BLAZE >> Backpacking Gay Men of NYC

Join BLAZE for our second year riding the Five Boro Bike Tour. Register for our team here when prompted:

https://www.bike.nyc/events/td-five-boro-bike-tour/

Look for the team name, "Blaze".

While the ride is 40 miles, this event is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels and you are free to go at your own pace. There will also be several rest areas with snacks and entertainment for us to stop at along the way. Bikes are available for rental if you don't have one.

When registering, please make sure that when prompted, you select our team instead of creating a new one. The organizers separate riders into different waves, but keep teams together. Selecting our team in the registration process will ensure that you are able to start at the same time and place as us.

Registration is $139 + processing fees ($14.38 of which is a tax-deductible charitable donation to Bike New York). Standard registration includes:

• Rider Identification Kit (bib & bike plate) – this is your key to enter and participate in the Tour
• Snacks and entertainment at rest areas along the route
• Fully supported route with additional water stops
• Access to free bike repair along the route provided by Trek
• Access to SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles
• Entry to the Finish Festival on Staten Island
• Digital finisher certificate

I would suggest signing up soon because this event will sell out and registration has been open a while.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Hope to see you all there!
Ed H.

Do you want to move away from being just a day-hiker to a full on backpacker but don't want to go on your first trip solo, afraid of the dark, or just have not sure how to start?

Well this trip is just for you!

What you'll take away from this event:

• How to pitch your tent
• Sleeping Outdoors
• Building a campfire
• Hanging a bear bag
• Hiking at night

Come join a great bunch of folks for an easy night out at Harriman State Park. You'll be surrounded by amazing people whose experience range from first timers all the way to overcooked, well-seasoned veterans :)

JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE! EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN.

We'll start the morning off by meeting at Lake Skananti around 10AM. A short meet and greet then off to a 3–4-mile hike, where we'll visit an abandoned mine before heading to camp.

We'll setup camp, look for firewood and get ready for a lovely evening around a warm fire. We'll all have dinner and beverages of your choice around the fire before relaxing the night away.

What you'll need to bring:

• Bug Spray / Big Head Net
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag atleast 32* rated
• Sleeping Pad
• Headlight
• Water Filter
• Phone Charger
• 2 x Food for lunch, dinner and breakfast
• Snacks
• Extra socks and a warm layer.

There are alot of online resources that I highly recommend you checking before planning for this trip.

Recommend Gear List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vj6ZfWSJo1iXnx8UuhID0KN0zrZtmk3t_aCIChUbF4s/edit?usp=sharing
If you need help with picking out gear, please comment or DM me.

Weather:
Cool and Crisp at night. Expect temps to be dip down to 40 or less at night. Day time highs as low as 50s. Best method of clothing this time of year is LAYERS and LAYERS. You will be hot while hiking with your fully packed bag but once at camp and relaxing, you will start to feel chilly.

Transportation:
Nearest train stations are Sloatsburg or Tuxedo so driving / carpooling is highly encouraged. The sheet will be sent out closer to this start date.

*** Everyone will be waitlisted until closer to event date ***
*** Co-Ed event. Everyone of all shapes, sizes, genders, etc are welcome ***

Welcome to the ADK's Pharaoh Lake Wilderness within the Adirondack park. This wilderness is known not for its high mountains but beautiful lakes and ponds and rolling hillside terrain. The area is a backpacking gem in the ADK. The lakes and ponds in the wilderness offer great opportunities to build upon your backcountry experience.

The hike to the lake will be from the South Pharaoh Lake Parking lot off Beaver Pond Road. The trailhead to meet on google maps is here - https://goo.gl/maps/u1MnUPWLwfdbTKjA9

The drive from NYC is approximately 4hrs 15mins making it easily accessible by car. The lake is west of the northern portions of Lake George.

The Trip:

Day 1 The hike on Friday is 5.4 miles with a total elevation gain of just 500 ft. Once at the lake we will locate our group campsite or leanto area (with sites for all) . Every site has a fire ring for a campfire. Lets take advantage of that. The hike in won't be short and its not considered long its just enough to give you backpacking legs on Day 1. Dinner by the campfire.

Day 2
After breakfast we will day hike to Pharaoh Lake Mountain which stands at 2,543ft just taller than some of the Harriman State Park peaks yet the mountain offers some dazzling views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hike to the top is 1.4 miles each way. This can be done by any level of hiker. Lunch is on the Peak then back to camp to collect wood hangout relax and enjoy the scenery and company. Make dinner when you want. Star gazing is said to be exceptional at this location.

Day 3 Hike back to cars after breakfast.

Trip Link: https://topomaps.co/share/ZN4x7dpoy8

The location is good camera worthy if you can manage it.

There are some requirements to join this trip
1. Hiking attire only! U must bring a raincoat and headlamp.

2 You must be in enough physical fitness to backpack 5.4 miles with all your camping gear.

3. The Mountain Peak day hike on Day 2 is optional if your not up to it thats OK! Let me know.

4. You MUST keep all your foods in either a Bear Can or Bear Bag. There are no requirements for these in this wilderness so other setups are ok but frowned upon. Generously use ziplocs and dry bags to keep all smelly items in it.

5. You must bring a rope paracord. This is how we will secure your scented items when we are not at camp. We will hang your items from a tree.

6 You must be able to stay warm! April in the ADK will still have cold or chilly nights. Warm clothing (1 puffy) and a sleeping system to stay warm is a must if the temperature drops.

Well behaving dogs are OK but clear it with me before you join. I will limit the number of dogs that can attend. No guests are permitted.

Fishing is permitted but follows NYS laws and you are required to have a permit.