Trail Races

**Train for 2 weeks. Race on 17 May.** *Free entry. No experience needed. All equipment provided.* Ever wanted to try dragon boating—but didn’t know where to start? Here’s your chance to go from complete beginner to race day in just 2 weeks. 👉 Join the Race Ready crew now! We’re running a Race Ready Program leading into a friendly regatta at Docklands on 17 May, and you’re invited to join our crew. ⸻ **What to expect:** * 🚣‍♂️ Learn the basics (no experience needed) * 💪 Fun, full-body training sessions * 👥 Meet a welcoming and social team * 🏁 Race in a real dragon boat event (free entry) ⸻ **Program details:** * 2 weeks of training (Tues/Thurs evenings, Sat mornings) * We recommend attending 2–3 sessions over the program to feel confident for race day * All equipment provided * Support from experienced coaches and crew **⸻** **Who is this for?** * First-timers * People looking for a fun way to get fit * Anyone wanting to meet new people in Melbourne ⸻ **What to bring:** * Comfortable gym clothes * Water bottle * A positive attitude ⸻ **Location:** Docklands ⸻ **Why join?** Most of our members started exactly like this—just giving it a go. This is the easiest and most fun way to try dragon boating, and experience the thrill of a real race! ⸻ **RSVP:** Spots are limited for the race crew, so register early.

Join me for a relaxed day trip to The Great Trentham Spudfest on Saturday 2 May. Spudfest is Trentham’s annual celebration of food, local produce, music, makers, community, and all things potato. Saturday is the Street Fair day, with different precincts across town, plenty of food to try, live music, local stalls, activities, and a lively regional festival atmosphere. We’ll meet at 8:40am outside the V/Line Tickets and Information office on the Ground Floor at Southern Cross Station. The plan is to catch the 9:01am V/Line service from Southern Cross Station, then return on the 5:44pm V/Line coach from Trentham. Once we arrive, we’ll explore the festival at a relaxed pace, grab food, walk around the different areas, and enjoy the day. You’re welcome to stay with the group, split off for parts of the festival, take photos, browse stalls, or meet back later. This is a casual, low-pressure day trip. It should suit people who are happy with a full day out by public transport and a relaxed festival atmosphere. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKpb8eQovKoEJAvq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKpb8eQovKoEJAvq5) Festival website: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/) Program PDF: [https://86866130-1986-463f-8051-3f94276dc998.filesusr.com/ugd/c07cff_edd908aeec7a49ddbf7ec6d3bb4e839e.pdf](https://86866130-1986-463f-8051-3f94276dc998.filesusr.com/ugd/c07cff_edd908aeec7a49ddbf7ec6d3bb4e839e.pdf) Saturday program: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/saturday](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/saturday) Street Fair map: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/map-street-fair](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/map-street-fair) FAQ page: [https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/faqs](https://www.trenthamspudfest.org.au/faqs) Last year’s video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmgT8CYoNo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KmgT8CYoNo) **Rough timeline** * 8:40am — Meet outside the V/Line Tickets and Information office at Southern Cross Station * 9:01am — Planned V/Line departure from Southern Cross Station * Late morning — Arrive and head into Spudfest * Late morning to afternoon — Explore the Street Fair, food stalls, music, makers, and different precincts * 5:44pm — Planned return V/Line coach from Trentham * Evening — Return to Melbourne **A Few Things I’m Keen to Try** There are a few Spudfest activities I’m personally hoping to join or try during the day. I’m planning to participate in the Spud Olympics, possibly including several of the different races or competitions if timing works out. The festival currently lists Spud Olympics races from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with Tough Spudder at 3:00pm, at the Railway Precinct. I’m also keen to have a go at The Great Peel Off, which is the potato peeling competition. The festival currently lists heats from 2:00pm at the Railway Precinct, and says it is open to all with peelers provided. I’d also like to try the Devonshire Tea, which is listed as a potato scone Devonshire Tea at the Railway Precinct. Please note this one is currently listed as $10, so bring cash/card if you’d like to try it too. You’re welcome to join me for any of these, or explore the festival at your own pace. We don’t all need to do the same activities the whole time. **Tickets** Spudfest Street Fair entry is free, but some activities or special events may be ticketed or paid. Everyone attending will need to pre-purchase their own V/Line ticket. I’ve already purchased my own ticket. Please check your own public transport ticket, connection details, and live service updates before travelling. **What to bring** * Comfortable walking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing * Water bottle * V/Line ticket * Phone power bank if needed * A small bag for anything you buy * Cash/card for food, stalls, and any paid activities **What to expect** * Distance: Light walking around the festival precincts * Difficulty: Easy, but it is a full day out * Pace: Relaxed and social * Vibe: Casual, friendly, low-pressure, and welcoming to solo attendees **Important notes** Please arrive on time because we’ll be aiming to catch the planned V/Line service. This event involves public transport, so delays or service changes are possible. Please check your own V/Line/PTV travel details before the day. Some festival areas may be busy, especially around food stalls and popular activities. **Other info** Saturday is the main Street Fair day, with multiple festival precincts across Trentham. The festival runs during the day, so this is intended as a full day trip rather than a short local meetup.

