Cycling

A relaxed coastal walk to wind down the workday. We’ll start at South Melbourne Beach, stroll along the bay at an unhurried pace, and aim to reach Point Ormond Lookout **before sunset** to enjoy the view as the sky changes colour. After sunset, we’ll walk back together toward the starting point. Anyone keen can grab ice cream along the way — totally optional. This is designed as a **low-energy, no-rush weekday evening**, perfect if you want to be outdoors without turning it into a workout or committing your whole night. **Plan** * 6:00 PM — Meet up & quick hellos * 6:15 PM — Start walking together at a gentle pace * \~7:45 PM — Arrive at Point Ormond Lookout, enjoy sunset views * After sunset — Walk back toward the start point * End — Optional ice cream stop on the return Feel free to leave early if needed — just let me know beforehand or on the day. **Pace & Vibe** * Easy, conversational pace * We’ll walk together and regroup as needed * No fitness expectations — this is not a training walk * Come solo or with a friend, both are welcome **What to Bring** * Comfortable walking shoes * Light jacket (it can cool down after sunset) * Water bottle if you like **Meeting point:** Outside **[South Melbourne Life Saving Club](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fP5SZRTEtLnerAus8)** at **6pm**. I’ll post a photo of myself here once I arrive. If you’re running late, please message me your ETA beforehand — we’ll wait briefly, but may need to roll out on time to keep the group moving.

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:** This group is suitable for a beginner type player only. **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: Monday * Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm * Cost: $18 for Non-Members, $12 for Members. * Participants will play some casual games of tennis: emphasis on learning about tennis, improving your serve, trying to get the ball into play, and having fun. \*\*\* *Please note there is no coaching for this program.* * 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 8 spots for each session.

**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: Tuesday * 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.

Meet in the car park right at the end of Breen Drive at Dendy Park past the tennis courts. We’ll walk around Dendy Park, some do 1 lap, others 2. As the Dendy cafe is currently closed, we'll head to Rustica on Hampton st. for a coffee & chat Any concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch on 0409 219 524 - Gillian

Your off to the Grand Prix this year. This huge event is big, loud and free. What do you mean free? I'd discover a spectacle just next to the event , it was impressive and free. So join me, you don't need to be a car fan . We will meet at Caulfield Railway Station outside Platform 1. Lunch at the latest and greatest toasties in the world Toasted. Then off to Albert Park and the Grand Prix , if the weather is above 29 degrees we can then go to a local beach for a bit of a dip. Then on return to the City via Port Melbourne. Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water . Your bike needs to be in good order. Bring togs & towel if the day is hot. Ride route [Grand Prix](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53764229) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc WATER 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) 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.

A Saturday intermediate level ride to visit Ringwood Lake. **Ride**: We cycle to Abbotsford then onto Main Yarra Trail to Park Orchards then Mullum Mullum Trail to Ringwood for lunch nearby. Some of this route is on good quality gravel paths. We will encounter detours from the trail at times due to Eastern Fwy roadworks. Return path is via Dandenong Creek Trail, Glen Waverley Rail Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail, etc, or you could catch the train back. **Total distance**: 84Km. Please travel light. ie Please, no heavy backpacks or panniers as there are a few hills, so light is best. **Speed**: 20-25 kmh on the flat. Note: Some of this ride involves short steep hills up to 10%. See the profile under the map on the link below. **Forecast:** Melbourne area - 23°C Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/ringwood/forecast/detailed/#d2026-03-07 **Bike to bring:** Road bike if you are OK with it on gravel (Lilydale topping) or gravel bike. Please check your bike is in good order and tyres pumped before the day. **Map, Profile and GPX**:[ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10729905](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10729905) \* \*Actual route will vary on the day with detours for the Big Build **Bring**: Water, spare tube & tools, snacks, sunscreen, Myki, your phone with my number. Please carry your emergency contact details on you, just in case. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 "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"

