Mountaineering

\* Our 12th 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:** TBA Click this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-15 *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:** Dixon Veloway - 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"

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

**Event Details** Join me for a relaxed 2-hour walk along the flat Bay Trail. We’ll start at the Brighton North Road Foreshore Reserve Playground and head toward the city, enjoying a beautiful beach sunset with the Melbourne skyline as our backdrop. The walk covers approximately 4 to 4.5 km in about one hour, heading toward St Kilda Pier before turning back. **Time:** 7:00 PM sharp — please arrive at least 10 minutes early. **Meeting Point:** In front of the Brighton North Point Café, North Road Foreshore Reserve Playground. **Parking Options:** * North Road (metered parking — please check time limits) * Martin Street (free parking, 1-minute walk) * Chatsworth Avenue (free parking) Please be mindful of parking restrictions, time limits, and enforcement hours. Kindly review the event details before attending in case of any updates, changes, or cancellations. If you’ve RSVP’d and can no longer attend, please update your status to “not attending” so the group isn’t delayed. **Disclaimer:** The event organizers are not responsible for any accidents or injuries. Participants are responsible for their own safety and should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, remain aware of their surroundings, and take care throughout the walk.

Hi there, Whether you're intermediate or totally new to climbing, all levels are welcome. We are not affiliated with La Roca climbing so if you ask about the meetup at reception they'll be confused 😛. **🕒 When** **Thursday at 5:30pm**. Meet us at **La Roca** to the right of reception. **💰 Costs** No meetup fee — just show up! (Regular gym entry and shoe rental aren’t included.) You can check the gym’s prices **[here](https://laroca.com.au/pricing/)**. **📝 First time at the gym?** You'll have to fill in a waiver when you arrive. **🧗 What to bring / wear** * Comfy clothes you can move in * Climbing shoes (rentals available at the gym) * Chalk (optional) * Water bottle (there is a water refill station at reception)

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

**WALK DESCRIPTION:** These two walks could well be full of surprises - like all of our Melbourne Bushies walks can be! Both walks are through geographically and historically significant areas to the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Both walks begin along stretches of well-formed tracks with intermittent patches of surf and beach culture. The 18km option - a first time for our club hikers - starts by going to the panoramic views of the Barwon Heads bluff. Maybe from then on expect a fast paced walk. The 15km walk is an easy one, with a few inclines. This one I think is a chat and walk, catch up with old and new MBW friends. We eventually pass lighthouses that have guided ships through the treacherous Heads for many decades, with both walks finishing at Queenscliff's historic fort that guards the bay's entrance. Both walks will be on a variety of walking tracks - sand (mostly soft, but some will be firm sand I hope!), some on paved path then finishing off on an enchanting scrub track that leads us to the Queenscliff lighthouse, where both walks end with spectacular views of the bay. Finally, no promises, but we saw a pod of dolphins off Point Lonsdale on the preview walk. You may wish to bring along a half frozen bottle of your choice to leave on the bus to rehydrate after your walk. A reminder to bring a change of footwear for the trip back, because muddy boots leave marks on the bus that our club pays to have cleaned. Please note that at this time of year there is always a possibility of encountering snakes, and appropriate leg covering is recommended. As the weather can be warm at this time of year, **please carry at least 2 litres of water.** . **DISTANCE(S):** 15km and 18km . **TOTAL ASCENT(S):** 100m Rise and 200m Rise . **GRADINGS:** Easy and Medium **Easy (E):** Walking mostly on tracks or in open country, with possibly some stretches of light scrub. Few hills and adequate rest stops. Distances may be up to 15km in flat open terrain but will be shorter if scrub or significant hills are involved. **Medium (M):** Consistent walking on tracks or in open bushland, usually with patches of thicker scrub, several moderate climbs, and/or rock hopping. Distances up to about 22kms with reasonable rest stops. A good level of fitness and walking experience is required. **.** **PLEASE NOTE:** Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below). . **HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:** (a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus. (b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk. (c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking. (d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers. . **OUR CLUBROOMS:** Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm. . **CONTACT US:** To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response. **.** **CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK?** No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus. . **IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php . **WHAT TO BRING:** A day pack containing: \* Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack. \* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather. \* An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short). \* Whistle, pencil and paper. \* Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit. \* A change of footwear for the trip back. . **DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER?** The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover. . **MORE DETAILS:** The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things: (a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt; (b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met. (c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee ($10) and bus fee ($30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received. . **DAY WALKS BY BUS** with Melbourne Bushwalkers: https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php

