outings

We try to maintain a busy schedule of hiking, biking and paddling outings in Western New York as well as trips elsewhere. Outings are posted in the weekly newsletter, the adk-nfc.org calendar, and the monthly newsletter (along with trip reports from past outings).

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Important Documents

Trip Leader Resources

The following resources have been developed for chapter outing and trip leaders to ensure consistent understanding of and compliance with the new guide and its requirements. For any questions, please contact your chapter’s Advisory Council Representative.

Future Trip Leaders

Please contact the Outings chair if you would like to lead an outing.  They will support you in writing up the trip description and getting the ball rolling. Give them as much lead time as possible – they put new outings in at the beginning of every week, but the monthly is published near the end of the previous month. While many of us don’t like to bike or paddle when the weather is cool, hiking remains a wonderful option all year long.  Send those cool weather hiking trip ideas to me.

 

Per the Outing and Trip Leader’s Guide, ADK requires chapter outing leaders to complete certification programs to lead Level One, Two, and Three outings. Details about each program and their annual renewal requirements are listed below. If you intend to work as a volunteer or staff at any ADK activities, you will need to complete the Work Participant certification shown below. To enroll, please log in and select the program name that you would like to complete. Once you have enrolled, you can select “View progress” to see your certification status and upload your course completion documents.

Fall/Spring Weather Outings

Don’t let dismal weather forecasts discourage you from getting outdoors during these transitional seasonal weekends.  Many times we say “no” to an outing because of possible rain and then the day turns out to be just beautiful!  So don’t be put off by an iffy forecast.  These are the perfect opportunities for you to test out your gear and your layering system.  It is so much more fun to exercise outside.  

 

Here are some tips to help you avoid a mishap….

 

  1. Pack your waterproof outer layers even if it is sunny at your house as you leave for an outing.  Also include a layer of insulation just in case it is colder than you think.  Remember to wear wool and polyester fabrics, no cotton.  Take your “10 Essentials” for comfort and possible survival.
  2. Re-spray your hiking shoes/boots with waterproof spray. Pack your micro-spikes just in case it is icy.
  3. Check your Google weather report for the destination of the outing.
  4. Have the trip leader’s cell phone number handy for last minute cancellations or late arrival at the meet-up place.
  5. And if the weather conditions are more than you were prepared for, or you truly wouldn’t enjoy yourself, then, try again next time!

Staying Safe in Thunderstorms

Recreationalists also should be aware that if skies suddenly darken, the wind increases or lightning flashes, it’s likely an electrical storm is approaching. Avoid high ground, isolated trees, water, and metal objects. Get out of the water! Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. If a storm is imminent, make yourself as small as possible by squatting on the balls of your feet and keeping your arms close to your sides. Limit contact with the ground by putting your hands on your knees. Do not crowd people together.  You are safer alone than in a group.

 

Waterway Committee

If you are looking for places to paddle, Bob VanHise has developed a wonderful website called BuffaloPaddles-Google which uses Google Maps to show many great launching locations in and around WNY as well as a trip description.  Thank You, Bob!

Biking Committee

Three main questions were discussed at the 2015 Biking Committee organizational meeting.  The questions and answers are related below:

 

What makes ADK biking unique?

  1. INCLUSIVENESS – of many varied abilities, ages, bike types, clothing types;           
  2.  SAFETY – We follow the rules of the road, prefer bikeways and bike routes, wear helmets, help each other make sure our bikes are in good operating condition, and stick together;
  3. LOCAL TOURISM – We go to fun places and events throughout WNY and Southern Ontario;
  4. SOCIALIZATION – We get to know and talk to each other before, during, and after our rides.

What have we done in the past that you’d like to see continued?

A “laid back”, non-competitive tone, no hassles, food stops, combining biking with hiking or paddling or swimming, going to events/attractions, and riding on bikeways.

 

What would you like to see changed?

Having more leaders, better pre-screening of riders, more riders having their own spare tube and/or repair kit.

 

Look for trip descriptions on the Event Calendar 

 

See this link for Biking Safety Tips

Updated by our Outings Chair, Frank Meyer 10/7/2023 (edendds@gmail.com)