***Applications for Cycle 1 close March 1. Submissions received after this date will be matched into the next cycle.*** **Participation in this 4-session cycle is paid. Full details are outlined below.** \*\*\* **📍 A closed, science-informed 4-session cycle for people who are done starting over** This is *not* a drop-in social event. This is a structured, closed cycle designed to help a **small group of 5–6 people** form a ***real friendship group***, not just exchange numbers and hope it survives. Instead of leaving with a single contact and a vague promise to “catch up sometime,” you leave with **a group that already exists.** **This is not a dating event. Please do not join with romantic expectations.** The intention is to form ***stable friendship groups.*** The kind of group you can: • invite to your home without it feeling strange • organise a dinner, barbecue, beach day, or birthday with • stay in touch with naturally, because you already share history 🔗 If you’re tired of meeting interesting people only to start from zero again the next week, this cycle was designed to end that pattern. ——— 🎯 **What Happens in Sessions** This isn’t sitting in a circle answering prompts. Sessions combine: • structured conversations • interactive activities • moments for humour, depth, and perspective You won’t just talk about who you are. You’ll experience each other across different situations: • how people **think** • how they **joke** • how they **react** • how they **collaborate** • how they **disagree** Brief moments of interaction beyond your pod add rhythm and perspective, then the structure brings you back grounded and more connected to your own group. It’s a ***360° way of knowing people***, not a 15–30 minute snapshot. ——— 🧩 **Commitment & Structure** This is a **closed cohort.** Once the cycle begins, no new participants are added. Pods are intentionally small and carefully curated, which means ***spots are limited by design.*** Before the cycle begins, participants are curated into pods based on **communication style and interpersonal fit**, not shared hobbies or demographic categories. *Personality data is used for matching, not discussion.* What you experience is ***not having to translate yourself.*** Once you're placed into your pod, you meet with the same group across the entire cycle. No rotating. No mingling. No restarting conversations. Each session builds naturally on the last. The result isn’t more socialising. It’s ***shared history and stronger belonging.*** ——— 🧠 **Why This Format Works** ⏳ **Time Creates Friendship** Research by Jeffrey A. Hall suggests: • \~50 hours moves strangers beyond acquaintance • \~90 hours builds casual friendship • \~200 hours creates close friendship Most adult social formats never accumulate that time with the same people. The Core Group includes **6 total hours of interaction across four 90-minute sessions, meeting once per week.** But because those hours are ***focused, repeated, and intentionally structured*** with the same people, **they condense what often takes months of scattered interaction to build.** The Core Group gives you the spark so you can turn it into a strong, lasting fire beyond the pod. ——— 🔗 **The Bonding Sequence** As adults, the environments that naturally create friendship disappear. What replaces them are social events built around *novelty, speed, and rotation.* That breaks the bonding sequence. This protocol restores the **four mechanisms that reliably give you the spark to create adult friendship, in the correct order:** **Psychological safety** (Edmondson) Clear structure and predictable boundaries reduce evaluation and performance → people relax and participate naturally ⬇️ **Repeated exposure** (Zajonc’s Mere Exposure Effect) Seeing the same people over time builds trust without effort → recognition replaces awkwardness ⬇️ **Shared attention and behavioural synchrony** (Wiltermuth & Heath) Doing things together, not just talking, increases closeness → connection forms through experience ⬇️ **Group identity through contrast** (Tajfel & Turner) Stable pods with brief external interaction → belonging strengthens when “your people” become clear Most meetups unintentionally break this chain. ***This cycle preserves it.*** ——— ⚖️ **Why There’s No Facilitator** There’s no facilitator running the room. Not because there’s no structure, but because the structure is strong enough to hold the group. Without an authority figure, people relax. There’s no one to impress, no sense of being evaluated. Sessions follow a clear, pre-designed protocol delivered via a simple QR guide. It quietly guides timing and transitions, so the group never feels directionless. When hierarchy is removed and structure remains, people show up more naturally, as they do in **real life.** ——— 🔎 **How It Works** **Step 1 — RSVP** RSVP expresses interest only. **Step 2 — Profile Details** After RSVPing, you’ll receive a private message requesting your MBTI result and profile responses. **Step 3 — Pod Formation** Pods are curated based on interaction dynamics, including communication energy, engagement style, and personality patterns. To be included in Cycle 1 matching, both your RSVP and profile details must be submitted by **March 1.** **Step 4 — Confirmation & Payment** If a suitable pod match is available for you, you’ll receive payment details and next steps. Final pricing will fall within the range of **AUD $160–$190** for the full 4-session cycle. Participation is confirmed once payment is received. 📍 Location: A curated cafe in Melbourne Specific venue confirmed prior to cycle start. This ensures groups are well-matched and the experience stays intentional. ——— 📌 **Practical Notes** • One ticket covers the entire cycle • Pods are intentionally small and limited **Continuity is non-negotiable. Full attendance across all sessions is required to preserve the group’s cohesion and experience. Please join only if you can commit to the entire cycle.** To protect the experience, minor pod adjustments may be made after Session 1 if it improves overall group fit. Please don’t join if you’re looking for: • speed-friending • networking • one-off social events • therapy This is for people who are ***done starting over*** and willing to stay long enough for something real to form. If you’ve been to many meetups and still end up back at square one, that’s not because something is wrong with you. It’s because the design was never built for real friendship. ***This one is.*** ——— 📝 **Refund & Disclaimer** Because pods are carefully curated and intentionally small, tickets are non-refundable once the cycle begins. If you need to cancel before Session 1, you may request: • a full refund up to 72 hours before the first session • a one-time transfer to a future cycle, subject to availability If the transferred spot is not attended, the ticket is forfeited. While this protocol is grounded in well-established social science, friendship is not a formula. Human connection is complex, contextual, and personal. No structure can guarantee outcomes. What this cycle does is ***deliberately design the strongest possible conditions*** for real friendship to form, based on established research.

