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Just throwing this out there. Would any of you New Englanders be interested in something like this?

I'm not a New Englander... so can i stay with you and your man Giga???

depends on when and where, of course....

I'd be interested; it's a great idea.

We'll make you honorary Rocco.

I'm thinking early spring (time to organize) and somewhere central. Course if everyone that says yes lives in CT, well then....

What about Disney World in Orlando? Oh the fun we will have and then we can all go to Playlinda Beach where there is a clothing optional beach at Canaveral National Seashore.

Might be if it was at a convenient place and time and I'm not trying to publish...

I'm up for it. Granted, I'm closer to Boston, so something not down on the Connecticut Shore would be better for me.

Worcester is central, right Diver?

I agree, Rocco is an honorary New Englander!

I was thinking of a hike in some state park or something personally.

Works for me. Lots of good hiking around. Kayaking could also be fun.

BRRRrrr - a little cold for that until April. Was thinking something before Mahch would be nice.

Figured you were thinking about spring. Right now, it's skiing time. We've gotten dumped on here and have the best December xc skiing I've seen in years. I figure that hiking's not really an option until the snow melts, and then mud season dries up. Otherwise, it's snowshoeing (which is good too).

I LOVE tromping around in the woods with snow! But yeah, farther north, it's prolly gonna be more about skiing. Snowshoeing or XC would be fun too though.

Good idea! I'm game for meeting up, and a hike sounds great. I enjoy the outdoors, so any of the state parks is fair game. Go to Bear Mountain a lot, and know many of the nicer campsites.

Cheers.

I am game, much like Diver, as long as we are talking a convenient place / time.

Ok, in an effort to a) get this back up on the main page and b) to get a little closer to narrowing down some ideas and dates, I am forthwith putting the following up for discussion:

Places:

a) Quabbin Resevoir

b) Holyoke Range State Park

As for dates, well, since winter is going to be winding down and I'm sure most people need at least a month or so to be able to commit to something like this I'll suggest the following:

the last weekend of March (or Mahch if you prefer) as that will give us the double benefit of 1) Daylight savings and 2) an early celebration to the start of spring.

Discuss....

I think it's a great idea---I be willing to meet at either of those places, and I'm free that last weekend in March.

a) Quabbin Resevoir

b) Holyoke Range State Park

Wow both of those places would be just as convenient for me. I could easily walk to those places. Mount holyoke is near Holyoke community college right? And Belchertown isn't too far either IU used to live there in my diaper days.

Gigaram,

These would both be good for me. I've done a little hiking in the Quabbin, but the Holyoke Range would be new territory. I'm up for either.

A few of us thought of this idea last year. But I don't know how many you will get. Many guys on this site are not who they preach to be, so that will exclude them. You are basically looking at those that are probablt varified.

Good luck with your planning and I hope it works.

hmm, i'm moving to CT in mid-march and would definitely make an effort to be there.

For those of you old enough to remember the show, "Welcome Back Kotter", I feel like Horshack, always trying to get this thread back up to where people can see it! So herewith, you have my upraised arm flailing around and "Ooh-ooh-ooooh!"

So to remind people, up for consideration was:

a) Quabbin Resevoir

b) Holyoke Range State Park

and we were talking about the end of March (Mahch for some of us). At this point, I'm thinking March 29th.

Alexander89 seems to be pretty plugged in with the area - might he suggest a good meeting place for everyone once we settle on which place we're going to?

Other questions to consider: WHEN should we meet (presumably in the morning but how early) and maybe meeting up for a good fortifying breakfast would be a good way to get things started.

How long do people want to spend? The day? A few hours?

What level of effort are people interested in? Get the heart rates up or just have a nice walk?

Other things I'm not thinking of?

Sounds great. Count me in. There are a lot of nice places to eat in Northampton, which is right near Holyoke Range Park, so I'd cast my vote for that.

I'm 90 minutes from NoHo, so I don't think I want to hit a trail at 7am.

What do folks think of meeting at a trail around 10:30, spending 2-3hrs out, then grabbing lunch?

I have a commitment in Boston at 8pm on the 29th, so I should probably be on the road again late in the afternoon.

