Leisure Cycling

**Two Ferries for Two Rides**: Let's take the **fast ferry** from Docklands to Portarlington and ride 34km via St Leonards to Queenscliff for the **car ferry** to Sorrento then ride the remaining 50km to Frankston. (More after Franky if you like) ================================ We'll have mild temperatures and southwesterly winds in our face on the Bellarine Peninsula but those winds will help us from Sorrento to Frankston: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/portarlington/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-28 The high speed ferry arrives in Portarlington about 10:40am and we can expect to make the Queenscliff ferry departing at 1pm. So, lunch in Queenscliff. **Distance**: About 85 km and any extra later **Speed**: 25+ - 30 km/h typically. (Suits upper intermediates) **Map**: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53804357 \* * Actual route may vary on the day **Type of bike**: Conventional lightweight dropbar roadbikes only, ta. Travel light, please. **Getting there**: Pay at the Docklands ferry terminal on the day (card only) or Book yourself online for a One way fare for Adult (or Concession if that applies) from **Docklands to Portarlington** (ferry continues to Geelong) then add your bike to the Cart and pay $21.50 by credit card ($20 conc): [https://www.portphillipferries.com.au/tickets-times/portarlington-to-docklands/](https://www.portphillipferries.com.au/tickets-times/portarlington-to-docklands/) *I found myself signed up to "Link", a company based in Ireland, for the payment by credit card so maybe paying at the office is the best way?* Expect to show the QR codes (You plus bike) as your ticket on your phone when you board (easily done from the confirmation email) *I have taken this Docklands - Portarlington ferry several times before and the ferry has capacity for 20 bikes, tied up on hooks but otherwise safe at the back of the boat.* *For the Queenscliff ferry, I'll pay at the ticket office for everyone ($22 each) and we'll line up with the cars and ride onto the car deck to place our bikes as directed in a corner and out of the way. (You can pay me back by cash or online Fastpay to my phone number)* **Bring**: Sunscreen, water, snacks, myki, a spare tube, pump and tools, etc. Your phone with my number. Please fit and use a bright flashing tail-light on the day. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: Port Phillip Ferry arriving Portarlington - June '21 "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"

Meet at Gardenvale Station in Martin Street. We'll do the usual 1-hour round-trip walk to the beach and back ending up at the lovely Sons of Mary Cafe for a coffee & chat. I can be reached on 0409 219 524 if you have any trouble finding us or are running late. Cheers Gillian http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/8/f/600_451059823.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/9/4/600_451059828.jpeg Here is the Link to Sons of Mary [www.sonsofmary.com.au](www.sonsofmary.com.au)

Trivia night at the Bentleigh social!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/melbourne-vic/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Bookings are essential - click the link to book! [Social Archery Night Tickets](https://ecom.roller.app/archeryattack/overlay/en/product/919981?date=2025-10-07) Want to get fit, try a new skill, and meet new people? Try Arrow Tag! This adults only session is for individuals or small groups who want to try it. This public session is exclusively for adults and will include other players. Come solo to meet new people, or sign up with a friend! Please note that a minimum of 6 players is required for a session to proceed. If 6 players have not been booked by 48 hours before the session, it may be subject to cancellation. We recommend booking with friends to ensure the best Arrow Tag experience! Get ready for 120 minutes of adrenaline-pumping Arrow Tag action! Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and ensure you're ready for a fantastic time filled with laughter and excitement. Here's what to expect on the day: * Arrive 15 minutes early to complete waivers. * Enjoy 30 minutes of induction, equipment setup, and expert training on the archery range. * Immerse yourself in the action for 90 minutes in the arena, alongside fellow adventurous archers. What to bring for an awesome experience: * Wear athletic clothing for maximum comfort and mobility. * Don't forget to bring a clean pair of shoes for safety and agility. * If you wear glasses, while most glasses fit within our masks, bringing contact lenses for added comfort during the game is recommended. Get ready to unleash your inner archer and create unforgettable memories. Let the fun and games begin!

