Bicycle Riding

**🌞 Delectable Summer Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit About 12 km Moderate to Difficult** **Easter Monday 6 April- 12 PM..Arrive at 11.45 AM please** Join us for a long, lazy, laughter‑filled Autumn social stroll tracing the full Yarra Bend circuit — a gorgeous loop of river bends, bushland, boardwalks, and iconic Melbourne nooks. This is our expanded version of the smaller Yarra Bend walk many of you enjoyed, now stretched into a full, flirty, scenic adventure. This has a couple of difficult sections where you may need to use your hands. ***+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++*** We’ll begin at the Abbotsford Convent, (or more specifically st the Collingwood children's farm entrance), wander past Dights Falls, pause for snacks at the Studley Park Boathouse, and follow the river’s contours through some of the most beautiful natural pockets in inner Melbourne. Expect birdsong, breezes, shady gums, and plenty of social mingling along the way. Bonus or not, we'll be going through the section where the many thousands of flying foxes roost during the day. We will also make a diversion to the golf course cafe which is much more manageable to get a snack. You can choose your own finale: - 11 km Full Yarra Bend Circuit ending back at the Convent, or - 14 km Extended Merri Creek Trail Option finishing at Rushall Station for those who want a little extra autumn sparkle in their step. 🕙 **Timing** The Convent Bakery is rumoured to have ice‑cold smoothies worth writing home about, and we’ll swing by at the end for anyone who wants a refreshing treat. - Meet at 11:45 a.m. at the gates of the Collingwood Children’s Farm (about 50m from the Convent entrance at the end of the road). **- Walk begins at 12:00 p.m. sharp. Prior to the heat of the day**. Arrive by 11.45 a.m. - Expect 3–4 hours depending on pace, weather, silly jokes, banter, and snack enthusiasm. My priority is having a relaxing time so I'm not following a strict timetable. **☕ Mid‑Walk Pause** We’ll stop at the golf course cafe for coffee, cold drinks, or a light bite. Bring a little cash or card if you’d like to indulge. Hopefully it's open, much better than stopping at Studley Park boathouse. **🚶 Route Highlights** - The leafy bends of the Yarra - Dights Falls lookout - Riverbank boardwalks and shaded bushland Abbotsford Convent - Studley Park Boathouse - Optional Merri Creek extension to Rushall Station - Plenty of photo spots, conversation pockets, and nature‑soaked moments **🚆 Getting There** - Train to Victoria Park Station is the easiest option, followed by a short walk to the Convent. - Parking at the Convent can be a gamble on weekends — arrive early if you’re trying your luck or choose elsewhere. **🌿 What to Bring** - Comfortable walking shoes - Suitable clothes for a lengthy walk - Water 2 litres - Sunscreen and a hat - A light snack if you like - Curiosity, good humour, and your best summer social energy **⚠️ Group Rules and Event Etiquette ⚠️** These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **Fitness Requirements**: This should be a moderate to difficult walk for people with average fitness. There are ssmall ections requiring easy scrambles requiring the use of your hands. Ensure you can walk around 4km/hr for about 4 hours with breaks. Walk 15km comfortably with a small pack. We walk 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 group events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider attending 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 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 being introduced **⏰ 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, attempt to communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. This may not be possible during the event as the organiser is busy organising.

Join me for a relaxed walk and bird watching at Albert Park Lake, an extraordinary wetland habitat that is home to nearly two hundred species of birds. Created from a lagoon and originally part of the extensive Yarra River Delta, the lake and its surrounds are a popular parkland for locals and visitors alike. Together we can enjoy conversation and make new friends as we follow the path beside the water's edge and look out for gulls and cormorants roosting on the wharves. We'll wind our way around the lake and pass Gunn Island, a tranquil sanctuary and a safe nesting environment for local and migratory birds. Further around the lake we'll see waterbirds such as stilts, swamphens and coots among the reed beds. When we reach the southern end of the lake we can stop to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline across the water. This is a great spot for photography. We'll return to relax and socialise together in the Coots Picnic area and enjoy a snack and a drink. You can pick up a coffee and something to eat at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or bring your own drinks and snacks. **Agenda** I will meet you at 10am on the lakeside of the Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. We'll set off at 10.10am and follow the path beside the Melbourne Aquatic Centre and through the picnic area to the lake. From there we'll stroll past the wharves and Gunn Island, follow the long stretch of reed beds and walk to the southernmost point of the lake to take in the stunning views of the city skyline. We'll then make our way back to the Coots Picnic area to enjoy a snack and a drink together. This is an easy walk on flat pathways and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. It will take us around 1hr 45mins at a leisurely pace with stops along the way to enjoy and photograph the birdlife. **Location** Albert Park Lake is located in the suburb of Albert Park, 3km from the Melbourne CBD. The No.96 tram/light rail runs from the Melbourne CBD down past Albert Park Lake. There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail. Parking Fees apply to all car parks within Albert Park. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages about the details. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