\* Our 19th Altona weekly evening ride in its 12th season. Only a few more before daylight saving ends on Easter Sunday, 5th April \* 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:** 25°C, Melbourne area Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. Check this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-03-05 *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 Pier - Feb '26 **\*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"

**Ride**: A social pace ride from town taking in parts of Darebin Trail, Anniversary Trail, Gardiners Ck Trail and Main Yarra Trail with a coffee / brunch in Hartwell at a popular local cafe (Fordham's Milk Bar). Note: Fordham's does table service however you can order take-away from a limited menu. (Toasties) **Route**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46951501](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46951501) \* \* Actual route may vary on the day. Includes a short but easy section on gravel (Ferndale Path) **Forecast**: Melbourne area - 26°C, Partly cloudy. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/camberwell/forecast/detailed/#d2026-03-08 **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Do check your bike and pump your tyres to firm, please. **Speed**: Social pace (about 20-22 km/h max and slower where required) **Distance**: 36 km return or get the train back halfway if you wish. Hartwell station is 100 metres from Fordham's. **Bring**: \- Water\, sunscreen\, warm clothing\, MYKI\, tube\, tools\, pump \- Your phone with my number\. \- Please carry details of your emergency contacts \(just in case\)\. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Anniversary Trail (Jun '23) - by Ant "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"