​Looking to meet people in Melbourne or practice a new language? Get your Tix: [https://luma.com/e6skphya](https://luma.com/e6skphya) ​Aloha Melbourne is a fun and welcoming weekly social where backpackers, expats and locals come together to connect, chat and make new friends. ​The venue energy is international, social and lively, which makes it especially strong for newcomers to the city. ​Come solo or with friends, most people come alone and quickly meet others. ​**Highlights** * ​Meet internationals, backpackers and locals 🌍 * ​Practice languages in a natural way 🗣️ * ​Karaoke 🎤 * ​Board games and icebreakers such as Jenga, Uno and more 🎲 * ​Pool, ping pong and darts 🎱 * ​One free drink included 🍸 * ​Fun, high-energy but still social vibe ​**How it works / flow** ​Arrive, use your included drink and join a conversation. ​The event is easy to join for solo attendees and works especially well for backpackers and internationals. ​Games and karaoke help break the ice quickly. ​Join the group chat to connect before the event 💬 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t&utm_source=luma)

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 

Leanne & Lyn 💕

**The Gals Monthly Walk** Replacing our women's only monthly brunch, we bring you our *Monthly Gals Walk*. As the months get cooler, and cost of living goes up, we need a place to be held accountable to getting out of bed, getting in our exercise and not spending a tonne of money we don't need to. Our monthly women's brunches have always been a space where we can be surrounded by like-minded women in a super welcoming setting, discuss important topics related to bettering ourselves and get below the surface level small talk - all whilst making some great new friends! You can still expect all of this at our monthly walks. Our *May* edition will focus on the topic of **BUDGETING TIPS & HACKS.** Bring all of your go-to tips, bring your questions you need answered and let's connect through movement and coffee. If the weather turns, we will still go ahead, just indoors at a local cafe. Make sure you follow our IG page for latest updates on events: https://www.instagram.com/findyourtribemelb/ This event is aimed at women who identify with being young spirited - typically women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s will attend, however we have also had women in their 60s and 70s. We are open to all ages 18+ as long as you identify with being female, young spirited and open minded. We can learn so much from different women at different stages of life. **Meeting Location: Baker Bleu, 183 Domain Road South Yarra.** Meet by 9am to order coffee. Walking by 9:20am.

**Let’s Finally Meet! 🍻** We already have over 70 amazing members in this group… and yet, we haven’t met in person! So let’s change that and break the barrier together 😊 Join us for a relaxed social catch-up over a drink (or two) at Sonders in Bentleigh. No pressure, just a chance to meet friendly faces, have a chat, and enjoy good company. Had a long day at work? You can also grab a meal there and unwind with us. Whether you stay for one drink or the whole evening, it will be great to finally connect. Let’s see who’s ready to show up and say hello! ✨

A loop ride from Fed Square via the Mooney Ponds Trail, the Zoo, Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Anniversary Trail, Outer Circle Trail, Djerring Trail to Caulfield and then on-road/bike lanes back to Fed Square. Coffee stop at District 35 (or thereabouts, recommendations welcome), lunch at Carnegie Station (Koornang Road eateries or BYO). You are welcome to drop off the ride at any time, preferably at or before Caulfield Station. Ride will be subject to weather and may be cancelled at short notice - so far, so good. Route: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54781777](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54781777) This ride is for financial MBTC members or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club, check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) 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 * sunny disposition * completed Ride Registration Form * be comfortable riding in/beside traffic for 10 km on the return leg (option to drop off at Caulfield) * a comfortable, working bicycle or E-bike * 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' as soon as you know but no later than the day before ride day. 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 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.