I'm up for just about anything that doesn't involve carabiners and harnesses.

If we're looking for something centralish...

Audubon has a sanctuary here. Blueberry something. Then there's... crap that mountain... holy hell science has eaten my brain.

Greylock? That's a nice hike.

Wachusett?

I have a guest from PA visiting (nothing like that so get it out of your gutter minds) the weekend of the 29th.

I love Quabbin (I'm from western) but it's a hike for the Eastern people (not that they don't deserve it since everything ELSE is always in Boston. Heh heh j/k)

Quabbin's actually a little closer for those of us in Boston, but either would be fine for someone coming from here.

I've actually got a conflict on the 29th, but I'll see what I can do, as I'd like to come and meet some guys.

I'm down for anything like this. Sound cool... I'd just need a ride since I don't have a car

I'm sure there are a lot of RJ members that would gladly give you a ride Javaman!

ooohh... you need transportation...

uhhh.... never mind.

that's right... any sort of ride... anyone? anyone?

Depening what's going on, when, and where, I may be able to help with transport, in exchange for some gas money.

I could fetch people from train stations as well.

Is the 29th too soon (not to mention dicey vis a vis weather?)? Would one of the first weekends in April work for more people?

DiverScience saidDepening what's going on, when, and where, I may be able to help with transport, in exchange for some gas money.

of course!

Gigaram saidI could fetch people from train stations as well.

Is the 29th too soon (not to mention dicey vis a vis weather?)? Would one of the first weekends in April work for more people?

So far two of us (three?) are booked that weekend. Maybe the week or two weeks after?

I am with Diver, maybe a week or two after the 29th.

So, is the 29th off? The weather doesn't look so great. If it is off, I'd like to cast my vote for the weekend of April 12th.

MikeOnMain saidSo, is the 29th off? The weather doesn't look so great. If it is off, I'd like to cast my vote for the weekend of April 12th.

Yeah, it's def looking like more people would be able to do a different weekend anyway.

So, April 12th?

I could be interested. Like a house party?

Well, as far as I know, this event hasn't gone off (yet), but another RJ'er and I are talking about going kayaking someplace west of Boston in the next couple of weeks. Anyone else up to join us?

Sounds fun. Is it B.Y.O.K?

Yes, as I only have one, and not others to share. Granted, we could go someplace where there are rentals.

Hey I want to meet Mike on Main and Matt45710...among others... We just need a national get together...

matt45710 saidYes, as I only have one, and not others to share. Granted, we could go someplace where there are rentals.

This sounds fun. Rental would be necessary for me. If it's towards the end of June (or after), it would be ideal.

There are lots of flights to Boston from Kansas. I've got a place to stay. What's keeping you?

bgcat57 said
This sounds fun. Rental would be necessary for me. If it's towards the end of June (or after), it would be ideal.

Okay, I'll start looking around for places that have kayak rentals. Seems like that would get a lot more guys to participate.

Gigaram, you in?

Hey HandsmKansan, you're welcome to come along. As for kayaks, I'd need a rental too.

Hey there fellas. Yeah, as the OP, I've fallen down on this. I have a legit excuse though! I've been training my ass off and racing the past couple of months! So it's not like I was sitting home eating bonbons - hahahaha!

As for the kayaking idea Matt threw out there, that sounds like loads of fun. I haven't been kayaking since late last summer and the water beckons. Rental would be required for me as well (I'd get killed if I dragged one more piece of sports equipment into the house!) I'll track this thread to see how things develop.

Thanks for dusting this thread off, Matt45710!!!

No problem, Gig. Nice ab shot there on the profile. It looks like you've been working out. I just came in from a 10 mile rollerblade.

Given the geographic spread that we're getting, maybe something in the Northeastern Connecticut area would be good. I've got some books about paddles in that area, so I'll see if I can find one that has rentals attached, since it seems that most guys are in need of them.

I also have been checking out some hikes/woods walks in the Eastern Mass. area, so let me know if anyone out there would like to do a day trip. I was out at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, and got a map. This is a place that used to be a military base for 70 years, and has just opened up. As I grew up around there, I'm really interested to get in there an see what's there. Any takers?

matt45710 saidNo problem, Gig. Nice ab shot there on the profile. It looks like you've been working out...

