Buffalo Trek - December 2015 - Volume 1 Issue 5

Running

Biking

Fitness

Multi-sport

VOL 1 | ISSUE 5 | DECEMBER - FEBRUARY 2016

Paddling

Winter Sports

Hiking

WWW.BUFFALOTREK.COM

WESTERN NEW YORK’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND FITNESS GUIDE

A thank you message from our editor On behalf of our entire team here at Buffalo Trek, we wish all our readers and website followers the very best this holiday season. We have been truly humbled by the support of so many individuals this past year and for that, we are truly grateful.

Some exciting new things are being planned for Buffalo Trek next year and we hope that you will remain part of our growing community.

Happy New Year and remember to... Be the Adventure in 2016.

We encourage our readers to browse these pages and visit www.buffalotrek.com to plan your next fitness outing and drop us a line to share your experience. Your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Buffalo Trek.

Attn. Advertisers - The ad submission deadline for the February edition of Buffalo Trek is Friday, February 5th at 5:00 PM. Thank you.

P. O. Box 1765 Buffalo, NY 14226 (716) 508-7350 Info@BuffaloTrek.com www.BuffaloTrek.com Facebook.com/BuffaloTrek Twitter.com/BuffaloTrek Buffalo Trek is published six times a year. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher.

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FEATURE

Local XC Ski Club Welcomes New Members For over 30 years the Buffalo Nordic Ski Club has been instrumental in promoting Cross Country skiing to people from all across Western New York. Whether introducing the sport to first timers or fostering ongoing participation of Nordic skiing through their weekend tours, the club is always open to new members.

“One of the big draws of our club is the FREE lessons that we offer Sunday mornings throughout the winter months in Delaware Park,” shared club president, Jim Klein. The clinics welcome novices as well as veterans looking for new tips. “One of the main tips I try to emphasize with new skiers is to bend at the knees. The knees serve as natural shock absorbers and help aid one’s balance,” added Klein. For those interested, the club gathers at 10 AM each Sunday near the Rose Garden in the park along Lincoln Parkway.

In addition to the weekly lessons, a variety of weekend tours are offered throughout the season. Club members visit many Western New York locations including Byrncliff Resort, Sprague Brook, Chestnut Ridge, Emery and Allegany

State Park being among the more popular destinations. A group leader is assigned to each outing and skiers will carpool or meet at these designated locations for an adventure in the great outdoors.

system. Buffalo Nordic Ski Club members also receive a $2 discount off the trail fee.

“Another great place for beginners that offers rental packages is Reinstein Woods in Cheektowaga.

To those unfamiliar with the equipment required for Nordic skiing, the essentials include skis, boots, bindings and poles.

“Boots are the most important component, explained Klein. Skiers want to make certain that their boots are comfortable, not too tight or too loose”. Typically, an investment in the $250 - $300 range will offer beginners a complete starter package and the ability to begin exploring the trails. Unlike years past, today’s most popular skis are the non-wax variety.

Waxable skis are typically reserved for more experienced skiers.

The club currently boasts 120 members but is always seeking newcomers interested in discovering more about the sport. Klein added “Why hate winter, when you can enjoy it by learning how to cross country ski.” The club began in 1982 soon after Nordic skiing was gaining popularity in the U.S. during the late 70s and has been going ever since. The typical demographic profile of a Nordic skier can range from anyone in their teen and 20s all the way up to folks over 90. Unlike the expense associated with downhill skiing, more families have also begun to explore the sport based on its affordability. The great thing about XC skiing is that you can go as fast or as slow as you want on land as flat or as hilly as you dare.

Before making a purchase, there are a couple of local retail outlets that rent Nordic packages, including Campus Wheel Works in Buffalo and Eastern Mountain Sports in Amherst. Byrncliff Resort, a favorite destination for many XC skiers in Varysburg also offers rentals for people wanting to experience their extensive trail

To learn more, please visit the Buffalo Trek website or www.buffalonordic.org.

SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Penguin Run

Bryncliff Ski Orienteering

It’s more than just a run… It’s a fundraising event to help provide camperships for children with special needs and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to come to Cradle Beach. We’re also hosting our Penguin Waddle- a 1mile Family Fun Run/Walk!

WINTER

RUNNING

Saturday, January 31st Start Time – 11:00am Amherst, NY

Monday, January 11th Start Time – 10:00am Varysburg, NY

Join this Buffalo Orienteering Club event featuring Short (2.5km-8 controls), Middle (4.7km-14 controls) and Long (6.5km-15 controls) courses. $10 resort charge plus $10 for non-members.

Get Fat in 2016!

Adirondack Winter Adventure Weekend HIKING

Sign-up and join Adventures in Fitness for some snow shoeing, x-c skiing, ice climbing, and more out at Upper Saranac Lake during the weekend of March 4th.

Friday: Arrive at Sunday Pond Bed & Breakfast, near Saranac Lake. Cross country ski after dinner.

Saturday: Snowshoe in the High Peaks.

Sunday: Ice climb and head home after lunch.

WORKSHOP

Friday, March 4th - Sunday, March 6th Saranac Lake, Adirondacks, NY

When: Friday March 4 to Sunday March 6, 2016 Where: Sunday Ponds B&B on Upper Saranac Lake Time: 7pm Friday to 2 pm Sunday Cost: $650 per person

Saturday, January 9th Start Time - 1:00pm Amherst, NY Come out to Survival of the Gear and learn about the rapidly growing sport of FAT BIKING! Topics Include: - What is a fat bike?

- Brief history of fat biking - What makes fat biking awesome?

- Basic components - Differences in brands - Local places to fat bike - Basic Maintenance Survival of the Gear will have fat bikes to demo as well as hot chocolate and coffee for all!

A $300 non-refundable deposit is due February 1, 2016 Your price includes lodging, meals and equipment For more information, please contact Tim Reed at www. adventuresinfitnessinc.com

EXPERT ADVICE

Off-Season Training Tips By: Julie Randall, PT, MBA, and Megan James, PT, DPT - SportsPT Now that marathon and triathlon season is over in the Northeast, the off-season is the perfect opportunity to focus on recovery and setting the stage for next season. Here are some tips to consider during the off-season so you can accomplish your goals and set personal bests next year.

1. Incorporate active rest: Your muscles and joints have worked hard the past few months – treat them to some structured cross-training, such as yoga, Pilates, boot camp or hiking!

2. Work on your weak spots: Most athletes who get injured are lacking good core and glute strength, endurance

and control.

3. Focus on flexibility: Stretching your muscles and keeping your joints loose will help ensure they remain healthy in your downtime.

4. Fix your form: Research supports the use of gait training to modify running mechanics and decrease risk of injury. Ask your PT to analyze your form – whether this is running, cycling or swimming, there are likely some changes that will help to improve your efficiency and performance while decreasing your risk of injury.

5. Make it mental: Your brain has worked hard to maintain focus all season – change your environment, exercise with friends instead of by yourself or try exercising during a different time of day.

Once you’re feeling refreshed, plan out a

race schedule and set your goals. Write them down to hold yourself accountable!

6. Be cautious and careful: A proper warm-up improves flexibility and blood flow, which is especially important during cold-weather exercise. Be aware of snow-covered, wet and slippery surfaces.

Ensure your shoes have proper traction to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.

Following these tips could help you push further and improve next season. And staying active during the winter months can be a great way to avoid cabin fever.

So be sure to keep moving To learn more, please visit Sports PT at www.sptny.com.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Report Details Obesity’s Impact on Health and Health Care Spending By: Univera Healthcare Two in three Western New York adults (722,000 people) are either overweight or obese, according to a new report from Univera Healthcare. Excess annual medical spending in the region attributable to overweight and obesity is estimated at $808 million.

