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NYC to Gunks Carpooling (EDIT: FB Page)

Original Post
Marco Dees · · New Paltz · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 50

There must tons of climbers driving up from NYC on the weekends. Is there a good way to arrange carpools (except for this forum?) There is a meetup group but it doesn't seem very active.

If not: my partner and I are looking for a ride this weekend, happy to pay gas, tolls, and belay.

EDIT: Created a Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/3614120…

Dara · · Peep's republic · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 21

Hey Marco--

I'll be back in NYC in late May and heading to Gunks on a regularly basis. PM me around then and we can compare schedules--I have a car. Remember ice climbing with me?

Rob D · · Queens, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 30

If you can't find a ride I've never had a problem with the bus, though the cost is a bit much unless you're spending the weekend.

rogerbenton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 210

Maybe a FB group would work?

I'd be down for carpooling, I drive up around once/month and usually have room for one or two people.

Jordan Gans · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined May 2012 · Points: 26

I will be in living in Brooklyn for the month of may, and will be looking to get out to the Gunks most Sat/Sundays.

I dont' have a car but am a zipcar member, so that's definitely an option for ridesharing out there.

Jordan

Ted E. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 15

I live in Brooklyn, I'm free on the weekends and I have a car. Catch is... I'm still a trad noob. I've been leading sport outside for about a year now and can follow up to 10c/d or so, but I'm happy to get an experienced leader there and back in exchange for a little mentoring.

Rob D · · Queens, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 30

Ted check your inbox.

James Donigan · · Salt Lake City · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 20

I'd be interested in car pooling weekends. Lookin for an competent leader to learn from too.

Eric Reichbaum · · Brooklyn, NY · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 35

I have a car and could drive from Williamsburg this Sunday, however I have limited lead experience and 0 trad experience, so I also would be looking for someone who doesn't mind teaching a bit as they go in exchange for the ride to and from. That said, I'm also always up for top roping or bouldering indoor or outdoor around NYC. Shoot me an email: eric.reichbaum@gmail.com

Cathy Han · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 0

I'll be in NYC this summer and I'd love to get in on some of these carpools! I have multipitch experience, but have only led trad once (still getting my feet wet). I might have a rack I can borrow during the summer, but I don't have a rope.

Someone should make a facebook group or something! You can either message me, or email me at ch659@cornell.edu!

Jordan Gans · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined May 2012 · Points: 26

Anyone planning to head up this Saturday? It'll be me + partner. I have a single rope and full rack with me, but this is my first trip to the gunks so will prob want to start easy and work my way up the grades.

Jordan

Marco Dees · · New Paltz · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 50

Ok, Facebook group created --- hope this turns out to be a useful resource!

facebook.com/groups/3614120…

Happiegrrrl · · Gunks · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 60

That's a great idea - the FB page.

May I suggest some tips for those who are getting rides from others?

The #1 rule is to be considerate and accomodating.

I have been on both ends of the rope(driver/rider) and can tell you - it really sucks when people expect you to drive to their doorstep in NYC, and especially if you then make the driver wait since you forget to set the alarm or some other such baloney. I'm not saying people won't be willing to come get you at the doorstep, but unless it is quite on their way, it;s probably going to be something they will tire of pretty quickly unless they have a martyr complex.

It also really sucks to be driving back, tired after a weekend of climbing, and all the passengers in the car fall asleep while the driver is stuck dealing with highway traffic and fighting their own tiredness. Especially when they have foolishly agreed to give door to door and there are traffic blocks for some reason and they have to unexpectedly find a way through. ESPECIALLY when they have to pee!

- Drivers - Create a meeting point that is convenient for you, and a place where you can easily pull over to load people and gear. If possible, near a subway stop so your passengers don't need to schlepp further that getting to/from the subway/street, but - it's really not your problem how they have to get there.

For those who think "Do you know how heavy a backpack with rack and camping gear is?" Yes, actually I do. I used to take the following: Backpack with rope, rack, rolling duffel with cooking/camping gear, cooler about the size of a rope bag, but hard-sided, on a shoulder strap, my dog on a leash and his carrier..... via: 5th floor walkup to street corner, catch taxi to Grand Central, walk through to ticket counter and find train, out of Poughkeepsie train and station, to a driver who I paid to pick me up and transport me to Slime. It's doable. You may not like it, but...you don't have a car.