And would you like me to make that out to Mike or Michael....hahaha, thanks!

matt45710 saidGiven the geographic spread that we're getting, maybe something in the Northeastern Connecticut area would be good...

Sounds good to me.

matt45710 said...I was out at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, and got a map. This is a place that used to be a military base for 70 years, and has just opened up....

That sounds very cool. Maybe we can do our own little adventure race without any actual racing? LOL!

I would love to get acquainted with you New England realjocks. I wish that I could join you in your get together. I am stuck here in boring Buffalo, NY. Most of the realjocks in this town are anti-social and do not want to bother with anyone.

Maybe a get together at a club/bar or something like the Chicago folks first? Might be easier to organize... Any interest?

I'm up for it. Anyone else?

I work in downtown Boston, so that could work for me.

Of course, I'm still up for the kayaking!

What if we just set up two dates a couple of weeks apart, say an evening in Boston and a daytime activity out west? That way there's more than one opportunity for a get-together. People can come to one or both. If we wait until we can find one day that works for everyone I think we might wait for ever.

Any thoughts on this coming weekend?

Hey Mike,

I know this Sunday would work for me. I've been looking around for places that are somewhat central, and have kayak rentals. While not the most central, there's the Nashua River in West Groton with rentals from Nashoba Paddler Rentals.

How does that sound?

Sunday in West Groton sounds fine to me. Anyone else want to join?

what about Holyoke Range State Park?
Or something western for VT and other W New England people?

Great plan. I think it's good to have a few events in different places. Just need someone to organize. Can you do that from Paris?

Looks like we've got three so far for Sunday (depending on weather). Any more?

It's supposed to be blazing hot but I'm in! Anything to make this freakin' happen before the next decade rolls around, hahaha!

PS, Thanks Mike for the suggestion of different dates. Kindof a 'dur' moment for me!

Yeek - I just looked at where W. Groton is. That's a bit of a hike for me so depending on the 'start time', I'll have to decide if I can manage a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Yeah Gig, it's a bit of a hike. Just figured (with Mike's push) that it'd be good to just have some event, and I know that I can rent kayaks there. I've found a great trip in Northeastern Connecticut, but haven't found a place to rent yet.

As it's supposed to be pretty hot on Sunday, I was thinking of something relatively early to not be there when the sun is up so high. They start renting at 9:30 a.m.

Maybe a hike in Western Mass later this month?

Ok...so I missed it...is there something going on in the Boston Metro area on Sunday?

Gatormedic saidOk...so I missed it...is there something going on in the Boston Metro area on Sunday?

Matt's trying to organize a kayak outing north of Boston. You might also be thinking of bostonvball's suggestion to meet IN Boston but no date was set for that to my knowledge.

Hey Matt,

Thanks for the invitation. This is a great idea as I like kayaking, but this Sunday is no good. I'd be interested in future NE gathering activities. Keep me in mind.

Thanks.

matt45710 saidGreat plan. I think it's good to have a few events in different places. Just need someone to organize. Can you do that from Paris?

Looks like we've got three so far for Sunday (depending on weather). Any more?

I can help out in the late summer, early fall.

Thanks studd. Between me, Gigaram, BostonVball, and you, we should be able to have a few options.

I'm doing this Sunday from a nudge from MikeonMain, but other nudges welcomed.

Guys - I feel sooo lame. I've injured my foot running. To the point that I'm hobbling. I can go into great detail (over supinated to compensate for anterior tibialis soreness) but I think the distance, the heat, and now this injury is trying to tell me something. Not this weekend. *hangs head in shame*

Gig,

Heal up, get better, and I wasn't expecting you to make the trip. Looks like we've got three now, and maybe a couple more. From this seed a larger tree with grow.

Unfortunately this Sunday won't be good for me I'm actually house sitting until Sunday night but also have a bit of work to do over this weekend. I have to make a flight on Monday and won't be back in MA until Thurs/Fri.

hey there dudes sounds like a blast why not meet up at Boston pride or something

Well, we're supposed to be in the upper 90's on Sunday, and those of us who were planning on going kayaking are thinking that this might not be the best day to do it, so we're probably going to reschedule.