This multi day ride is all about the the majesty of the skies in central Victoria. You will appreciate the clouds ,the sunset, the sunrise and its many colours, all from the comfort of your trusty 2 wheel stead. We will be visiting Kerang , Boort and Pyramid Hill. Boort and Pyramid have RV friendly sites which means they are tent friendly as well. Boort has a lake for swimming and Pyramid has a public pool . Ride GPS day1 [62 KM](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53488141) Ride GPS day2 [44KM](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53278401) Itinerary: Sat :Boort by 18:00 hrs We stay on see a Council park with Shower facilities. Sun: leave Boort around 10:00 arrive Pyramid by 14:00. A swim at pool and dinner at the pub, we stay at a caravan park camp sites . Monday: if leaving at 2.45pm, Explore Pyramid Hill and lunch in town. Train 17/Jan Southern Cross 7.40am arrive Kerang 11:37am, I'm going up on Friday so that I can do the Kerang Park Run event on Sat morning. Train 19/Jan Pyramid 8.05am or 2:46pm arrive Southern Cross 11:00 or 18:00 RIDE REGISTRATION FORM click on the comment link from Walter to link you to the correct form. Ride route click here. Well maintain bikes with 32mm+ tyres and brakes. We are secondary and gravel roads. Bring a least a spare tube and repair kit. a tent and sleeping bag. Food and water during the day , food is available with IGA (closes at 18:00) in Boort and Pyramid , as well as pubs in both towns and posh cafe at Pyramid. Bring togs and towel. 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 organizer 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

**Single Again** is a space for people who’ve come out the other side of separation or divorce and are rebuilding life in their own way — at their own pace. It’s not about rushing into dating or “moving on” overnight. It’s about rediscovering yourself, connecting with others who get it, and enjoying good company as you navigate this new chapter. We’re hosting a relaxed coffee gathering — nothing formal, nothing forced. Just humans showing up as themselves, sharing stories, having a laugh, and enjoying the simple comfort of good company. **Think of it like this:** * No pressure to “be on” * No expectations to impress * No awkward speed-dating vibes * Just friendly faces, easy conversation, and a warm atmosphere **Come along if you’d like to:** * Meet new people in a supportive, judgment-free space * Take a break from online apps and reconnect in real life * Share a chat with others navigating a similar chapter * Or simply sit with a coffee and enjoy the energy around you Whether you’re feeling social or you prefer to ease into the group quietly — both are welcome. Some come to talk, some come to listen, some come just to feel part of something again. **You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to walk in with confidence. You just need to show up.** Grab a coffee, find a comfy spot, and let’s build new connections one conversation at a time. **Hope to see you there ☕✨** **We’re looking forward to meeting you 🤍✨** **Location:** Starbucks **Address:** 181 O'Herns Rd, Epping VIC 3076

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is great for beginners and families, 1.4-1.9 mph, and slower if needed. The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. DIRECTIONS AND PARKING: Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144 The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane. Park in the lot at the visitor center. Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla. RESTROOM: Onsite at the visitor center. THINGS TO BRING: You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park. Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather. Bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and additional traction, such as yaks or micro spikes, if you use them. Hiking Guides: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a) [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **Notes:** * If you were on this hike in January, you are welcome to come and be a sweep. Just message me through MeetUp or text. * Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form. * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!

**Alpine stile, North Fork Mountain, WV - Winter Traverse** 2 days backpacking - 24 mile **IMPORTANT:** All the time we will be traveling on or next to the ridge line and we will be expose to the wind, this will make this trip an Alpine experience, be protected with the right layers of cloths is essential. **Gear required:** 1.) Backpack 2.) Tent 3.) Sleeping bag (20F or better if 0F) 4.) Sleeping pad 5.) 3-4 lt. of water, there is no water supply on North Fork (Do not use camelback, the hose will totally froze in no time) 6.) Micro-spikes 7.) Hiking shoes /boots 8.) 3 pair of extra socks 9.) 2 piece rain suit (top & bottom) 10.) Legging gaiters 11.) Hat, gloves 12.) Extra warm layers, jacket 13.) Head lamp with extra batteries 14.) Small garbage bag 15.) Cooking hardware (backpacking stove-gas cannister-pot-dish-spoon) 16.) Dehydrate food and plenty of snacks This is a one way shuttle trek, the general plan is to head over the end of the trail (point B on description bellow) leave a car there and proceed to star of trail head (point A on description bellow) **Friday night car camp:** Redman Run Trail Parking (38.912332, -79.261841) **Hike start - Point A** Trail head parking (38.710801, -79.401991) **Hike end - Point B** Trail head parking (38.981855, -79.230984) **North Fork Mountain detailed trail map** [http://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/NorthForkMountain/](http://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/NorthForkMountain/) **North Fork Mountain general area trail map** [http://www.wvhighlands.org/Pages/Maps_NFM.html](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvhighlands.org%2FPages%2FMaps_NFM.html&h=ATMoIFAapg0J-A94Uf3uxzP2hkGk8GuLff1m46dNaA-GFcsAly-sjAvBsLoLN_f6OF3nzm3suPpBtUVh3jIx766vk4oh1g8eBOZF7Qqna5PO6aoBNLZnR84Xo7BJr9JopFXhvEEled48O64VSpRxiObLa7qC2PfjQbpPUg4SA7-1TbkqkMUzTvxyfA) **Google driving directions:** [https://goo.gl/maps/yJBVKK1Quim](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fmaps%2FyJBVKK1Quim&h=ATNNTfluXFEa85nhBMXaxU9qEfkLC0nWYX8nADC9hFYAufd44Fo3I_NgsZfAH7Lu0wkbw7l0O4nkRYkKwt0SJzwGHyIroHxafqxUepYEYu3js4adD_JJGL5wiFSpWtryhK9piMGG38r5cEGjgMxtch7A5a4Acz34GQWR0xP5Q-xDGiD5Ah-G7i88Vg)