Enjoy brunch at this converted church

**Gippsland Relaxation & Reinvigoration Tour** **\#\# Meetup will not let me set the correct end date; this ride will conclude on Sat\. Feb 14th** The ride **route map** is [HERE](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53809704).. A proposed **itinerary (incl. dates)** for this tour is [HERE](https://1drv.ms/w/c/a8e49ca715f4e1b3/EYx_wNZaVYlNg8XgHc-DCiABL0ssER88GwNs5kYucd1dYw). # **Itinerary in Detail – Shorter Days’ Rides and Time to Chill. Revised for bushfire closures.** ## Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa The journey begins in Bairnsdale, travelling through picturesque countryside on the East Gippsland Rail Trail to reach Bruthen for a first night’s camp. Then we ride on to the quaint village of Nowa Nowa. This leg offers a gentle introduction to the scenic forests of the Gippsland region. Staying at Mingling Waters, we can take in its creative spirit and natural beauty. This stop allows for further relaxation and discovery. After a day to enjoy Nowa Nowa's Lake Tyers, or to ride out to Bruthen we depart for a short gravel road to Pettmans Beach, on the Ninety Mile Beach. ## Pettmans Beach A visit to Pettmans Beach offers a chance to enjoy the coastal scenery, walk along the sand, and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean. We shall stay here two nights. The tour continues along the rail-trail to the tranquil Snowy River at Marlo, a renowned natural swimming spot and fishing destination. This segment offers the chance to immerse in nature and unwind by the water. ## Snowy River Experience Spend time at Marlo, and further along the coast at Cape Conran, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the opportunity for relaxation and reinvigoration. The area is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the peaceful surroundings. We shall visit the Cabbage-tree Palms Reserve, do a couple of day rides in the forest and may enjoy a dinner on the deck at the Marlo Hotel. ## Returning via Nowa Nowa to Eagle Point This stretch highlights the diverse landscapes, forests and natural features that make Gippsland unique. Revisiting these delightful towns briefly we camp at Eagle Point. ## Eagle Point At Eagle Point, participants can enjoy the tranquil lakeside environment, perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks along the water’s edge, especially traversing the natural silt-jetties of the Mitchell River mouth. We will spend a whole day here, enabling a visit to Paynesville and a trip on the car-ferry to Raymond Island. ## Eagle Point to Echo Bend This stretch highlights the diverse landscapes, forests and natural features that make Gippsland unique. We pass through Bairnsdale again then tiny Lindenow before climbing into the hills and bushland to Echo Bend. ## Echo Bend Experience The surrounding National Park and riverside makes for a relaxing and peaceful time. Walk to the Den of Nargun, take in the views from Bluff Lookout, cool off in the Mitchell River or walk to the Old Weir historic site. The goannas and koalas will look out for your campsite. ## Echo Bend to Traralgon After relaxing at Echo Bend, the journey resumes. We return down the Glenaladale valley and ride through some hilly forest lands, into Stratford for a night camping. The next day we ride along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail through pastured river flatlands. We first pass through Maffra, then ride in to the delightful village of Tinamba with its charming hotel. From here we ride on to Glengarry and Traralgon. Here, the tour concludes and we will catch the train home, having provided a rejuvenating journey through some of the region’s most peaceful and beautiful destinations. Etiquette: Social pace. We wait for each other to regroup at key navigational points. No one is left behind with a puncture. **ESSENTIAL ITEMS** Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit, basic tools MYKI card, ATM card/cash, rain gear, food/snacks, etc. *I**nsect repellant*** **WATER** Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove, food for two lunches, dinners and breakfasts for the nights camping. 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 only***. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) • Important to know Loose road surfaces may demand wider tyres; the camping is at a basic site. Lighting for tents and all other camping gear is required. Our club policy is that visitors may participate on three rides before making the decision to join our club for an annual fee of $25. You can join Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club Inc. at [http://www.mbtc.org.au/membership/](http://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.

