Leisure Cycling

Join me for a day ride on the O'Keefe Rail Trail on Sunday 26 April. We’ll meet at **7:15am** at **V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station**, and catch the **7:40am train** to Bendigo. Current return train options from Bendigo include **7:02pm, 7:59pm, or 9:14pm**, and we’ll decide which one to take depending on how the day goes. The plan is to ride the O'Keefe Rail Trail and decide on the day whether to do: **Option 1:** around **50km return** by riding to **Axedale** and back **Option 2:** around **100km return** by riding all the way to **Heathcote** and back We’ll make the decision based on the group’s pace and how we’re going on the day. Reasonable fitness is required for this event. Participants must be capable of riding at least **50km at around 15 km/h**. More information about the trail here: [https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/okeefe-rail-trail/](https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/okeefe-rail-trail/) Related YouTube video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5HYaaDir8M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5HYaaDir8M) **Please bring:** * a helmet * front and back lights * a puncture repair kit * enough water * lunch * clothing suitable for the weather This event is **weather dependent** and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. It is also dependent on **V/Line train availability** and may need to be cancelled if there are **coach replacements, timetable changes, or other disruptions**. The O'Keefe Rail Trail is a well-known rail trail through central Victoria with both shorter and longer ride options, which makes it a good choice for a flexible day out. Official trail info specifically notes Axedale as a good shorter option and Heathcote as the longer extension. Please only RSVP if you’re comfortable with the distance, pace, and an early start.

*A ride we last did in October '25* **Ride**: This is a social pace ride going to the Maribyrnong River and leading to Avondale Heights trestle bridge lookout on quiet roads. There's a little bit of rideable gravel, some short hills to push your push-bike up and some surprising scenery on the route. We'll be mostly on bike paths. **Coffee stop:** Edgewater Lakes will be our afternoon tea break. Distances are 19km to the lookout, another 8km to coffee and only 8 km back to town after that. **Distance**: 35 Km **Speed**: 20-25 Kmh approximately, depending on conditions. **Route Map**: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47366908 \* \* Actual route may vary on the day **Forecast**: 24°C and light SW winds. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/melbourne/forecast/detailed/#d2026-04-26 **Getting to town**: If you come in by train check if your line will be affected by any planned works / replacement buses this weekend: https://transport.vic.gov.au/disruptions/disruptions-information **Bike**: Any bike in good condition. Pump up your tyres to recommended pressures and check your bike over prior to the day. A lighter bike will be easier on those hills, of course. **Bring**: Water, sunscreen, spare tube, pump, tools, your phone with my number. **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"

Starting from 'Corner of Clarendon St/Albert Rd' we walk along Albert Park lake. We meet at 10:30am for a 10:40am start. Once done, optionally we head to a local cafe for a coffee (Lerice at Cecil st). If you're new to the group, come along and meet some of the regular hikers and suggest your favourite hiking locations for the coming months. The pace will be moderately brisk. We will not be stopping often to regroup. I will pause at the turns to help ensure no one misses them. **By attending, you agree to match the pace and stay in sight of the group or be comfortable navigating your own way to the destination.** **What to bring:** * Water bottle * Appropriate clothing if it's windy or possibility of rain * Hats/Sunglasses/Sun protection if it's sunny **MEETING LOCATION** Find bus stop #130, I Am standing at the lake side of the crossing. **LIABILITY WAVER** The organiser of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury or accidents to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms.