- Drivers - Create a meeting time, and a departure time which you WILL adhere to if the passenger(s) have not arrived. Do NOT make exceptions.

For those who think I am being too tough, tough shit! I spent a half an hour waiting for someone who provided his pick up address, but no apartment number. He didn't answer his phone when called. I had no idea which apartment was his, to go knock on the door. Another 15 minutes of calls to machine and I finally left the message I was leaving. It was one of those mornings when the tunnel was f'd and I had to detour another half an hour out of my way. Just as I get out of the tunnel, he calls that he "overslept." He expects me to turn around...Uhhhh, no. We agreed he would get to the Port Authority bus station further north(in NJ if I recall right) and guess what - not there! Call him and he then tells me that he missed the bus to get there, and would leave on the next in half an hour, feeling I should wait the time away for him. Ummmm, no. I tell him that I will amuse myself in New Paltz, and to call me when he arrives. He gets there at 1:30pm.

People don't MEAN to be dicks, but well...they can be.

- Passengers - BE at the pick up location ON TIME. Do not expect the driver to wait, circling the block, dealing with traffic, wondering where the hell you are. Do not expect the driver to have to wait even one minute. Be. There. On time. "Train problems" do happen, but..I have ridden the train enough times to know how infrequently that actually is. A good number of the "train problems" that do occur are BECAUSE a person didn't allow themself enough time to travel.

- Passengers - Do not expect the driver to pull over so you can pick up coffee, breakfast, lunch whatever. Unless the driver has specified there will be a stop at such and such a place - have yer stuff!

- Passengers - Don't surprise your driver with another friend along for the ride, a dog you didn't ask if was okay to come with you, enough gear for two weeks that you thought would not be an issue since it's only a little more," and so on. Let your driver know what you will have along to make sure it is workable and fits!

- Passengers - Provide the shared amount of gs money. If the driver says "I was coming up anyway," insist on paying the share. Forget this "I'll get your beer at the Brauhaus" on the way back BS. Half the time that never happens, and your driver is...driving....and most likely won't be having a beer. Pay your way!

- Passengers - Stay awake on the drive. Keep your driver company, and share in the anxiety/safety of the horror story that is Return to NYC driving.

daisy s · · New York, NY · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 25

Happiegrrrl, can I ask how you organized a pick-up from the Poughkeepsie station? I know that there's a bus to New Paltz from there, but it's really infrequent, especially on weekends. Did you get a cab?

Happiegrrrl · · Gunks · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 60

No Daisy - I had posted an ad n Craigslist in the "unusual jobs" or whatever it was called. I was very lucky - the first person who replied was reliable and got me back and forth every week for three years! If she couldn't do it, she hooked up a friend to do it. Not only that, she is still a good friend, and I taught her to climb. She is now living in Turkey, or I would hook you up. But maybe I can see if one of her old roomates, who I am still in contact with, can help you out. Send me a note if interested, and I can pass your info on.

New Paltz does have a lot of students who can use that type of work, so placing an ad may work well. Just don't expect bargain rates - It is a good drive to/from the station, and if the train is off schedule, that can throw a wrench into the thing. Usually the train coming TO Poughkeepsie from NYC is okay for time, but often on Sunday when you are going home....it's delayed.

Jon Frisby · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 270

Just joined the FB group - so stoked to get out any weekend all summer

Rob D · · Queens, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 30

The train is more expensive than the bus and you have to find a ride from poughkeepsie instead of just walking or hitching to from the new paltz bus. Did the train twice, never again.

Happiegrrrl · · Gunks · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 60

Yes, but your DOG can come on the train!

I have such great memories of Teddy and me trekking the train each weekend. He was so good, and the train people don't make you keep them in the carrier(though they don't want them on the seats and especially if the train is busy - but there is a car that has a big open space for bikes...and dogs.).

rogerbenton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 210

Happiegrrrl- you are 100% right on.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
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