WEATHER DEPENDANT Just a random coffee meetup outside kerekere cafe in Fitzroy gardens. Come and grab a coffee and/or snack. We usually meet and stand outside the cafe on the left under/near the big tree. Just a friendly way to meet others that might be by themselves or new in Melbourne. Just a very casual and laid back vibe. You may come and go as you please Please be respectful to each other and be careful about sharing personal information. This is NOT a dating meetup, just friends. Disclaimer: the organizers are not responsible for any loss of property or injury incurred at a meetup. We are volunteers who simply provide a platform to make friends. Please be responsible for your belongings and safety. Also these outdoor meetups are weather dependent too. We all know how unpredictable Melbourne can be Looking forward to meeting you and probably seeing some old faces too.

Join us for a walk and lunch in St Kilda. Meeting 10:30am, on corner of Fitzroy St and Nepean HWY. Making our way to Albert Park Lake at 10:45am. Giving ourselves 1 hour for the walk, to take our time, take in the fresh air and to connect! Throughout event, I'll mix and move you around so we can all connect with each other. Walking also helps our nervous system. Then heading to a local cafe or pub (most likely the Prince Hotel). See comments on day for exact location. Dogs welcomed. Looking like a lovely day.

$29 per person for 2 hours of training (includes table hire) ## 🏓 MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC Ready to seriously improve your table tennis — or finally start the right way? Join our **ongoing in-person group coaching sessions at MSAC**, where you’ll train in a structured but fun environment with players who come regularly, as well as new faces every week. Our sessions are designed for **both total beginners and advanced players.** You don’t need experience — and you won’t be bored if you already have it. ### What to expect * ✅ **10–15 players per session** * ✅ **2 experienced coaches on court** * ✅ **Structured drills + match play** * ✅ **Individual feedback based on your level and goals** * ✅ **A welcoming group that trains regularly** You’ll work on **technique, footwork, consistency, tactics, and real match situations** — not just hit balls randomly. We organise the group so everyone is challenged at the right level. ### Why people love these sessions * Ongoing training with a real community * Fast improvement, not just social play * A great way to **move, learn, and make friends** * Fun, supportive atmosphere with serious coaching behind it Whether your goal is to **learn from scratch, get fitter, sharpen your skills, or start competing**, this is a perfect place to train. ### What to bring * 🏓 **Bat/paddle** (if you have one — if not, we’ll provide it) * 👟 **Sports shoes (runners)** * 👕 **Comfortable sports clothes** * 💧 **Water bottle** * 🧴 **Small towel** Grab your paddle, bring your energy, and come hit with us at MSAC. Please send me an email to: p.tretinik@gmail.com to confirm attendance. This helps me to book enough table for a smooth session. NOTE: If this is not your first time coming to this meet up, the cost is $36 for the whole 2 hours.

A midweek recce ride for Intermediates. A mixture of roads and paths. Includes plenty of climbing (\~10% gradient max). Most roads have a cycle lane or sealed shoulder. Paths are sealed. **Ride**: Meet at Ringwood Station (Station St / Bedford Rd side) and ride via Lilydale to Coldstream, Yellingbo, Emerald, Upper Ferntree Gully, Scoresby and back to Ringwood. Actual route likely to vary on the day. Finish time is a guesstimate. You could exit earlier, eg Upper FTG, if needed **Getting there:** I'm intending to take the Flinders St 9:16 Belgrave train arriving Ringwood 9:50 **Total distance**: 106 Km. Please travel light (No heavy backpacks or panniers, please) **Speed**: \~25 kmh typically on the flat. Note: See the hilly parts in the profile under the map on the link further down **Forecast:** Melbourne area - 20°C Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming southeast to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. http://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/ringwood/forecast/detailed/#d2026-04-08 **Bike to bring:** Conventional lightweight roadbikes recommended. Gravel bike if it isn't too heavy **Map, Profile and GPX**:[ ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10729905) [Click here](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53904305?privacy_code=Xli3iUjH08PPphuPDzQnlY2aWJZAgwfe) \* \*Actual route may vary on the day **Brunch / Lunch / Coffee breaks:** Possibly Wandin and/or Emerald plus various breaks as needed **Bring**: -Water, spare tube & tools, snacks, sunscreen, 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"