Meet opposite Sandringham Station (near the globe statue) by 9.30 am. Leaving Sandringham Station, we follow Beach Road (12km on road as the Bay Trail may be too busy with pedestrians) to Mordialloc for a coffee stop at The Mordi Canteen (12 km mark). We then follow the Longbeach Track to the Patterson River and pick up the Peninsula Link Trail to Seaford via the Edithvale Wetlands lookout. Returning towards Sandringham via the western side of the wetlands to the Patterson River and then back via the Longbeach Track and Beach Road (12 km on road). We will sidetrack from the Longbeach Trail to Chelsea Beach for lunch (\~40 km mark). Possible return coffee stop at Mentone/Parkdale if time and weather permits. Mordialloc Station is also a potential bail-out point for those not wanting to ride back to Sandringham (or take a shortcut). Route: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32937788](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32937788) 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 * Happy disposition * Functioning headlight & taillight * Spare tube and puncture kit * MYKI card, ATM card/cash * basic tools * rain gear & sunscreen (this is Melbourne after all) * personal medication (hay fever season is here again) * 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.

Social ride leaving Heatherdale Railway Station with a short stop at Jells Park then on to Upper Ferntree Gully for our coffee / cake/ light lunch / chocolate at Hahndorf's Chocolate Shop. We return to Heatherdale or if required riders can catch a train from Upper Ferntree Gully. A free chocolate is given with every hot drink. Check for disruptions on your own line https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/disruptions/disruptions-information Ride distance: 41 kms Speed: Easy Mobile number for Jeanette - 0430426777 If you text me, please include your name. Bike type: Petal assist/electric bikes with cut out at 25 kms welcome. Any bike in good working order will be suited for this ride as it is mostly on sealed paths. A small section 500 mts gravel. Please pump your tyres to recommended pressures as under-inflated ones will slow you down. Things to bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, a spare tube, pump, any bike tools, money and your myki card for rail travel. Disclaimer: Participants of activities organised by the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling participate at their own risk. The participant acknowledges and accepts that the Organisers within the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling do not hold any professional qualifications relevant to the organised 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 wellbeing and safety. Participants should take care, wear suitable clothing and act appropriately in their surroundings.

\* Our 14th Altona weekly evening ride in its 12th season \* 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, partly cloudy, winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Click this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-29 *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:** Returning to town on Bay Trail West - Jan ‘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"

An Intermediate-level ride with hills. See below: This is a **Saturday** ride to **Petty's Orchard** (for brunch / lunch) via **Park Orchards** and followed by further cycling through Eltham North to the **Research Aqueduct** path before returning to our starting spot. (Map link below) NOTE: A fair degree of fitness is required with some short steep hills involved in this 75km ride. This ride suits upper intermediates best. More info on Petty's Orchard: https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/venues/pettys-orchard **Forecast**: 19° - 33°C. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/templestowe/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-31 **Total distance**: 75 Km **Speed**: 25Km/h typically. Could be faster or slower. We'll regroup as required. **Recommended bike**: Gravel bike or road bike. A light road bike is best. Some of the route is on good quality gravel paths but should be okay for road bikes. Mostly we are on sealed paths and a small amount of local roads. **Map, Profile and GPX** : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20763219 \* * Note there are detours along the Koonung Trail which have not been included in the map because they keep changing * If it gets too hot in the afternoon we might terminate the ride early and shortcut our way back. **Getting there**: 1. Cycle about 5km from central Melbourne or 2. Train from, eg, **Flinders St** station platform 1 Mernda line train to **Clifton Hill** and ride the short distance to Westgarth Station *(Buses are replacing trains between Clifton Hill and Greensborough all weekend* \* \*Tap on the red pin on the location map in this event for directions on your device should you need them **Bring**: -Sunscreen, water, spare tube & tools -Your phone with my number -Emergency Contact Details \* Please check your tyres for condition and pressure before the day. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Petty's Orchards Cafe - (Apr '21) - Pic by LeAnn **\*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 (mobile or web browser) down in the discussion area. https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling "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"

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.

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

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.