Half Marathon

**Train for 2 weeks. Race on 17 May.** *Free entry. No experience needed. All equipment provided.* Ever wanted to try dragon boating—but didn’t know where to start? Here’s your chance to go from complete beginner to race day in just 2 weeks. 👉 Join the Race Ready crew now! We’re running a Race Ready Program leading into a friendly regatta at Docklands on 17 May, and you’re invited to join our crew. ⸻ **What to expect:** * 🚣‍♂️ Learn the basics (no experience needed) * 💪 Fun, full-body training sessions * 👥 Meet a welcoming and social team * 🏁 Race in a real dragon boat event (free entry) ⸻ **Program details:** * 2 weeks of training (Tues/Thurs evenings, Sat mornings) * We recommend attending 2–3 sessions over the program to feel confident for race day * All equipment provided * Support from experienced coaches and crew **⸻** **Who is this for?** * First-timers * People looking for a fun way to get fit * Anyone wanting to meet new people in Melbourne ⸻ **What to bring:** * Comfortable gym clothes * Water bottle * A positive attitude ⸻ **Location:** Docklands ⸻ **Why join?** Most of our members started exactly like this—just giving it a go. This is the easiest and most fun way to try dragon boating, and experience the thrill of a real race! ⸻ **RSVP:** Spots are limited for the race crew, so register early.

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 

Leanne & Lyn 💕

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

**Atheists' Pub Evening.** 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. From 6:00 pm on the first Friday of every month. For information contact: Andrew - 0438 043 050 or John - 0411 143 744

Join me for a relaxed day trip to The Great Trentham Spudfest on Saturday 2 May. Spudfest is Trentham’s annual celebration of food, local produce, music, makers, community, and all things potato. Saturday is the Street Fair day, with different precincts across town, plenty of food to try, live music, local stalls, activities, and a lively regional festival atmosphere. We’ll meet at 8:40am outside the V/Line Tickets and Information office on the Ground Floor at Southern Cross Station. The plan is to catch the 9:01am V/Line service from Southern Cross Station, then return on the 5:44pm V/Line coach from Trentham. Once we arrive, we’ll explore the festival at a relaxed pace, grab food, walk around the different areas, and enjoy the day. You’re welcome to stay with the group, split off for parts of the festival, take photos, browse stalls, or meet back later. This is a casual, low-pressure day trip. It should suit people who are happy with a full day out by public transport and a relaxed festival atmosphere. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKpb8eQovKoEJAvq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKpb8eQovKoEJAvq5) Festival website: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/) Program PDF: [https://86866130-1986-463f-8051-3f94276dc998.filesusr.com/ugd/c07cff_edd908aeec7a49ddbf7ec6d3bb4e839e.pdf](https://86866130-1986-463f-8051-3f94276dc998.filesusr.com/ugd/c07cff_edd908aeec7a49ddbf7ec6d3bb4e839e.pdf) Saturday program: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/saturday](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/saturday) Street Fair map: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/map-street-fair](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/map-street-fair) FAQ page: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/faqs](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/faqs) Last year’s video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmgT8CYoNo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmgT8CYoNo) **Rough timeline** * 8:40am — Meet outside the V/Line Tickets and Information office at Southern Cross Station * 9:01am — Planned V/Line departure from Southern Cross Station * Late morning — Arrive and head into Spudfest * Late morning to afternoon — Explore the Street Fair, food stalls, music, makers, and different precincts * 5:44pm — Planned return V/Line coach from Trentham * Evening — Return to Melbourne **A Few Things I’m Keen to Try** There are a few Spudfest activities I’m personally hoping to join or try during the day. I’m planning to participate in the Spud Olympics, possibly including several of the different races or competitions if timing works out. The festival currently lists Spud Olympics races from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with Tough Spudder at 3:00pm, at the Railway Precinct. I’m also keen to have a go at The Great Peel Off, which is the potato peeling competition. The festival currently lists heats from 2:00pm at the Railway Precinct, and says it is open to all with peelers provided. I’d also like to try the Devonshire Tea, which is listed as a potato scone Devonshire Tea at the Railway Precinct. Please note this one is currently listed as $10, so bring cash/card if you’d like to try it too. You’re welcome to join me for any of these, or explore the festival at your own pace. We don’t all need to do the same activities the whole time. **Tickets** Spudfest Street Fair entry is free, but some activities or special events may be ticketed or paid. Everyone attending will need to pre-purchase their own V/Line ticket. I’ve already purchased my own ticket. Please check your own public transport ticket, connection details, and live service updates before travelling. **What to bring** * Comfortable walking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing * Water bottle * V/Line ticket * Phone power bank if needed * A small bag for anything you buy * Cash/card for food, stalls, and any paid activities **What to expect** * Distance: Light walking around the festival precincts * Difficulty: Easy, but it is a full day out * Pace: Relaxed and social * Vibe: Casual, friendly, low-pressure, and welcoming to solo attendees **Important notes** Please arrive on time because we’ll be aiming to catch the planned V/Line service. This event involves public transport, so delays or service changes are possible. Please check your own V/Line/PTV travel details before the day. Some festival areas may be busy, especially around food stalls and popular activities. **Other info** Saturday is the main Street Fair day, with multiple festival precincts across Trentham. The festival runs during the day, so this is intended as a full day trip rather than a short local meetup.

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

**Ride**: A ride we did last in Feb '25 Let's ride from the City out to Blackburn Nth via Koonung Trail (near Eastern Fwy) to visit Blackburn Lake Sanctuary (Lunch in Blackburn first) and return via Gardiners Ck Trail. We'll be on paths with some Blackburn roads involved to make the linkage. See the map below. **Target group**: Suited for intermediates. E-bikes okay if you're confident. **Trains:** Coming in by train? There are bus replacements on Frankston and Craigieburn lines. https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Forecast**: 26°C. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of 1mm rain over the day. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/blackburn/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-02 **Distance**: Approx 56 km **Speed**: 22-25 kmh on the flat sections (not too slow, not too fast) **Map & GPS files:** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315) Note: Koonung Trail does go up and down a bit. We will also encounter detours from the path due to works on the Eastern Fwy. **Bring**: Sunscreen, spray jacket, snacks, water, tools, tube, phone (with my number), money for lunch and emergencies. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 (make sure you have my number, please) \***Photo**: Blackburn Lake - (Apr 2023) "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"

Start point: WE HAVE A NEW CAFE! **Truffles Patisserie** **192/194 Carlisle St, St Kilda, 3182** It's at the corner of Carlisle and Chapel St's. End point: Who knows? Distance: Approx 4 to 6km (each way) Estimated time: 60 to 90 minutes (stopping and starting).

There is a vibrant food culture in Clayton. With Asian flavours. If you like Yum Cha or Ba Minh's its got it all. Then we will explore the DIngley Bypass trail. We will meet at Caulfield Railway Station outside Platform 1. Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water . Your bike needs to be in good order. Ride route [Caulfield - Gardenvale](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54522163) 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.

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ). This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us.