**Melbourne Cycling's traditional ANZAC Day event** * *Please make sure you read all the details including the details about the Mt Evelyn stop.* **Ride Description**: Starting from Lilydale, we head to Mt Evelyn where we will stop for a few minutes and have a look at the memorial wreaths, (we will not be laying one this year,) then we head off to Warburton for lunch and return times, etc, and then we'll head off at our own pace. You can join us in Mt Evelyn if you'd like one less hill, a shorter ride and have your bike on your car. See below for more details\* Back on the trail we head to Yarra Junction for a short stop and drink and not far then to Warburton for lunch. You will be able to ride at your own comfortable pace and so we won't be in any large groups or bunched up. It's safer for all that way and more enjoyable, too. You're sure to find someone to ride with on the day. On the return, there is an optional stop at Seville at the Red Carriage Cafe, right next to the trail, for coffee / cake or keep going to Mt Evelyn and Lilydale. **Meeting spot**: We meet at the start of the trail which is at the end of the east side carpark. **Getting there**: -Check any train times ([https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey](https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey)) closer to the day. 8:26 Flinders St train arrives Lilydale 9:35, 15 mins prior to the ride start \- Driving? There should be adequate parking at the station\. Allow extra time not to be late\, please\. **Map link & GPS files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/trips/13083658](https://ridewithgps.com/trips/13083658) **About The Trail**: The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic trail following the path of the historical railway line with gentle gradients. Going through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests. Cross the many restored bridges, meander past remnants of the former station platforms and the original 1882 railway station in Yarra Junction, aka the Upper Yarra Museum. **Ride distance**: 80 km round trip **\* Alternative Start Point:** Not sure you can make the full ride of 80 kms? Then you can start at Mt Evelyn which will reduce the ride to 65 kms. A shorter ride and cutting out the first hill. Car parking is available near the RSL Memorial and be ready for the first riders to arrive about 10.15 am. RSL Memorial is on the corner of Birmingham Road and Wray Crescent near Mt Evelyn Library. Please advise Brian or Jeanette if you will be starting here. This link below will open Google maps with a pin drop at **Mt Evelyn Memorial** should you need it. It is only 10 metres off the trail at Birmingham Rd. [https://goo.gl/maps/uDj8XMQdhAC2](https://goo.gl/maps/uDj8XMQdhAC2) Dropped pin near Mount Evelyn VIC 3796 **Contact**: Brian or Jeanette Brian's phone isd 0417375766 and Jeanettes is 0430426777. If you text me, please include your name. SMS is preferred on the day to asking questions in the comments, please. **Bike to bring**: Any bike in good working order will be suited for this ride, however road bikes with thin tyres may not be the best bike. It's up to you. There are a mixture of surfaces - Lilydale packed gravel mostly and bitumen. The trail is maintained on a regular basis and currently in good condition. Please pump your tyres up to recommended pressure before the ride. **Things to bring**: Water bottle or two, wet weather clothing or sunscreen, a spare tube, pump, any bike tools, money and your MYKI card for rail travel. Also have your emergency contact details on you (just in case). **Disclaimer**: Participants of activities organized by the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling participate at their own risk. The participant acknowledges and accepts that the Organizer's within the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling do not hold any professional qualifications relevant to the organized activities. By participating in such activities the participant indemnifies the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling from any liability for any loss or accidents incurred during such activities. Each participant is responsible for their own well being and safety. Participants should take care, wear suitable clothing and act appropriately in their surroundings.

Welcome to our little badminton crew! 🏸 We’re a small non-profit community group who simply love playing badminton, staying active, and bringing people together. Everyone here volunteers their time, and any small fees just go towards court hire and shuttlecocks so we can keep the games going for everyone. All skill levels are welcome — whether you’re a beginner or have played for years. It’s all about good vibes, friendly rallies, and meeting new people who enjoy the sport. Come join us and let’s play! 🙌 Fee includes shuttlecocks and court hire. Racket hire: $2 each if you don’t have one.

**Enjoy the autumn color of the rolling hills of the East Dandenong Ranges, Gembrook & Upper Pakenham.** 54km. +750 / -960 vm. 70% gravel roads & tracks; 20% sealed roads & paths; 10% rougher tracks. Hilly. Medium pace. Intermediate skills, fitness & gravel experience required. Suitable for fatter tyred gravel / touring / hybrid, & xc mtb’s. Skinny slick tyres not acceptable. This is a point to point, Metro train-based ride, starting in Belgrave & finishing at East Pakenham (public transport is free until the end of April). Car shuttling could be an option for some. Lunch options available in Gembrook (IGA, bakery, takeaways). Bring snacks & water. **At Richmond, catch the 7:49 am Lilydale (Belgrave) train, changing at Ringwood for Belgrave.** After coffee in Belgrave, we’ll pedal off at 9:30 am (allowing for any latecomers on next train). A variety of scenic back roads and tracks takes us through to Clematis, where we pretty much follow the East Dandenong Ranges Trail all the way through to Gembrook for lunch. Mt Eirene Road heads us south out of Gembrook, before we visit little known sections of aqueduct walking trails, climb and descend through Upper Pakenham, & cruise into East Pakenham via quiet back roads and parklands. **Finishing at East Pakenham railway station around 3:30 pm, Metro trains depart every 20 minutes back towards the city.** Route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45141880 **RIDE REGISTRATION FORM** This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at [https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider](https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider). **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.

**Want to play Pickleball this Sunday?** I am checking interest to book a court for **Sunday, April 26 @ 9 AM**. A no-judgement opportunity to return to the court for you dusty veterans, or have a crack at something new for all you beginners. Top it off with quick coffee at one of Melbourne's finest cafes and get on with the rest of your day... **The Plan:** * **RSVP to the Waitlist** if you want to play. * If we get **4 people** by tomorrow night (Tuesday), I will confirm the booking and move you to "Going." * **Cost:** $10 per person to cover 1 hour of court hire (payable once the game is confirmed). * BYO paddles, or hire onsite. * If we don't hit 4 players by tomorrow, this session won't go ahead. Let’s Move!

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.

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.

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 ).

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**