As for Boston Pride, right now it looks like I'll be there on Saturday. Anyone else?

i'll be there all weekend

ok, how about this, everyone come help us move (especially if someone has a truck) the 29th. Or earlier in the week, after the 24th.

ill be floating around pride and probubly the block party at fitz's if any one sees me intro your self

Okay, next try.

BostonMuscleDave and I went kayaking this morning at Cochituate State Park (would have invited all of you, but it was last minute) and had a great time kayaking and also going swimming. We thought it would be a great think to find a state park where we could do the same thing, and also go hiking, and have a cookout.

I've been looking at places and found a few. I'm thinking about a day in late July, possibly the 26th or 27th. August if this doesn't work.

Here are some of the parks I've found:

Douglas State Park, Douglas, Mass (near CT/RI border)

Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT (near MA border)

Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, MA

Open to other suggestions, but was looking for something somewhat central to Boston, Western Mass, Connecticut that had boat and hiking options. What do you think?

matt45710 saidI'm thinking about a day in late July, possibly the 26th or 27th. August if this doesn't work.

RATS! The Connecticut Challenge bike ride is the 26th! I could do the 27th but after 50 mile bike ride.....

Gig,

You're the second guy who's said that that's not a good weekend. Maybe sometime in August?

August better. I'm not around that weekend. I'll be seeing "Damn Yankees" in NYC with a friend (yes, a musical, shut up).

Okay, how would the following days be:

• Saturday, August 9th
  
• Saturday, August 16th
  
• Saturday, August 23rd
  

List your preferred dates men! Also, if you've got a better venue that some of the ones listed, let me know.

I'll check on those August dates. Right now, I know that the 16th is good.
As for the other two, as soon as I know, it will be one or the other. (If there's a screwup, it could be both days that I'm available.)

9th is best and 16th is definitely possible.

depending where it is, and if i can get some other folks to split gas with me, i'd be down for something.

jms84 saiddepending where it is, and if i can get some other folks to split gas with me, i'd be down for something.

Hey JMS, we'd love some Quebecois representation. I'm sure we can figure out something. There are buses and trains if nothing else.

I believe I am currently free all of those weekends.

I may not be able to do August 9th---I'm in the middle of setting up my annual schooner cruise, and it will be either the weekend of the 2nd or of the 9th (at least one other person is involved, so I'm waiting for confirmation).

The other weekends are free. Any of the parks you listed is fine with me.

As far as I know, I'm free those weekends as well

Now it looks as if 9th is better than the 16th. 23rd is now good too.

MikeOnMain saidI may not be able to do August 9th---I'm in the middle of setting up my annual schooner cruise, and it will be either the weekend of the 2nd or of the 9th (at least one other person is involved, so I'm waiting for confirmation).

The other weekends are free. Any of the parks you listed is fine with me.

It's looking like the 9th is looking pretty good. Mike, how soon will you know which date your gig is?

Too bad you all arent meeting in Boston.

gymguy1 saidToo bad you all arent meeting in Boston.

There are other times to do things in Boston (I was thinking about a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands) and there are guys who could give you a ride!

I have transportation. Its just driving...Im assuming we will have some drinks during our get together. I would prefer not to drink and drive...I would just have to moniter my drinking. There are cabs everywhere in boston.

I didn't mention this but wanted to say I'm up for any of the parks.

In addition, are there any guys into paintball? Just another suggestion for future meetings. I freakin' love it and haven't played in ages so just wanted to throw the suggestion out there.

[quote][cite]Gigaram said[/cite
In addition, are there any guys into paintball? Just another suggestion for future meetings. I freakin' love it and haven't played in ages so just wanted to throw the suggestion out there.[/quote]

OMG, that sounds so fun! I've never done it, but wanted to. That and going swimming and having a cookout sounds like a blast!

