What we’re about
The mission of this group is exactly what the name implies, we want to provide good company and a positive atmosphere to experience those things that, for whatever reason, you either weren't able to do before or don't get to do often enough. To work toward that, we try to offer a wide variety of things for you to do with us. We try to cater to the interests of as many people as possible. But we are few and you are many, and this means to do what we want as well as possible, we need your help. Feel free to email me with any suggestions you might have. We won't do everything, but I can promise that we'll give everything fair consideration. This group is special because of its members, and I look forward to meeting and building new experiences with as many of you as possible. Hope to see you soon!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Not So Urban Athletics: Long Island Shelter Island RideShelter Island North Ferry Terminal, Greenport, NY
We’re going to close out our summer cycling with a trip that I’ve done on my own but is an experience so joyous that I have to overcome my selfishness and share it with the masses. Join me as we spend the day bike touring Long Island’s Shelter Island, capped with an afternoon beach session.
The plan...
We'll gather in Greenport, Long Island to begin our adventure. Leaving the sleepy village on our bicycles, we’re going to hop on a ferry to take a short trip over to Shelter Island and peddle along what may be the most beautiful country roads anywhere. Think Hamptons minus the pretension. Our trip will take us around the island's perimeter. stopping many times to enjoy the scenery.
This is going to be a casual day on our bikes—we’re not doing a training run for the Tour de France. If we experience nice weather, we’re going to head to a local beach to enjoy a bit of time on the sand and in the water. The last part of our ride will bring us back to the ferry for our sail back to Greenport. If the day is going so well that no one wants to go home just yet, we’ll find a local eatery to enjoy ourselves a little longer in to the evening.
The important stuff...
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
• This is going to be a tour of about 26 miles round trip at about a 10-12 mph average pace. Most of the ride will take place on quiet country roads but there will be parts with some automobiles. Be prepared for a few hills as Shelter Island isn't completely flat. You must be comfortable riding in a group and in traffic. Helmets are mandatory or you don't ride with me.
• Bring $6 cash for the round trip ferry ride to the island. You MUST bring cash, no credit cards are accepted for the fare.
• Leave your evening open as this event could take 6 hours or it could take 12 hours. Our time is limited only by the amount of fun the group is having.
• Dress for physical activity. Also bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunblock.
• Bring money for lunch.
• Make sure your bike is in good working order BEFORE the meetup and bring a lock in case we need to leave our cycles.
• Rain or similar un-favorable weather cancels the meetup.
How to get there...
We'll meet at the Shelter Island ferry terminal. The address is:
Shelter Island North Ferry Terminal
3rd Street, Greenport, NY 11944It's about a 1.5 hour drive from Manhattan. Street parking around the meting spot is free and plentiful.
Our ride map...HERE
- Not So Urban Athletics: Hike Schunemunk Mountain's MegalithsSchunnemunk Mountain Otterkill Road Trail Head, New Windsor, NY
And another one!
This week's adventure takes us to the Hudson Valley to hike Schunemunk Mountain State Park and its megalith rock formation.
Here's what the interwebs have to say--
"Schunemunk Mountain State Park has over 2,700 acres of rolling meadows and a spectacular mountain top. Steep climbs to the mostly level ridges, greets hikers with thrilling panoramic views of adjacent valleys, portions of the distant Hudson River and surrounding forest and farm lands."
"...a loop to one of the best views in the Hudson Valley. Varied terrain and huge rock formations abound. This place is not Schunemunkin' around."
Let's see if we agree.
We'll be using the following Avenza app map: NYNJTC West Hudson #114. Get it and come to the hike prepared to self navigate if necessary!
The important stuff...
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5.
• This is going to be an INTERMEDIATE hike of about 8.5 miles. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to participate, but you MUST be in decent physical shape and able to keep up with the group.
• This is a social hike, the pace will be moderate. If you yearn to channel your inner Mountain Goat and feel the need to race everyone to the top of the mountain, this is not the hiking trip for you.
• Dress in layers of non-cotton clothing; bring 2-3 liters of fluid, a packed lunch and/or snacks.
• Rain cancels the hike.
• No guests allowed.
How to get there...
Schunemunk Mountain Trail Head
340-400 Otterkill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553 - Urban Athletics: Cycle the Walkil Valley TrailSojourner Truth Park, New Paltz, NY
Time to ride again. This week we're heading up to the Hudson Valley to bike the Walkill Valley Rail trail.
