Rotary

\* Our 15th 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:** 21°C, Light winds becoming southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Click this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-02-05 *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 the 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"

Practice speaking at SmashSpeak. Obtain copious stage time. No agenda, technicalities, etc - Just come along, have some fun & speak! Be on time, as entry door automatically locks close to start time. BONUS - SmashSpeak is not a Toastmasters Club Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

🚀 **Join event** **with** **The Web Meetup – First Event of 2026!** 📅 **5 February 2026 - 5:30pm start** 📍 **Rooftop, The Metropolitan Hotel (Melbourne CBD)** 🎟 **Free – Registration essential** We’re kicking off 2026 very differently. Instead of the usual panel or long-form talks, this time we’ve locked in 10+ speakers, standout thinkers, and innovators who will go head-to-head in fast, fiery, and fun mini-debates on topics like: * You can create a healthy team in a dysfunctional company * Returning to the office is amazing * AI changed my life in 2025 … and many more Expect short, sharp opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few takes that might flip your perspective. Come hang out on the rooftop, grab a drink, meet new folks, reconnect with that ex-colleague you secretly miss, and start 2026 in a community that’s curious, collaborative and inclusive. Register now, tickets are free, but spots are limited!

**Afloat** is a popular venue serving cocktails, mains and bar bites in a beach club-style setting on the Yarra River. This season's theme is Rio de Janeiro! The design has taken inspiration from Rio’s rainforest, beaches and famed street culture so expect vivid colour pops reflecting Rio’s energetic beachside life. 📍Afloat, 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000 (on the Yarra River) Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: https://afloat.melbourne/

Come Trek to the incredible nerd heaven that is Fortress Melbourne! Eat, drink, and Trek out with us in this incredible venue. Amazing pub snacks, full meals and drinks of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety are available at the bar at pub prices. Come for all or some of the social event. FINDING US : Easiest way is to enter the Emporium shopping mall from any entrance and head to the basement level. Just walk right in to the tavern side of Fortress (there is no entry fee). We'll be at a table somewhere near the bar! Look for Starfleet uniforms. OPTIONAL : If you can, please make a small donation on the day to help cover the Meetup platform fees!

For February we’ll be reading “Apple Tree Yard” by Louise Doughty. As always, if you haven’t finished the book, or haven’t had a chance to read the book- please still join us for a wine with some like-minded ladies! I ask that you please only RSVP if you are absolutely committed to attending, and please update ASAP if you decide not to attend. This means that everyone who really wants to come can join us! RSVP OPENS SATURDAY JANUARY 31st AT 12PM.

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know each other overtime in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, cultural exchange, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- WhatsApp Group \-\-\-** We use WhatsApp for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

End the working week with an evening of fun times and word play! Our first Friday Night event for 2026 is locked in for the first Friday in February. Join fellow word lovers in an evening of Scrabble. Look forward to seeing you on the night!!

**Ride** : An easy loop ride from South Wharf to Port Melbourne and south on Bay Trail to "review" Station Pier and iconic St Kilda Pier **Coffee / Lunch:** Further south to your choice of cafes and patisseries in Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood **Forecast:** 27°C and mostly sunny https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/elwood/forecast/detailed/#d2026-02-08 **Route**: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53873095 \* \* Route likely to vary on the day **Bike**: Any bike should be suitable. Check it mechanically prior to Sunday **Distance** : **23 km** returning to Melbourne Exhibition Centre or head off home whenever you wish, of course **Speed** : \~ 22 km/h max (easy) **Coming in by train:** All train lines appear to be operating this weekend https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **What to bring** : Water, sunscreen, spare tube and any bike tools. **Contact:** Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: St Kilda Pier - [Parks Vic Community Report](https://parksvictoria.createsend.com/campaigns/reports/viewCampaign.aspx?d=r&c=B9F0247DCEF2D5C4&ID=B2AC63F6D8A3A05A2540EF23F30FEDED&temp=False&tx=0&source=Report) "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 the Columbus Ski Club for a First Friday Happy Hour! If you're new in town or just looking to socialize, this is the event for you. Connect with fellow sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers while sharing travel stories and tips for the best ski slopes or hiking trails. Contact: Herb Beidel, 614 -619-7808 [Dec_2025_CSC_Track Newsletter.pdf]() CSC Membership not required for happy hour!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Join members of the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. There _might_ be a little snow, but there _will_ be effectively infinite serve-yourself coffee, so it evens out if you ask me. Just a reminder, while the other locations are great too, we’re at the Lane Ave one this time.