Just wanted to point out that OutdoorMutt posted an idea about mountain biking here: http://www.realjock.com/gayforums/223115/

"I was thinking of setting something up for later this summer, if anyone is interested in going. I can help with directions and info.

http://www.kingdomtrails.org/index.html"

Something else cool to consider. I unfortunately am not equipped to be THAT hard core yet! Reading the 'rules' it says "full body armour" and "full suspense bike." Damn!

That is only for the downhill riding on Burke Mountain. The rest of the trails (+ 90%) are actually non-technical single track. No body armor or full suspension required. Just have a helmet. Some people ride it on bikes with no suspension, though front suspension does make it nicer and more enjoyable.

OutdoorMutt saidThat is only for the downhill riding on Burke Mountain. The rest of the trials (+ 90%) is actually non-technical single track. No body armor or full suspension required. Just have a helmet. Some people ride it on bikes with no suspension, though front suspension does make it nicer and more enjoyable.

Ahem....thanks OutdoorMutt. You just eliminated the excuse I needed to give my husband so I could go out and buy more sports equipment!

i can probably make it to burke sometime. should be more than 2-3 hours away i assume. i also only have panzy mountain bike equipment (maybe you can even help me fix my brake which does all of not much). but ya, once i know work schedules and stuff i'll be in touch for that kinda thing.

jms84 saidi can probably make it to burke sometime. should be more than 2-3 hours away i assume. i also only have panzy mountain bike equipment

As long as it doesn't have tassels on the handlebars and a banana seat....

they're streamers, NOT tassles.... and are spoke-beads ok?

Based on license plates on the cars in the main parking lot at Kingdom Trails, I'd estimate 30% of the riders come from Quebec, about 40% are from Vermont, the rest are from Massachusetts, Maine, and other states in the Northeast, as well as Ontario. The Burke Mountain Campground is right off the trails. There is also a large variety of inns, motels, cabins and other campgrounds available. The good thing about Burke Mtn. CG is that it is almost all mountain bikers.
Here is a link to some photos from the trails.

http://www.kingdomtrails.org/pages/gallery/index.htm

Gigaram said[quote][cite]OutdoorMutt said[/cite]That is only for the downhill riding on Burke Mountain. The rest of the trials (+ 90%) is actually non-technical single track. No body armor or full suspension required. Just have a helmet. Some people ride it on bikes with no suspension, though front suspension does make it nicer and more enjoyable.

Ahem....thanks OutdoorMutt. You just eliminated the excuse I needed to give my husband so I could go out and buy more sports equipment![/quote]

Of course, if your husband really cares about your safety, he'll insist that you get full body armor and a brand new full suspension bike with 6" of travel, front and rear.....make that 8"

OutdoorMutt saidOf course, if your husband really cares about your safety, he'll insist that you get full body armor and a brand new full suspension bike with 6" of travel, front and rear.....make that 8"

HAHAHA! Now we're talking! I'll see if I can scare up a before and after pic of a guy on a Huffy who gets all smashed up and then a hot guy on a Trek....

Gigaram saidI didn't mention this but wanted to say I'm up for any of the parks.

In addition, are there any guys into paintball? Just another suggestion for future meetings. I freakin' love it and haven't played in ages so just wanted to throw the suggestion out there.

Haven't played in EONS but LOVE it.

DiverScience said[quote][cite]Gigaram said[/cite]I didn't mention this but wanted to say I'm up for any of the parks.

In addition, are there any guys into paintball? Just another suggestion for future meetings. I freakin' love it and haven't played in ages so just wanted to throw the suggestion out there.

Haven't played in EONS but LOVE it.[/quote]

oooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Gigaram said[quote][cite]OutdoorMutt said[/cite]Of course, if your husband really cares about your safety, he'll insist that you get full body armor and a brand new full suspension bike with 6" of travel, front and rear.....make that 8"

HAHAHA! Now we're talking! I'll see if I can scare up a before and after pic of a guy on a Huffy who gets all smashed up and then a hot guy on a Trek....[/quote]

Hey Gigaram. I am sure that your husband would want you to be safe. Something that could take roots, rocks, jumps and keep you upright and not injured. For ONLY $5,183 he could surprise you with a basic Santa Cruz Nomad with 165mm of rear travel. A small insurance investment, considering how much hospital costs are. What a great way to show his love for you.
http://www.santacruzmtb.com/nomad/index.php?builder=1

Sounds like we've got lots of options here guys. We might have to set up a series of events!

