Weekend Mountain Biking

Set out for an energizing afternoon micro-adventure in the "Flemish Ardennes". This hilly and scenic region in the West of Belgium. With a small crew of explorers, we’ll hike through lush nature trails, taking in the scenery and challenging ourselves with a sporty pace. Expect winding paths, panoramic views, and plenty of chances to reconnect with nature while enjoying a light but adventurous outing. **RESERVATION OPENS THE WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT** **Practically:** The plan is to meet at a metro station. We car pool from there to Kortrijk region. We will arrive there a bit before lunch, possible we have a coffee and we take of for the hike. The hike is 3 hours walk. You should bring lunch as we have lunch on the trail. After the hike we have a drink and we return to Brussels around 18h. *Car Sharing* PP numbers depend of number of drivers. **Let me know if you need a ride if you offer a car to share.** 10 eur pp for car sharing.

TIME CHANGE: 11AM! the bus leaves at 11.15am. don't be late Hey all! Let's hike/go for a walk around La Hulpe. What to expect: around 10km walk. What to bring: -it can get muddy on the trail so make sure your SHOES are somewhat waterproof -bring enough water and LUNCH Where: we meet at Flagey to take a bus, if you are coming by car, we can meet directly in la Hulpe.

This Weekend Morning Coffee Meeting - Sunday Edition - will take place at Addies Stories, an Ethiopian Café with traditional Ethiopian coffee. 🗓 **Sunday, 22 February** ⏰ **from 10:30** 👥 **limited to 22 people - registration is obligatory** **This is an extract from the BUZZ from January 2026:** "Ethiopia is the country most often associated with coffee. Arabica grows in the wild, coffee is roasted at home and the coffee ceremony determines the rhythm of social life. The fact that coffee is so deeply anchored gives an extra dimension to the opening of Addis Stories, a place where it is more about real coffee than about fashion trends and trendy specialties." **https://www.bruzz.be/select/resto-bar/bij-addis-stories-draait-alles-om-pure-ethiopische-koffie-en-traditie-2026-01-24** **https://www.addisstories.com/** **Address:** **Addis Stories** **Rue du Vieux Marché 48** **1000 Brussels** This is one of our Sunday editions, which are usually meant to test new places outside our usual coffee locations. These editions are smaller and more experimental, and focus as much on the place and the neighbourhood as on the group itself. ### ### IMPORTANT Please **do not register if you are unsure you can come**. If you register and later realise you can’t make it, **cancel as soon as possible, latest on Saturday afternoon.** There is often a **waiting list**, and it’s only fair to give people on it a real chance to join. Thank you for being fair and respectful. If you’re **on the waiting list**, please **check your status on Saturday evening at the latest**. See you on Sunday ☕

Forget the tourist crowds of Binche—this Sunday, we’re heading to Nivelles to experience one of Belgium’s oldest and most authentic folklore traditions! Join us as the "City of the Aclots" wakes up to the sound of wooden clogs and brass bands for its 122nd Carnival. We’ll witness the "Cavalcade," see the world-famous Gilles in their towering ostrich-feather hats, and dodge (or catch!) flying oranges. This is the perfect chance to tick off a major Belgian bucket-list item while meeting new people. 🕒 The Plan * 12:00 – Meet & Greet: We’ll meet at Gare du Midi for Brunch together at the Time Off buffet then take the bus to Nivelles from there. * 14:15 – The Grand Cavalcade: We’ll position ourselves to watch the parade depart from the station area. Expect colorful floats, giants, and plenty of music. * 15:15 – The Procession of the Gilles: The main event! Over 700 Gilles and folkloric groups will march toward the Grand-Place. * 16:30 – Tarte al D’jote Tasting: We’ll head to a local bakery or tavern to try the legendary Tarte al D’jote (a savory, cheesy chard tart). It’s been a local tradition since 1218—and it’s "costaud" (strong)! * 18:00 onwards: Drinks in the city center as the party continues. 💡 What to Bring * Old Clothes: Confetti is a given, and orange juice from "flying gifts" might happen. Wear something you don't mind getting a bit messy! * Comfortable Shoes: We’ll be walking and standing on cobblestones. * Cash: Some street stalls for food/drinks may not take cards. 🚆 Getting There * By Bus (no train that day) * By Car: Parking will be difficult in the center. Use the "Parking de délestage" (P+R) on the outskirts of the city and follow the carnival signs. ⚠️ Important Etiquette If a Gille throws an orange at you, it is a gift and a symbol of the coming spring. Do not throw it back—it is considered very disrespectful in Belgian culture! Just catch it, peel it, and enjoy. Ready to experience the real Belgium? RSVP now!

