Mountain Biking

Our first ride for year is a 47km circular ride from Richmond. This is a unique ride in striking distance of London on 75% traffic-free trails, tracks and paths. The journey will take us along the Thames river path, through parklands and along bridleways to Ashtead common, before turning back to Richmond via Bushy Park. This is an opportunity for intermediate riders to get active and breath the fresh air to kick off the cycling season! The trip:
We meet at Richmond train station by 10:00am to commence riding at 10:15am through Richmond Park and then down to the river Thames. From there we head towards Ashtead Common along bike paths, broadways and backroads. A quick stop for lunch and time to take in the views before we loop around and down to Bushy Park. There will be a short stop at the famous Hampton Court Palace to take a few snaps before heading back to Richmond. Distance:
The total distance of the ride is 47km approx. Terrain and Elevation:
The ride has mixed terrain with some hilly sections at Richmond Park and Ashtead Common. Expect an even spread of bike paths, tarmac and gravel sections as well as a small amount of footpath/single track. Grading: This ride is graded as intermediate 3/5. It's suitable for a semi regular rider. Logistics: The trip starts at 10:00am from Richmond Station and we aim to be back by 4pm. Highlights: • Riding through deer territory of Richmond Park and Bushy Park • Take in the majestic sight of Hampton Court Palace. • Ride along the winding Thames river • Ride through the picturesque Ashtead Common • Meet new people on a great memorable ride! What to Bring:
Money for food and refreshments for the day, warm cycling clothing and water bottle. What we bring for you:
All repair equipment including pump, navigational tools, first aid spares and good vibes! What's included: • Trip guide • Repair equipment and first aid kit Price: £7.50pp (£5pp for the first 4 people) https://www.eurocycleadventures.com/bookandpayment/p/ukdaytrip Any queries contact us. Cheers, Alex and Kelvin

Vandome Cycles are providing drop in bike check/repair sessions: • Barking Riverside Bike Hub IG11 0FJ: Opening Times: Every Mon & Thu 3pm-7pm and Sat: 9am-5pm • The Fiddlers, Dagenham, RM8 3HH: Every Saturday 10am – 2pm

📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 14 miles (22km) • Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 580m • Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours • Cost: £32 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the mid-afternoon stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [photo](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:54am train • Return: 7:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Hike the **most spectacular coastal trail in Southern England** — the famous Seven Sisters • A great physical challenge with options to self shorten if needed • Enjoy **breathtaking cliff-top views** for much of the hike • Pass **Birling Gap** and the iconic **Belle Tout Lighthouse** • Finish in **Eastbourne — England’s sunniest town** • Explore the **South Downs National Park** — the newest in the UK 🥾 **Hike Description** This is Outdooraholics’ most popular hike, a dramatic and exhilarating journey across the chalk cliffs of Sussex that we have been leading for over 12 years. The **Seven Sisters** are a spectacular series of gleaming white chalk cliffs formed at the end of the last Ice Age by glacial meltwater. Erosion has since created an “eighth sister,” and today the cliffs stand as one of England’s most iconic landscapes. We begin in the coastal town of **Seaford**, home to a Napoleonic-era **Martello Tower** built in 1810 as part of a chain of 103 coastal defences against French invasion. From here, the trail climbs onto the cliff tops, where for much of the day we walk high above the sea, treated to endless coastal views and fresh sea air. Our route follows the **South Downs Way**, passing through **Birling Gap** and past the striking **Belle Tout Lighthouse**, famously moved 17 metres inland in 1999 to save it from falling into the sea. The final highlight is **Beachy Head**, a dramatic beauty spot with sheer chalk cliffs dropping into the sea below. We finish in **Eastbourne**, statistically England’s sunniest town, where we celebrate our coastal adventure with refreshments in a local pub. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [LYUBAVA](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07883 405294 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) **Cliffs – danger** There are sheer drops off the cliffs and some of these soft chalk cliffs are crumbling at the edges with chunks regularly falling and no fencing in place. Please keep at least 3 metres away from the edges. If you fall, or the ground at the edge of the cliff collapses it will almost certainly be fatal. © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Hey, Hey, Hey! It is bank holiday and what do we do on bank holidays? We join me on a fabulous trip. :) This is one of the most fantastic coastal trips in the country and we are doing an easier version of it. There will be a few inclines but nothing like the nearby Seven sisters that you will see in the background so if you would like to enjoy walking in a living painting, join me for this trip. We will start and finish in the seaside town of Seaford, walk these gorgeous woods of Friston alongside pretty cottages and flowery gardens before we head back to Seaford for a well deserved diner or a pint or to London if you do not wish to stay along for some more laughter. And last but not least, the view of the Cuckmere river sneaking in the valley all the way to the sea is my favourite postcard view in the country, you could almost hear Vivaldi playing Spring in the background while unicorns and fauns are galloping in the fresh water. Really, do not miss it. The hike is around 11 miles and medium, although there will be a couple of inclines. A BIT OF HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY. FRISTON FOREST: Friston Forest is within the South Downs National Park between Lulington Heath National Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park. It is the largest area of recently established forest in South East England, it has extensive carpets of Bluebells in late April to mid-May and some of the most stunning autumnal colours at the fall. CUCKMERE HAVEN: It is an area of flood plains in Sussex, England where the river Cuckmeer meets the English Chanel between [Eastbourne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastbourne) and [Seaford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaford,_East_Sussex). The river is an example of a meandering river The beach was commonly used by smugglers in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. For example, in 1783 two gangs of smugglers (each numbering 200 or 300) overcame officers of the law by weight of numbers and carried away a large quantity of goods. It is one of the most visited beaches in the UK. PICTURE PERFECT: The Haven and the nearby cliffs offer some of the most stunning photographs you will ever take, the purple sea thrift flowers adding an impeccable touch to the white and red cliffs INFORMATION: DISTANCE: About 11 miles/16km TIME: about 5 hours TRANSPORT: By train; we will buy an off peak group days return that will allow us to save 35%on the ticket price. Please ensure that you bring £25 in cash MEETING POINT: Victoria station at 9am PRICE: £17 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal or credit/debit card About £27 in cash for the train or via bank transfer to Wendy INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE AS THE DEPARTURE STATION IS ONLY CONFIRMED BY SW TRAINS ON THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded. 4:In the eventuality that our trains are delayed, or cancelled which is out of my control, I do not pay for taxis or alternative route, if this happens, you will be able to claim delay repay from the train companies who will reimburse your train ticket and some eventual costs occurred. By signing up to my events, you agree to this.

