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: Biking Sandy Hook National SeashoreRed Bank Train Station, Red Bank, NJ
Last month we took our bikes down to the shore and took a tour of giant seaside mansions, quaint Victorian architecture, and spent a little time playing in the surf. This visit we are going to experience the more natural side of the New Jersey seaside as we take a ride to the Sandy Hook National Seashore, part of the expansive Gateway Recreation Area.
The plan...
We'll gather at the New Jersey Transit train station in Red Bank to begin our adventure. From here we cycle through the shore nabes of Red Bank, and tony Rumson and Middletown, home to some of the rich and famous including Jon Bon Jovi, John Stewart, and Bruce Springsteen. Pedal on we will, all the way to Sandy Hook. What will we find there? A 1,600 acre peninsula encompassing a seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches, a cycling path that winds us through pristine holly forests and salt marshes, a defunct U.S army post--Fort Hancock, abandoned gun batteries to explore, and a decommissioned Nike missile installation.
After exploring Sandy Hook on our bikes we'll park our rides and spend some time on the sand shooting the breeze and enjoying the weather. The last part of our ride will bring us back to Red Bank to depart for home.
Map of the ride:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43946558The 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 casually-paced ride (12 - 14 mph) of about 35 miles. Most of the ride will take place on flat terrain and on quiet roads but there will be parts with some automobile congestion. You must be comfortable riding in a group and in traffic. Helmets are required.
• Leave your evening open as this event could take 5 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 and possible time on the beach meaning bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunblock.
• Face coverings/masks will be required for any time we stop riding or can't adequately social distance. Do not forget to bring one!
• Make sure your bike is in good working order before the meetup -- bring a spare inner tube and a flat repair kit, and a lock to secure your cycle.
• Rain or similar un-favorable weather cancels the meetup.
• Check your email the evening before for last minute meetup updates as well as my mobile phone number which will be sent to those who RSVP.
How to get there...
Mass Transit
You can catch the 8:07 AM NJT train #7225 from New York Penn Station and you will arrive in Red Bank at 9:30 AM. Train fare is $16.25 each way. NOTE: NJT rules indicate that only two bicycles are allowed per train car so be sure to arrive at Penn Station early enough to make sure you will be among the first in line to board the train in case there are other cyclists traveling. We'll meet on the corner of Monmouth Street and Bridge Avenue right outside the train station.
By Car
Put the address 175 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ in your GPS to guide you. Parking at the station lots are free on the weekends. We'll meet on the corner of Monmouth Street and Bridge Avenue right outside the train station. - Not So Urban Athletics: Kayak or Paddleboard Monksville ReservoirFlatwater Paddle Co., Ringwood, NJ
Question: Kayak/paddleboard + lake =????
Answer: A day of fun on the water!And that is exactly what we will have as we spend a day kayaking and paddle boarding on New Jersey's Monksville Reservoir.
Monksville Reservoir is a beautiful and serene reservoir located in the New Jersey Highlands, in Long Pond Ironworks State Park. The reservoir has a surface area of 505 acres, and spans about three miles from end to end and is surrounded by forest. While being easily accessible from NYC and other densely populated areas of NJ, Monksville is secluded, rustic and peaceful. It'll be a good day on the water.
Cost...
- It will be $55 - $70 depending on the watercraft you rent (single/tandem kayak or paddle board) plus $10 for a life jacket you get to keep.
- You must make an advance reservation with the Flatwater Paddling Company. Visit this link and follow the instructions--
https://flatwaterpaddle.co/monksville-reservoir/rentals/
- Pick the date 8/23
- Choose a 4 hour rental
- Choose the 1:00PM time slot
- Pick your choice of watercraft
If you have your own paddle board or kayak, you're welcome to bring it--then the event will be free for you!
The important stuff...
- Bad weather cancels the meetup -- check your email before you leave for updates.
- Wear river shoes or old sneakers.
- Bring shorts, bathing suit, a tee shirt and wind-breaker plus sun screen. Also bring a rain poncho in case of showers. Also bring a post-trip change of clothing and shoes for a comfortable ride home in case you get wet.
- Bring food and drinks! Plan to bring enough for several hours on the water, especially drinks, you'll be thirstier than you realize. NO GLASS CONTAINERS!
- Use waterproof cases for all valuables, and be certain to keep cameras and cell phones in waterproof cases or containers, such as ziplock bags.
- Not So Urban Athletics: Labor Day Camping in the AdirondacksForked Lake Campground, Long Lake, NY$21.62
***EVENT IS NOT FULL, ONCE PAYMENT IS MADE YOU'LL BE MOVED 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 say sayonara to summer while camping lakeside at one of the Adirondacks' best kept secrets--Forked Lake Campground.
The campground's remoteness and beautiful surroundings offer a terrific wilderness experience. Its large, well-forested, lakeside campsites are unparalleled in privacy. Close your eyes and you can almost imagine that the forest is yours and yours alone. So what do we do here other than pretending we are on survivor? The campground offers numerous water-focused recreational opportunities, including canoeing, boating, and fishing. If your interests are more terrestrial in nature, there are miles upon miles of hiking trails in the area.
The plan!
We'll meet Saturday morning 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 until dinner that evening. Sunday we'll get up and make breakfast and can continue to explore what the campground and surrounding area has to offer.
What does it cost and how do I pay?
$21.62 per person for the campsite fee. The cost is for TWO nights of camping. Payment is via Venmo.
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.
But what do we eat?
To keep it simple, everyone is responsible for bringing what food and snacks they would like to eat and drink.
We will be cooking dinner Saturday, and breakfast, lunch and dinner Sunday, 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.
This is BLACK BEAR country. We have to store our food in bear lockers at our campsites that measure 18" x 18" x 4' so pack accordingly. There is a carry in, carry out garbage policy in effect.
What else do I need to know?
• We have lakeside campsites that are PADDLE ACCESS ONLY, meaning we will be renting canoes and ferrying our gear in. Canoe rentals are $20 per day and will be paid for ON SITE.
• If you are unsure what to pack, please ask.
• The campsites have pit/vault toilets, but no showers unfortunately. The lake is good for a wash if you bring environment friendly soap.
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5
How to get there!
Forked Lake Campground
381 Forked Lake Campsite Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
GPS Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude)
43.90856, -74.53502The campground is about a 5 hour drive from NYC and we'll need to carpool to the campground. When you RSVP, please indicate if need a ride. Or if you plan to drive, where you are coming from and how many passengers you can take. We'll then figure out our carpooling options, please be proactive and contact a driver directly rather than just saying where you need a ride from. Gas and tolls should be picked up by the passengers, also a cup of coffee for the driver is a nice gesture.
