentials include ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified Urban Forestry Arborist, Certified Tree Safety Professional, and Registered Consulting Arborist. He works with residential, commercial, and municipal clients, providing expertise in tree identification, health, risk assessment, and valuation. **Evening's Agenda** This meeting has the option to either attend in-person at the Bloomfield Township Library at 1099 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302 in Meeting Room 2 or online via Zoom. For those attending in-person, there will be a meet-n-greet before the presentation - see the agenda below for details. * 6:30 pm – Doors open for a meet and greet with members, supporters, and the local Sierra Club Executive Committee * 7:00 pm – Introductions and presentation begin (remote participants should join at this time) * 8:00 pm – Question-and-answer session begins **About SEMG Monthly Meetings & Presentations:** The Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group (SEMG) offers free presentations during its monthly first-Thursday meetings at 7 pm. Meetings are held via Zoom or in person, begin with brief announcements, and feature an hour-long presentation with Q&A. All are welcome.

Short North Street Skates return Saturday, April 4 and we’re excited to get back rolling together. These weekly rollouts are a chance to move through the city as a group, build community, and create more visibility for skating and small-wheeled movement in Columbus. Details: Meet: 1160 N High St 9:30 AM meet 10:00 AM rollout All wheels welcome We’ll be skating through the Short North and surrounding areas at a steady, social pace. Routes will use a mix of streets and bike lanes, so comfort navigating the city is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert. If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is a great place to start. Come solo or bring a friend!