The plan...
We'll start our ride in the quaint college town of New Paltz where we'll head north on the rail trail. Our route will take us through the base of the Shawangunk mountains. After about 12 miles on the crushed gravel trail we'll take a turn to the east to begin our loop back, cruising quiet country roads that parallel picturesque Rondout Creek.
We're not heading back to New Paltz just yet though, we have a lunch stop in downtown Rosendale. Today we'll be dining at the family owned The Big Cheese for some of the best eclectic food choices in the area. Check out what people have to say about the place HERE.
Ride map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41126075
The important stuff...
- Distance to cycle will be about 28 miles round trip. This is going to be a moderately-paced ride of about 10-12 mph. Not Tour de France velocity, but you need to be able to keep up at that pace in the flats.
- Portions of the ride will be on gravel trail so skinny tired road bikes aren't ideal nor is a full blown mountain bike. Helmets are REQUIRED.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order before the meetup and bring a light lock to possibly leave our cycles. Bring a spare inner tube, patch repair kit, and air pump or else make sure to have the Uber app on your phone.
- Check your email before you head out for last minute meetup updates as well as my mobile phone number which will be sent to those who RSVP.
- By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
- Not So Urban Athletics: Buck Pond Remote CampingBuck Pond Campground, Vermontville, NY$24.87
*** EVENT IS NOT FULL. YOU MUST SUBMIT PAYMENT TO MOVE FROM THE WAITLIST TO A CONFIRMED RSVP ***
Psssst. Come here. That's it. Just a bit closer. I'm going to share with you one of my favorite spots in the northeast but you have to promise not to tell anyone. Join me as we welcome fall with open arms while island camping at one of the Adirondacks' hidden gems--Buck Pond Campground.
The campground's remoteness and beautiful surroundings offer a serene experience. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including canoeing and boating, fishing, and bicycling. If hiking is your thing, there is a walking path that stretches for miles along an abandoned railroad bed as well as the numerous hikes that surround you in the Adirondack mountains. There is a swimming beach also if you want to go for a dip.
Note, we'll be camping on an island and the only way to get there is by boat. We'll be renting canoes from the park for this but you're more than welcome to bring your own if you have. If you're not a strong paddler, don't worry, it's a relatively short paddle.
The plan!
We'll meet Thursday at the campground, check in, and PADDLE to our campsites to set up our tents and other gear. From here we can do as much or as little as we'd like for the next three days. The usual modus operandi contains generous amounts of food and drink, while talking smack and general merriment by campfire.
$24.87 per person, click below to pay:
Cost is for THREE nights of camping per person, checking out on Monday. You don't have to stay three nights but that is what you're paying for. Payment is via Venmo. If you prefer an alternate payment method, like Zelle or PayPal, message me.
That payment is just for the campsite, we'll be paying for the boat rentals on site which will be roughly $20 per person per day.
Space is limited so until I receive your payment your RSVP is not confirmed and your attendance is not guaranteed. Once I have confirmation of receipt of your payment I will move you to confirmed RSVP status.
What do we eat?
To keep it simple, everyone is responsible for bringing what they would like to eat and drink. You'll need food for dinner Thursday; breakfast and dinner Friday and Saturday, and breakfast Sunday. Meals will be semi-communal, meaning bring what you would like to eat for yourself but perhaps also enough to share with a few other people. Simple to cook but interesting items are best.
What else do I need to know?
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
• I've reserved a group campsite for this event. The site has fire rings or fireplace with grill for cooking and a picnic tables.
• The campground has running water, showers, and restroom facilities.
How to get there!
The campground is about a 5 hour drive from NYC and we'll need to carpool to the campground.
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.50104, -74.11216
44°30'4"N, 74°6'44"WFrom Adirondack Northway (I-87), Northbound: Take Exit 30, then take Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Gabriels. In Gabriels, take Franklin County Road 60 6 miles to Buck Pond. From Adirondack Northway (1-87), Southbound: Take Exit 38, then take Route 374 west to the Route 3 junction. Take Route 3 and turn right on Franklin County Road 60. Follow the road 5.5 miles to Buck Pond. From Tupper Lake: Take Route 30 North to Paul Smiths. Turn right on Route 86 and drive about 4 miles. In Gabriels, turn left onto County Route 60.