I plan on riding at the Kingdom Trails next weekend, July 19th-20th. Let me know if anyone is interested in heading up for some sweet singletrack mountain biking.

jms84 saidi can probably make it to burke sometime. should be more than 2-3 hours away i assume. i also only have panzy mountain bike equipment (maybe you can even help me fix my brake which does all of not much). but ya, once i know work schedules and stuff i'll be in touch for that kinda thing.

You should be fine with your equipment riding the trails at Burke. I can help with basic bike repair. Do you have caliper (rim) or disc brakes?
Have you ever ridden at Bromont? It is much closer to Montreal than the Kingdom Trails. Bromont has the best lift served mountain biking I know of in eastern North America. I love riding there, and plan on riding there later this summer. I do not know how their X/C trails are , but the DH trails are a blast.

I'm not sure I'm up to the task of mountain biking as yet and Kingdom trails is easily a 6 hour ride one way for me.

Paintball does sound like a blast, though I've never done it before. If being a 'newbie' is a killer for the game, I'd love to play!

matt45710 saidSounds like we've got lots of options here guys. We might have to set up a series of events!

That sounds like a good idea. A series of meetup events in different locations might work. People could plan to attend the ones that appeal to them or which are close by.
I was thinking of an overnighter or weekend for riding the Kingdom Trails, since it is a drive for most people. I know these trails and could play tour guide if anyone was interested.
I'd also be up for a century road ride or an overnighter backpack in the Whites or the Adirondack high peaks region.
If anyone is interested in learning lift served downhill mountain biking, I'd be willing to help get you started. Killington, Mt. Snow and Sugarbush are options.

Okay, this is a last minute thing, but...


anyone up for something this weekend. The weather looks good.

Alright, I've been behind with stuff and me going on vacation. I haven't been keeping up with my "Julie, Your Cruise Director" duties.

How does Saturday, August 16th work for people? Remember, we can do a bunch of different events. Anyone up for a hike? I'm always up for the kayaking.

If that doesn't work, I'd be up for August 9th, but I'm coming back from a vacation. Anyway, it doesn't have to be a big event, but just some of us who are interested.

Anyone game?

Matt, you beat me to it! I was just looking at the calendar and thinking - crap, August in a couple of days?! 9th and 23rd is best for me (my little brother will be arriving on the 16th).

If you're willing to launch straight into something after your vacation on the 9th, it seems like most people were able to do that day back when we were talking about August.

I can do the 9th. What are people up for. Should Gig and I just make plans to do something and see who else wants to join us?

And, wow, it's my 500th post. What does that say about me?

matt45710 saidI can do the 9th. What are people up for. Should Gig and I just make plans to do something and see who else wants to join us?

And, wow, it's my 500th post. What does that say about me?

I think that's a grand idea. If you want, I'll email a few people directly. Shall we split the alphabet of people who expressed an interest here?

Also, should we revisit these initial suggestions for hiking?

Douglas State Park, Douglas, Mass (near CT/RI border)

Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT (near MA border)

Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, MA

I think I chose those with a slant towards kayaking. If we want to do hiking, there might be some better places. There was the initial suggestion of doing something near Springfield at Holyoke Range State Park. That could work. Any water slides in the area too? Could also do some biking or something.

Ah, so many options.

Okay, Gig and I are doing something on the 9th, and someone else is interested in the 16th, so I'll plan on doing something each Saturday, and see who's interested in joining. I'll start emailing all the guys I can find that have mentioned they'd be interested in getting together.

Here's the August 9th thread:
http://www.realjock.com/gayforums/247180/

And here's the new thread about the August 16th Kayak trip in Brookfield, Massachusetts. Yes, I'm going to both. I haven't hiked for a while, and I want to meet some of the guys who can't come on 8/16.

Sounds like fun, we have been looking for a camping group, when and where?

Anyone who rides a motorcycle interested in a fall New England meetup & ride? I was thinking of a ride in the White Mountains, through the notches, and camping in a National Forest campground during foliage season.