**\*Rolling hills and some steeper ones \*** A ride we did with a former leader, Mark, some years ago. **Ride:** Starting at Thornbury we roll along through Ivanhoe and Heidelberg into a few short climbs of Lower Plenty before continuing along to Eltham. From here we head north via the suburban back roads to Diamond Creek where we take the beautiful Broad Gully Rd into Hurstbridge for a tasty lunch. After the break we climb up and over Panton Hill into Watsons Creek for some country laneways before heading back towards Eltham and returning to Thornbury via Watsonia. **Suitable for competent road riders with good climbing legs.** **Map, Profile & GPS files:** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20926475](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20926475) \* \* Actual route may vary on the day. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/b/600_460713803.jpeg **Getting there:** The 8:52 am Mernda train from Flinders St (Plat 1) arrives at Thornbury at 9:22 am. If driving, allow time for congestion on High St, for example. If everyone is there early, we can leave early. Finish time is a guess. **Target Group:** Suits Upper Intermediates and above. Conventional road bikes only. You should enjoy a bit of climbing and be capable of riding up extended hills without stopping. Some steep gradients >10% are along this ride. Nothing extreme, though. *If you only have time for half the ride then you are welcome to catch the train back from Hurstbridge (depart every 40 minutes)* **Speed:** 25-30 on the flat. (Typical speeds not average) **Etiquette:** We wait for each other at the top of the main climbs and at major way points. Nobody gets left behind with a puncture. **Bring:** Spare tube(s), tools, water, sunscreen, Myki, snacks and energy bars, cash/card for coffee/lunch and emergencies. Emergency contact details with you. See below. (Just in case) **Contact:** Neil on 0419 560 409, please place my number into your phone **\*Photo:** Carters Lane (steeper than it looks) - by Lee (March '21) **EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS :** Please ensure you have 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 that you carry so it can be found by emergency personnel. You'll find a link to a template in our Meetup [homepage ](https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling/)(browser) down in the discussion area. "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"

✨ **Pickleball Beginner Clinic** **(TUES MAR 3, 7-9)** **YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY PRIOR TO TUESDAYS CLINIC WITH LINK BELOW:** [Pickleball 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2887671&actr=3) No equipment required (bring your own paddle if you prefer). Partners rotate weekly, and skill levels are assigned by the facility—no experience needed! Come out, improve your game, and meet great people. All skill levels welcome!

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.

**Adults Only** Roller Skating — Don’t Miss This We’re bringing back childhood — but this time it’s adults only. Music. Lights. Good vibes. **Beginner-friendly** No experience needed — just show up and roll. This is our first paid event so we can host bigger, better experiences going forward. Limited spots. Cross posted **20 rsvp max** ✅ Adults-only session ✅ Newbie friendly (help included) ✅ Great workout (burn up to 600 calories/hour) ✅ Possible drinks after Skate Zone 71 Meet 8:20 PM (arrive before 8:35) **You will still need $13 admission + $6 skate rental** (or bring your own) bring cash I can often get us a $2 discount!

Our Sewing & Crafting Activity Group is gathering to connect, serve, and create together in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’re experienced or brand new, all skill levels are welcome. No supplies needed, but sewing machines are appreciated if you’re comfortable bringing one. Join us January 20th, February 17th & 24th, March 17th & 24th, and April 21st from 1–6 PM in the Youth Building at Village Chapel as we begin with prayer, enjoy fellowship, and work on meaningful service projects together. You are welcome to drop by anytime!

Tired of chronic pain that keeps coming back? Let’s try a different approach. If you’ve tried everything for pain without long-term success, I offer RAPID Neurofascial Reset and Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). These are not traditional massages; they are neurological treatments that target the nervous system to break pain cycles at their source, rather than just relaxing muscles. RAPID releases deep tissue and nerve entrapments to stop pain Signals. More info about Rapid here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) NKT acts as a "detective" to find out why a muscle is tight and corrects the cause. More info about NKT here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) I’ve had great success with issues that massage often cannot resolve, including sciatica, neuropathy, arthritis, migraines, frozen shoulder, and restricted range of motion. Specialized "Mini" Session Details: Structure: 15 minutes of hands-on treatment + 15 minutes of Q&A (30 minutes total). Cost: $60 + tax ($64.80). Policy: Prepaid, non-cancelable, non-refundable and non-transferable. Bonus: If you book a full 3-session new client package during your mini-session, you’ll receive $60 off so that it is like getting your mini trial session for free. Note: Prices are increasing April 1st, 2026. Book in March to lock in the current rate! Ready to move without pain? Book your spot today! Call me at 614-353-7825