Join us for a relaxed social evening for our hiking community! Whether you’ve joined us on past walks, or are simply curious about coming along, this is a great chance to meet fellow hikers and group leaders in a friendly setting. Catch up with people you’ve shared the trail with, swap stories and welcome new faces who are thinking about joining future hikes. We’ve reserved a private area upstairs in a welcoming pub, just a short walk from Waterloo Station. Food and drinks will be available, with a special discount on food for our group, so come along, unwind and enjoy a sociable evening with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. **Date**: Thu 9 Apr **Time**: From 5.30pm **Location**: Upstairs in The Thirsty Bear https://maps.app.goo.gl/2DSmSpnZy9Uu1m9s9 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Adviser](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/)

**1 FREE HIKE FOR EVERY 6\*❗**Walk and talk in **London's wild heart** on a relaxed 12km social hike through Richmond Park. Chat, laugh and **switch between languages naturally**. Escape the **city grind** for your dose of **nature and real conversation**. 🌸 **SPRING CELEBRATION: NATURE IN BLOOM:** the real explosion of **rhododendrons and azaleas** is happening in April. We’ll definitely be there for the full show! 🌺✨ 🌸 **COSMOPOLITAN** **LANGUAGES + SPANGLISH SOCIAL HIKE: WELLNESS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL!** Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring! Longer days, warmer light, and a park bursting back into life — the perfect moment to walk, talk, and reconnect outdoors. "🦅 **THE AVALANX DIFFERENCE:** This is not just a walk. This is a curated experience designed by a **Special Forces Veteran** with over 20 years of expedition experience in the UK & Spain. Safety, logistics, and flow are handled professionally so you can just focus on the conversation and the bloom." 🥾🛡️ \*\*\* **QUICK INFO: SPRING EDITION** * **Meeting Point:** Richmond Station (Main Entrance - by the taxis) (Oyster zone 6) * ⏰ **Time:** 10:30 am (Arrive 15 mins early!) * **Distance:** Approx\. 12 km \| ⚖️ **Difficulty:** Easy–Moderate * **Price:** £10 \| **Early Bird:** Only **£5** for the first 5 spots! \*\*\* **\*LOYALTY PROMO 2026!** * Hike 6 times with us and your **7th is FREE!** * 11 times... and your **12th is ALSO FREE!** * Walk, socialise, and earn free adventures! * (Valid until June 30th, 2026). * *Contact 07447 162 666 to confirm your loyalty card.* \*\*\* **HIGHLIGHTS: WHAT WE’LL SEE** * 🚻 **Toilets available** at several stop * 🏰 **Richmond Palace** remains * 🏞️ **Tamsin Trail** & deer-roaming areas * 🌿 **Expansive landscapes** of Richmond Park * 🦌 **Free-roaming deer** in their natural habitat * 🌺 **Isabella Plantation** (seasonal colours & ponds) * 🦜 **Ring-necked parakeets** * 🍰 **Pembroke Lodge** (coffee, cake & views) * ✨ **Henry VIII’s Mound** (views of St Paul’s Cathedral) * 🌅 **RICHMOND HILL -** England’s only protected view **THE PLAN: VIEWS & SOCIAL FINALE** Our route is carefully planned to finish at the magnificent **Richmond Hill viewpoint**. With good weather and steady pacing, we aim to enjoy the sunset **twilight colours** over the valley (not guaranteed, depending on groups pace). Afterwards, we'll descend to Richmond. Anyone who fancies it is invited to join for a drink at a **local pub**. \*\*\* **BECOME PART OF OUR COMMUNITY** **This is not a one-off event.