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: Wharton State Forest Group CampoutWharton State Forest, Hammonton, NJ$18.00
*** IMPORTANT: The event is not full. You will be wait listed until you submit payment. When you send your camping fee you will be moved to the confirmed RSVP list. ***
Sometimes you just gotta get away. Join us and get back to nature with a group campout in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest. Nestled in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve, Wharton State Forest offers a chance to experience the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem with a variety of natural and historic activities. If you’ve wanted to try camping but didn’t know how to start or if you’d even like it, this experience is perfect for beginners.
The plan...
We'll arrive Friday afternoon at the campground office to check in and head to our campsite to set up our tents and other gear. From here we can do as much or as little as we'd like. If you feel the need to put one foot in front of the other and move, there are 27 miles of gentle and well marked hiking trails in the park. If you have a mountain bike, feel free to bring it to enjoy on the trails. Other physical adventures include renting a canoe or kayak to paddle down the nearby Batsto and Mullica Rivers, or exploring historic Batsto Village. In the evening we'll cook and have a communal meal over an open fire, and spend the rest of the evening doing the usual camping activities--partaking in adult beverages, playing games, and shooting the breeze. The next day we get to do it all over again.
Cost...
We have a group campsite reserved for this event and the camping charge will be $18.00 per person. This is for TWO nights of camping.
Pay your campsite fee via Venmo HERE.
Food plan...
Everyone is responsible for bringing what food and snacks they would like to eat and drink. We will be cooking dinner Friday, breakfast and dinner 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. There are fire pits with integrated grills to cook on. Simple to cook but interesting items are best.
Other important stuff...
- You are responsible for supplying your own tent, sleeping bag, etc., or arranging a share. The campground has pit toilets facilities but no shower facilities.
- Space is limited, don't wait to send in your camping payment or else you may get shut out of the event.
- By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
Directions...
Wharton State Forest is located a short two hour drive from New York City in southern New Jersey. Entering the following in to your GPS.
Wharton State Forest
31 Batsto Road
Hammonton, NJ
GPS Coordinates
39.643889, -74.646778 - Not So Urban Athletics: Sunset and Full Moon Night Hike in Harriman State ParkReeves Meadow Visitor Center, Sloatsburg , NY
I've led you guys on amazing daytime adventures all over the tri-state area but it is my hikes that turn us into creatures of the night that you seem to enjoy the most. Why in the world would you want to hike in the dark? With your vision reduced your other senses become hyper aware and you'll experience the forest in a whole new way. You'll be able to smell and hear that bear about to eat you rather than just see him!
We're going to have a nocturnal adventure at Harriman State Park, one of my favorite local playgrounds. Starting at the Reeves Visitor Center trailheads in the Southern section of the park, we'll trek through the forest along the Seven Hills trail, follow a bubbling brook for a bit, then trek through the forest and ascend to a westward-facing rocky plateau overlooking the Hudson Valley. Here we will stop for a while and enjoy what should be a beautiful sunset.
After the sun goes down, we'll trek a bit further and descend the mountainside to our next destination, Pine Meadow Lake. We'll hang out lakeside for a bit under the full moon, enjoying the stars and serenity of night, and if the mood strikes -- and we can find dry wood -- we'll make a campfire to toast some marshmallows and other fireside goodies.
A little heads up, if you are afraid of things that go bump in the night then you might want to sit this hike out.
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 miles and expect to be in the forest until about midnight. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to participate, but you need to be in decent physical shape.
• 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 -- remember it is chillier at night, wear hiking boots or trail shoes (I wouldn't recommend sneakers but that is at your discretion), a hat, bring 2-3 liters of fluid, a packed dinner and/or snacks, and insect repellent. Also pack a pocket poncho in case of showers.
• Bring a headlamp and spare batteries. You may want to bring an additional handheld flashlight as well. Do not show up expecting your cell phone flashlight to be sufficient.
• You're expected to come to the hike prepared to navigate yourself out of the forest if need be. Download or purchase a hard copy of NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain southern trail map #118.
• Social distancing will be in effect and face coverings are required when that isn't possible.
How To Get There...
Take NJ Route 17 north to the New York State Thruway and take the first exit, Exit 15A (Sloatsburg). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto N.Y. Route 17 north, and continue through the Village of Sloatsburg. Just past the village, turn right at the traffic light, following the sign for Harriman State Park. Cross an overpass over railroad tracks and continue along the Seven Lakes Drive, passing under the Thruway overpass, and soon entering Harriman State Park. Proceed for another mile to the Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, on the right side of the road. Park in the Visitor Center's parking lot. If the lot is full, parking is allowed in certain roadside areas.
- 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