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be possible after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/C52QitOMtltB7NTie86YFQ

**About the session** This is a curated mixed doubles of Intermediate and Advanced levels. It’s an invitational group, no beginners or casual/amateur play. We balance courts for pace and quality. New and Interested in being part of our group? Join here, https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqdVhyuBhFz1d56lv4WVVi Please Direct Message the Organizer with your level. Approval is required before your first RSVP. **Format & level** * Competitive mixed doubles match play with quick rotations * Self-umpired with rally scoring to 21. * We may adjust pairings to keep games balanced. **Shuttles** We provide Yonex Mavis 2000 (Medium, Yellow) match-grade nylon shuttles. Please don’t mix in other shuttles during games. **Other Info** * We’ll post exact court numbers in the WhatsApp group before each session. Check on the day. * To secure your spot, RSVP on Meetup and complete payment by thursday evening (RSVP deadline). Unpaid RSVPs may be moved to the Waitlist so we can release/adjust courts fairly. * Waitlist: If enabled, members may be promoted automatically as spots open. So check regularly for the latest update. **House rules** * Shoes: Clean, non-marking indoor shoes only. * Timing: Arrive 10 minutes early for warm-up and court assignment. Running late? DM the Organizer. * Etiquette: Call lines fairly, rotate quickly, and mind court boundaries. No Aggressive language. * Gear: Bring your racket, water, and a towel. shuttles are provided. **Contact** Questions or first-time approval requests? DM the Organizer with your playing level and availability.

Hi Runners, It’s that time of year again! The 20k of Brussels is on the horizon, and there’s no better way to prepare than by hitting the actual course. We are excited to announce our first official preview run of the season. This 15k session is designed to be a "steady and social" effort, allowing us to cover a significant portion of the route while keeping the atmosphere friendly and inclusive, we will hit the infamous Tervuren Avenue incline!! The Details: Meeting Point: Right in front of Cafe To Meli (close to Rond-point Schuman). Sunday, February 22nd at 09:30 AM. Logistics: A bag/jacket drop is available at the cafe, so you can run light and have dry clothes ready for afterward. After-Run: We’ll be grabbing a "cuppa" at the cafe post-run to warm up and chat strategy. This is a great chance to build your base mileage and meet fellow runners before the big day. No need to stress the pace—we're sticking to a comfortable 6:00-6:15 min/km. See you at Schuman! Best, The Brussels Runners Team

What's up Friends! 👋 
Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎
 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 13:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: - 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) - reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 150€
 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 
📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 
See you at the walls folks😉