“In Western New York there are enough adults whose body mass index categorizes them as overweight or obese to fill Ralph Wilson Stadium about ten times,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare vice president and chief medical officer.

He added that those individuals are more likely to develop serious medical conditions that may affect their quality of life and also contribute to the rising cost of health care.

Overweight and obesity rates among adults in Western New York (63.4 percent combined) are similar to those found statewide and across the country.

y p p Ha ! s y a d i l o H

From Buffalo Trek

Univera Healthcare reports, “The facts about overweight and obesity rates among upstate New York adults, 20132014,” correlates obesity with arthritis, type 2 diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, obesity is associated with cancer, gallbladder disease and chronic back pain, and new evidence shows that obesity increases the risk of depression.

The Univera fact sheet notes that upstate New York adults who are obese are almost twice as likely (32.1 percent) as those of normal weight (16.2 percent) to be limited in their activities due to physical, mental or emotional problems. Slightly more than a third report having no physical activity in the previous month.

Among upstate New York adults, the highest rates of overweight and obesity are among:

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Go to BuffaloTrek.com and sign up for our monthly e-mail updates

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đƫ !*ƫ ĨĈāċĀƫ ,!. !*0ĩƫ +), .! ƫ 0+ƫ slightly more than half of women (56.0 percent). đƫ * %2% 1 (/ƫ%*ƫ0$!ƫĆĆƫ0+ƫćąƫ #!ƫ#.+1,ƫ (76.0 percent). đƫ $+/!ƫ 3$+ƫ ! .*ƫ ĸāĆČĀĀĀƫ 0+ƫ ĸĂąČĊĊĊƫ (71.5 percent). đƫ $+/!ƫ 3$+ƫ % ƫ *+0ƫ #. 1 0!ƫ ".+)ƫ high school (68.2 percent). The lowest overweight and obesity rate is among college graduates (55.1 percent). đƫ * %2% 1 (/ƫ 3$+ƫ .!ƫ 1* (!ƫ 0+ƫ 3+.'ƫ (80.5 percent).

Compared to someone of normal weight, an overweight individual incurs an estimated $310 in annual incremental health care costs, and an obese individual incurs an estimated $2,005 in annual incremental health care costs. In New York State, overweight and obesity contributes $8.7 billion in excess annual medical costs, including $2.5 billion in excess annual medical costs in upstate New York.

30 or higher. According to Vienne, people end up in the overweight or obese weight categories when the number of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories used through exercise and normal daily activities.

“The greater an individual’s weight, the more likely that person is of dying from all causes,” said Vienne. “Most alarming to me is the prediction included in our report that New York State’s adult obesity rate, currently at just under 25 percent, is on pace to hit 50 percent by 2030.”

“Having a job where you can easily sit all day, snacking each evening in front of the giant flat screen, grabbing too many meals at the drive-through, and consuming too many sugary drinks are lifestyle choices within our control,” said Vienne. He added that other causes of excess weight include biological, genetic, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental factors, all of which combine to make obesity an extremely complex condition.

Overweight individuals have a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and obese individuals have a BMI of

View the Univera Healthcare report online at http://bit.ly/1G9NpCT .

MULTI-SPORT

Daemen Launches Women’s Triathlon Program

The Daemen College women’s triathlon team culminated the fall segment of its inaugural season in November. The Wildcats competed at the Collegiate National Championship, a dual-sponsored event by the NCAA and USA Triathlon in Clermont, Florida. The event marked the third Collegiate National Championship for the sport of triathlon which has been designated as an emerging sport for women by the NCAA. Daemen was awarded an automatic invitation as a recipient of the Emerging Sport for Women Grant given by USA Triathlon earlier this year.

The $70,000 grant was instrumental in helping Daemen’s efforts to establish a collegiate level, women’s triathlon program. Daemen was one of ten colleges and universities across the country to receive a grant to foster the development of triathlon as an up and coming sport.