This ride is open to financial MBTC members. Cost for venue is $200 and cost pp will vary depending on the number of people attending. Ideally, we need 10 people to come along and it will be a nice cheap weekend. •What we'll do: Come join us for 1, 2 or 3 days of touring in Creswick and surrounds. We'll also make time to enjoy the various CresFest acts available over the weekend both free and paid. Some will need to be prebooked depending on your choice. Day 1 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455563](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455563) Day 2 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455709](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455709) Day 3 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455809](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54455809) If you would prefer, you can also make use of the accommodation and come along for 3 days of riding the Creswick Trails or just to do your own thing. Friday 10th April, Catch the 8.36 am train from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat. We'll meet in the Ballarat Station waiting room at 10 oclock and make our way to Creswick via Kingston, where we'll stop for lunch. It's approx 30k til lunch, so we won't be stopping for a coffee along the way. If you'd like a coffee before you start, please catch the earlier train (7.53am) Saturday we'll head out to the north (this could change if the wind is unfavourable) and then over to Clunes for lunch. Sunday we'll pack up and make our way back to Ballarat via the Creswick Trails and State Forest. Cresfest tickets are currently on sale, so if you are interested in booking a paid event it would be a good idea to start thinking about that now. I have booked a table at the American Hotel for 6.30 on Saturday. There is a supermarket and plenty of cafes in town to purchase food. We can have a BBQ dinner on Friday night, a short walk from the hall. The entire town is booked out but we have secured the use of the local Scout Hall for the two nights. The Hall has plenty of grassed area to pitch your tent or park your van. You can also sleep inside the hall, however, it is a concrete floor. The hall is well equipped, with oven and hotplates, microwave, crockery, cutlery, pots pans, kettle, griller oven, fridge, tables and chairs. You only need to bring your bedding. There is a toilet in the hall but no shower. A free shower is located at a local park, a short distance from the hall. Etiquette: Social pace. We wait for each other to regroup at key navigational points. No one is left behind with a puncture. **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, basic tools MYKI card, ATM card/cash, rain gear, food/snacks, etc. • Important to know Touring or mountain bikes only as we will be riding some loose gravel roads. Not suitable for road bikes Bring camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, **Water** Recommended to bring 2 water bottles due to distances between towns. 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 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 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. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) Benefits include other rides not listed on Meetup, special event meetings, social events, RWGPS club subscription, etc. 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 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 Trade Practices Act 1977 (Commonwealth) as amended. I agree that photos taken of me during MBTC rides or social events may be used for publicity purposes.

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 11 April, this Saturday Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms.*

It's Footscray's famous Drag Bingo! We promise there is no drag bingo like it, it's famous for a reason! Join your fabulous drag host for an evening of fun bingo games, camp drag shows, comedy, cocktails, prizes & much more! [(Link to booking)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/825729) It's just $12 to play with over $100 in guaranteed prizes to give away including a $50 bar tab, $50 cash, and other drink and prize giveaways throughout the night. You can also add a cocktail or meal package to your ticket for the full Pride of our Footscray experience! Doors open 6:30pm and balls drop at 7:30pm sharp. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to be seated and get your food and drink before the show starts!

Our next event is less than two weeks away! End the last day of the working week just after Easter with some word play! Join us for great food, drink, and word games.

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

2026 CSC SOFTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS CSC Softball league is 16 teams - over 200 people. The countdown is over—the 2026 CSC Softball season kicks off with team announcements FRIDAY APRIL 10! Come find out who you’re playing with, who’s coaching, and start the season with great people and great energy. All Columbus Ski Club members & non members welcome! Meet your coach Meet your teammates Get pumped for the season ahead Whether you’re playing this season or just want to be part of the fun, join us to celebrate the start of another amazing CSC Softball year. Let’s play ball!