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 -> New Year = Time to get back on the mat ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Are you into a challenging cold dip and a walk along the confluence of rivers Schelde and Durme? If yes, then this activiy is ideal for you. * **Start**: 12:15-12:30 until +/- 17:15 * Whatsapp for carpool and follow up: ( not necessary to join but can be much easier to connect or find each other): https://chat.whatsapp.com/IYvzkj3sOlF2gZiLalJ1gQ * **Meeting Point**: Openluchtzwembad Hamme ,Sportpleinstraat 1 9220,Hamme,Belgium ( this is an open air swimmingpool) https://maps.app.goo.gl/nbrPBkzuZWZ7wz6o7 * **Icebear Swim:** The event is organised by the Dendermondse Ijsberen ( Icebear's of D'monde). In the morning there are races and at 13:00 is our moment to jump in the pool and enjoy. It's not a serious swim and supporters are also very welcome ( so you don't need to swim if you don't want to but you definitely need to cheer us) **Important: please register your presence under:** https://dendermondse-ijsberen.be/46e-dendermondse-ijsberenfestival/ or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedskMiHjwYGYUIZ1a2CUJ-jtRoTqQ325HDBSBEPBxeL3d0-g/viewform The swim costs €5 you can pay online or at the swimmingpool. To bring: bathing suit, towel,slippers, some bravery, hairdryer?, a fun accessory like a swim tube,ring,donut is probably also allowed. Something to eat and drink during the day. * **Walk:** I think we will be ready to walk around 14:00-14:30. From the swimmingpool we will cross the village and head to the Schorren. The distance will be between 8.5K to 11K depending on our mood. The walk is close to the confluence of the rivers Schelde and Durme. The trail is partially (very) muddy, partially paved but in general easy. We will end out walk around 17:00 at the swimmingpool. How to get there: Unfortunately public transportation is cumbersome to the swimmingpool. I recommend to arrive by car and carpool ( IC at 11:25 to Termonde/Dedermonde & bus 91 from D'monde+walk is an option ).

Under the careful guidance of Marga, we will walk through the forest to the nature zone, cross the old race track to the lakes at Groendaal. We will return to our welcome starting point where our table awaits in this very friendly bar, for lunch. https://mapy.com/s/cekucahaba is our route, please confirm lunch, as we can book the right number of places

Hello! This is a meet-up to play singles and doubles at Terdelt from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Meeting is at the courts. The courts are booked under the name Jean-Marc. This event is for intermediate and advanced players and not organised for novice players or beginners. Please make sure to bring the exact sum of 11 € in cash. The event is non-commercial. This sum covers the cost of the courts reserved. The organizer is not there to make money out of you. Ladies are encouraged to join. If anyone wants to drop out, they should do it on Saturday morning, not on Sunday the day of the meetup, another wise it would be too late to find a replacement in time or to cancel a court in time with reimbursement. If this happens too late then those who have cancelled after Saturday morning will have to cover the extra cost for reserving the courts. In the past meetups, it happened too many times that we were an oneven number and because of that all those present had less fun to play. If you don't show up without giving a written excuse, the first future participation will be cancelled. If it happens too many times you will not be able to participate anymore. In case if we are an uneven number of players, then the last player (except the host of course who has to collect the money) can leave or persuade other players to play with him or her. Of course if the last player leaves, then he or she doesn't have to pay the participation fee. If this player leaves, he or she will be added on a future event by the host or organizer in the participation list if the player is far away in the waiting list. This is the advantage of leaving on a voluntary basis;-). We operate on the principle of Fair Play as we do not have umpires or referees. Any disputes or disagreements over line calls or scores should be resolved immediately on the court and, when agreement is not possible, the point or game should be replayed. When one of the players still doesn't accept this compromise, then it should be reported (meetup message by preference) to the host of the tennis meetup event. One of the consequences could be that the first upcoming event could be cancelled by the organizer for the player who doesn't comply with the compromise to play the point or the game again. Whenever there is a big problem, it should be reported as well to the organizer of the group so he can, if necessary, take actions to improve the situation for all the players. Please also note that if you are the first on the waiting list, you will automatically be moved up to the attendance list if someone pulls out. So if you are on the waiting list and see that you cannot attend, please also change your status to not going. If you would like to organize a meet up either this week or next week please get in touch with me, my name is Jean-Marc. It will depend on your initiatives to create more tennis meetups per week.

Hello, readers ! In February we are reading All Fours by Miranda July. We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.