** We host **regular International Languages + Spanglish hikes and social adventures** as your first step towards deeper connections and our **immersive trips to Spain**. Start your journey with us here, and discover where your next Spanish conversation could take you. Perfect if you’re thinking about joining our **Spain trips** ❗ **MORE THAN LANGUAGES or SPANGLISH** **We’ll go ahead rain or shine!** This is not a language class; it’s a **cosmopolitan social walk** where chats happen organically between expats, internationals, and locals. * **No Pressure:** All levels welcome. Just good company and great scenery. * **Organic Flow:** Naturally exchange English, Spanish, or any other as we walk. ✨ **Perfect if you want to:** • Practise languages or Spanish in **real, everyday situations** • Meet **friendly, like-minded people** • **Shake off the winter blues** with fresh air and gentle exercise \*\*\* **SPAIN TRIPS & GETAWAYS** Curious about Spain? **Secrets of Spain** is the UK branch of our established community, **Secretos de España**. Join us to find travel buddies for our **"off the beaten path"** nature getaways led by **Qualified Mountain Leaders**. **Reviews & Community:** [Secretos de España](https://www.meetup.com/es-es/secretos-de-espana/) (Meetup) ️ \*\*\* **YOUR GUIDE:** [Edward David Handley](https://www.meetup.com/members/132608412/) From a Spanish Boy Scout to the **Elite Royal Marines Special Forces**, Edward combines military precision with outdoor soul. Certified in Mountain Leadership and First Aid, he doesn't just lead hikes, **he builds teams**. Safe, included, and inspired. ️ \*\*\* **️MANDATORY GEAR** * **Footwear:** Sturdy trainers (Parks) or Hiking boots (Mountains). * **Clothing:** Waterproof jacket and warm layers (Essential). * **Hydration:** 1.5–2L Water minimum. **EXTRAS:** Lunch & Snacks \| Charged Phone \| Power bank \| Camera \| Good Energy\! \*\*\* **BOOKING & RESERVATIONS** Your place is only secured once payment is received. 1️⃣ **PAYPAL (Fastest):** Pay £15 (or **£12 Early Bird for the first 10**) * CLICK PAGE "ATTEND" BUTTON * Follow instructions. 2️⃣ **[MONZO](https://monzo.me/edwardhandley9/10.00?d=Richmond%20Park%20Hike%2008%2F03%2F2026&h=stvw2v) < CLICK TO PAY** Pay £12 (or **£10 Early Bird for the first 10**) **3️⃣**🏦**BANK TRANSFER:** Pay £12 (or **£10 Early Bird for the first 10**) * **Short Code:** 09-01-27 * **Account:** 25360709 * **Bank:** Santander * **Name:** MR E D HANDLEY **Once paid:** WhatsApp / Message / Call: Edward on **07447 162 666** for details. **Send a screenshot** to confirm. *(Send Meetup user name if different form payment name).* **Once paid: Send a screenshot via WhatsApp (07447 162 666) with your Meetup Name. 🦅 We will manually approve your 'Warrior Status' in the group within 1 hour.** Once paid, check the **Event Chat comments** to join the **WhatsApp group** for this hike. (*Should you wish to*). ***ONLY ATTENDEES CAN SEE THAT COMMENT.*** **💯 LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT GUARANTEE** If you join a hike and don't enjoy it for any reason, let us know within 24h and we'll refund 100% of your ticket. No questions asked. \*\*\* **⚠️ IMPORTANT INFO** * **Safety:** You are responsible for your own safety. Confirm you are fit for a 12km walk. * **Wildlife:** Keep 50m distance from deer. * **Refunds:** Net refund only if the event is **Sold Out**. No refunds if the hike is not full. \*\*\* **CANCELLING / REFUNDS** If you can't join, update your RSVP to 'Not going'. To claim a net refund (if sold out), email [handleyed@gmail.com](http://handleyed@gmail.com%2A%2A/) after the event with your transaction ID. \*\*\* Join us for an unforgettable experience\. Let’s discover the hidden gems together\! — The AVALANX \| Secrets of Spain Team\." **JOIN THE TRIBE — ¡UH, UH, UH - NOW!** ️ ***