Federal Executive GovCon - "Supporting Government Efficiency with Thought Leadership" When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEW LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. Sponsorships: 1 of 2 spots are available. DM me to claim the 2nd sponsorship to highlight your company to an invitation-only executive audience.

Dulles Town Center Mall Hike: Meet at the entrance to the right of the Regal Movie Theater. A Test of Endurance Join us for a 6-mile trek through the treacherous terrain of Dulles Town Center mall. This hike is rated as physically easy, but don't be fooled - the mental challenges will push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. Hazards Include: The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cinnabon, threatening to derail even the most disciplined of diets. Endless rows of high-end storefronts, beckoning you to indulge in some serious retail therapy. Balmy 70-degree temperatures, lulling you into a false sense of comfort. Blinding fluorescent lights, capable of disorienting even the most experienced navigator. Will You Emerge Victorious? Afterwards we'll head over to The Bungalow Lake house 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA 20165 for their delicious brunch cuisine.

Looking to meet ski enthusiasts for local day or weekend outings! I'm basing this on the "Epic, Northeast Value Pass" for 21 resorts. https://www.epicpass.com/passes/northeast-value-pass.aspx Let’s do some weekend day trips or Friday night skiing at Liberty or Whitetail. We can meet at the Clarksburg Outlets to carpool if interested! Liberty Mountain Resort, PA (1hr Drive) Whitetail Resort, PA (1hr Drive) Roundtop Mountain Resort, PA (1:30 Drive) Hidden Valley, PA (2:40 Drive) Seven Springs, PA (2:50 Drive) Laurel Mountain, PA (2:50 Drive) Jack Frost, PA (3:20 Drive) Big Boulder, PA (3:30 Drive)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Join us for winter fun, hiking and ice skating! First time skaters welcome. We will meet next to the Mercury Fountain, which is north of the Ice Rink. From the fountain, we will take the Green Trail to Lake Anne. From there we continue on the Blue Trail and some other paths until we reach Lake Fairfax. We will zigzag through Lake Fairfax Park and we will have a break at Lake Fairfax Park Campground A (excellent facilities). Then we will continue through the Lake Fairfax Park until we make a right turn that will bring us close to the Reston Golf Course. We will hike along the golf course until we hit the W&OD trail at Sallie Mae Drive. Then we will follow the W&OD trail back to Reston, to start part 2 of the fun. The hike is 6 miles with \~400 feet elevation gain. We plan to arrive at the Reston Ice Rink about 11:45am for the ice skating portion of this event, followed by lunch at Makers Union about 1pm. Cost for skating is $11 adults/$9 senior or military plus $8 skate rental. Please only sign up if you are interested in both the hike and ice skating, as space is limited. Thank you. Distance: 6 miles Elevation: 400 ft. Pace: 2.5-3 mph while moving **Coordinates of the meeting place:** 38.958924, -77.356932 **Dogs:** not allowed **Leaders:** Willem Janssen, (202) 280-4397 and Kris N. (618) 623-2484 **Rating:** C **Map for hike:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-december-2-2024-9c838d2?u=i&sh=g8n9nn

Hello everyone! Come join us for a hike around Sugarloaf Mountain. We will meet in the East View parking lot by the picnic benches starting at 9:20am, so that we can start the hike by 9:30am sharp. Please allow yourself extra time (10 - 15 min) for parking, as it is crowded on the weekends. Options for the hike: Option 1: Go down the white trail and take the 7 mile yellow loop trail to the white trail again, up to the west view parking lot, up to the summit via the green trail and then back to the east view parking lot via the orange trail. Option 2: White trail to blue trail to purple trail to white rock to blue trail to west view parking lot and then follow same steps as Option 1 to summit and back to east view parking lot. (We did a similar hike in Fall 2025). Please see the linked map below. The enlarged map is on the second page. [Sugarloaf Mountain Hike Map](https://sugarloafmd.com/downlaods/Sugarloaf-Mountain-Trail-Map-2020v1.pdf) Bundle up/dress warmly. It's cold out there! Please bring water to stay hydrated and snacks. Optional: After the hike, we can grab lunch in Urbana. We can decide as a group where we want to eat. I hope to see you there!