There is a vibrant food culture in Clayton. With Asian flavours. If you like Yum Cha or Ba Minh's its got it all. Then we will explore the DIngley Bypass trail. We will meet at Caulfield Railway Station outside Platform 1. Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water . Your bike needs to be in good order. Ride route [Caulfield - Gardenvale](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54522163) 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 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.

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

**Ride**: A ride we did last in Feb '25 Let's ride from the City out to Blackburn Nth via Koonung Trail (near Eastern Fwy) to visit Blackburn Lake Sanctuary (Lunch in Blackburn first) and return via Gardiners Ck Trail. We'll be on paths with some Blackburn roads involved to make the linkage. See the map below. **Target group**: Suited for intermediates. E-bikes okay if you're confident. **Trains:** Coming in by train? There are bus replacements on Frankston and Craigieburn lines. https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Forecast**: 26°C. Partly cloudy. 10% chance of 1mm rain over the day. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/blackburn/forecast/detailed/#d2026-05-02 **Distance**: Approx 56 km **Speed**: 22-25 kmh on the flat sections (not too slow, not too fast) **Map & GPS files:** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8388315) Note: Koonung Trail does go up and down a bit. We will also encounter detours from the path due to works on the Eastern Fwy. **Bring**: Sunscreen, spray jacket, snacks, water, tools, tube, phone (with my number), money for lunch and emergencies. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 (make sure you have my number, please) \***Photo**: Blackburn Lake - (Apr 2023) "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"

if you’re **tired of doing the same boring thing** every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.** This is **not just a comedy show.** It’s a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a **BYOB** potluck cookout, **live racing,** a late-night **bonfire**, open mic **comedy under the stars**, and **free camping** if you want to stay the night. We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton ### The experience **Start early with the cookout** Come out around **4:00 PM** for a potluck-style cookout. Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling. **Then head into the races** Racing starts around **7:00–8:00 PM** at Shadybowl. **Bring a chair** and sit with us in **Turn 4** — best seats in the house. **in front of concrete spots** 58,59 **ask for Chance** Think **racing isn’t your thing?** That’s fine. **Bring something to drink** and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and **the wrecks.** **Then the real vibe kicks in** Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for **Late Night Bonfire Comedy** starting around **11:30 PM**. This is open mic style, so you might catch comics traveling through, a local favorite, somebody trying stand-up for the first time. Either way, **you’re getting laughs around a bonfire** with drinks, good people, and nowhere else to be. **Stay the night if you want** No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it. **Free camping on-site** — bring a tent, **sleep in your car,** or just **hang out late by the fire.** ### What to know **Saturday, May 9, 2026** * **Cookout starts around 4:00 PM** * **Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM** * **Bonfire comedy starts at 11:30 PM** * **BYOB, No glass inside the race.** * **Free camping, Bring a chair** * **Shadybowl admission is $15 cash only.** * **Free parking** **RSVP on Meetup is free.** A **small contribution helps** keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. **Great events take time and money to organize**. If you **find value in these events** or maybe even **made a new friend,** consider **contributing what feels fair to you.** **Contribution link** listed below in the comments Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm. Come for the cookout. Stay for the races. Laugh around the fire. Camp if you want.

Count down to Derby! They have a fun filled day planned at [Crooked Can](https://crookedcanohio.com/). This event is so well-run and festive! 6pm - Hat Parade Competition 6:50pm - Kentucky Derby Race 7-10pm - Live Music Feel free to come by earlier with your kids and grandkids for family fun til 4pm. Then some **Fun n Games**: 4-6pm Adult Horse Race Game & Beer Puppeteers. **Family Time**: 1pm Kids Horse Craft; 2-4pm Wiener Dog Races (Excited to be having wiener dog races again. This is always a lot of fun for all. We will be having several heats and then a final competition. Must sign up ahead of time by emailing megan@crookedcanohio.com) **Setting**: The Center Street Market is a locally owned and operated community market located in historic Old Hilliard that is open 7 days a week. Local products with multiple vendors that offer local food, natural, organic food, desserts, pastries, coffee and unique shopping all inside of one building. Gathering tables are indoors and outside on their huge patio! Anchored to the market is the Crooked Can Brewing Company, an on-site hand-crafted beer (plus cocktails, ciders, wine).