🤸‍♂️ A fusion of mindful hiking and full‑body functional training that turns the outdoors into your gym. We use the landscape itself as part of the workout: inclines for power, open spaces for strength circuits, scenic pauses for core work, and natural intervals that keep the body guessing! This isn’t just a hike, and it’s not just a workout. It’s a rhythm: walk, breathe, train, recover, repeat. Surrounded by fresh air, greenery, and a group energy that makes you push a little harder than you would alone! 🎦 [HikeXercise](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWMnxRyjS8m/?igsh=amw0bm9paGxjZ2ly) 🔴 **HIKEXERCISE!** 📏 18km (11 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 447m 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2+km/h 🤸‍♂️+ 101 of each (over 10k) Across the first 10km of the hike, we complete 11 different exercises, each totalling 101 reps, broken into small sets at natural pauses along the route (like 20 + 20 + 20 + 20 + 21). Example of Exercise (with variations) 1. Jog/Run 101 seconds 2. Press-Ups 3. Sit-ups / Crunches 4. Squats 5. Planks 6. Mountain Climbers 7. Triceps dips 8. Burpees 9. Side lunges 10. Kicks 11. Punches As we hike, we’ll pause at scenic or strategic points to perform a variety of exercises. The twist? We’ll complete a total of 101 reps of each exercise over the course of the hike. That means breaking them into manageable sets at different stops, keeping the energy high and the vibe fun. What to Expect: \- A paced hike with beautiful views \- 20 bodyweight exercises\, each done for a total of 101 reps \- Exercises spread out across multiple stops \- A full\-body workout with cardio\, strength\, and mobility ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced hike & full body workout, therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* 🔄 Start/End: **Dorking** / **Victoria Station** 📍 **Victoria Station: Opposite Platform 11** ⌚Meet from 8:45am, the train departs at **9:11am** *[arrives 10:07am at Dorking. Return is estimated 4:43pm train depending on group pace]* 🎫 NOTE: London to **Dorking** is now covered by **Contactless Card -** *it may be cheaper to use contactless all the way from your home station or it is best to purchase a ticket with a Network Rail Card.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Victoria, on train, Dorking (only single for ladies so avoid/delay) 🧎 Prayer: If you are praying, please have/keep wudu (make it within other breaks) and ⚠️ Please note: You need to be reasonably agile and not precious about clothes getting dirty or training/sitting on various outdoor. Lunch break will be towards the end of the hike! 🎒 What to bring: Light backpack, appropriate clothing/boots, plenty of water (1.5-2L), packed lunch & snacks to keep you going! 👕 Proper athletic comfortable, breathable workout clothes, gloves with grip. 🥾 Trail Runners or Hiking boots recommended. 🧦 Hiking socks/double socks advised (reduces chance of blisters) 🗂️ **When there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* \`\`\` 🚦 Walk/Hike Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging

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!

Please join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month to learn more about the Columbus Ski Club and what we have to offer. Pizza, wings and a variety of appetizers provided. We are a non-profit organization founded in 1958 with over 800 members. The club has grown beyond the single mission of providing members with not only quality skiing events but also year round social and sport activities. Our gatherings are an opportunity for members and non-members to interact and learn about the many activities offered such as euchre, billiards, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, bowling, golf & softball leagues along with ski and non-ski trips. Our members also plan group activities such as visits to wine tastings, bike trips, comedy clubs, concerts, plays and local sports games, etc. CSC membership is not required to belong to the Meetup group. Membership is required in order to participate in most club activities (CSC member). However, anyone (21 and over) is welcome at our meeting gatherings which consist of checking out our current activities and socializing. The annual dues for club membership are $35 with the membership year from September 1st – August 31st. [https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961)

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.