“All three divisions of the NCAA (D1, D2 &

D3) have combined to promote women’s triathlon to its students with the goal of having 40 schools up and running with varsity programs within a ten-year window,” explained Jon Metz, Head Coach of Daemen’s Women’s Triathlon team. “Not only is the grant intended to help grow the sport at Daemen but to the Western New York community as a whole,” added Metz.

Metz spearheaded the formation of Daemen’s first ever squad by fielding a team of four women. The team participated in events in the Finger Lakes and Lake George this fall.

October’s hurricane Joaquin forced the cancellation of regional competition in North Carolina but Metz and his team still had the opportunity to participate in the National Championships in Florida.

Collegiate level triathlon is comprised of a Sprint format that has athletes partaking in a 750 meter swim, 20k bike and 5k run.

Metz hopes to see the squad grow to 10

to 15 women over time despite facing a couple obstacles. Although Daemen does not sponsor a varsity swimming team, Metz has a working relationship with officials at Amherst High School, and the Daemen Athletic Department rents time in the AHS pool just across the street from campus, a tool that has proved invaluable to the improvement of Metzs’ athletes as swimmers this season. Daemen does have both women’s track and cross country teams but since both “Tri” and Cross Country are officially sanctioned fall sports, there can be no student cross over as it relates to participation. Conversely, track athletes are allowed to participate in Triathlon.

Despite some of these early challenges, Metz is passionate about his role and is excited about what the future holds for Triathlon not only at Daemen but throughout Western New York.

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EVENT CALENDAR: 2016 PREVIEW

Join the discu ssion

Cuba Biking Trip Info Meeting Survival of the Gear Thursday January 21st 6:30 pm Amherst, NY Workshop Frozen Chozen Saturday January 23rd 10:00 am Orchard Park, NY Running Snowshoeing 101 Saturday January 23rd 12:00 pm Amherst, NY Winter Sports, Workshop YMCA Polar Bear Series University of Pittsburgh in Bradford Sunday January 24th 1:00 pm Bradford, PA Fitness, Running

Register on www.BuffaloTrek.com to join the new Buffalo Trek Forum.

JANUARY Caroler 5K Run Saturday December 19th 10:00 am East Aurora, NY Running, Spotlight Events YMCA Polar Bear Series St. Bonaventure University Friday January 1st 1:00 pm St. Bonaventure, NY Fitness, Running Couch to Summit Program Survival of the Gear Monday January 4th 6:00 pm Amherst, NY Hiking, Workshop Get Fat in 2016!

Survival of the Gear Saturday January 9th 1:00 pm Amherst, NY Spotlight Events, Workshop 10 Essentials Survival of the Gear Page 6

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Saturday January 9th 6:30 pm Amherst, NY Workshop Bryncliff Ski Orienteering Bryncliff Ski Resort Monday January 11th 10:00 am Varysburg, NY Winter Sports Couch to Summit Program II Survival of the Gear Monday January 11th 6:00 pm Amherst, NY Hiking, Workshop Adult CPR/AED Certification Survival of the Gear Saturday January 16th 12:00 pm Amherst, NY Spotlight Events, Workshop Couch to Summit Program III Survival of the Gear Monday January 18th 6:00 pm Amherst, NY Hiking, Workshop

Couch to Summit Program IV Survival of the Gear Monday January 25th 6:00 pm Amherst, NY Hiking, Workshop Geocaching 101 Survival of the Gear Saturday January 30th 12:00 pm Amherst, NY Workshop Penguin Run 5K Sunday January 31st 11:00 am Amherst, NY Fitness

FEBRUARY Couch to Summit Program V Survival of the Gear Monday February 1st 6:00 pm Amherst, NY Hiking, Workshop Mr. Ed’s Superbowl Warm-Up Sunday February 7th 11:30 am Middleport, NY Running Heart & Soul Run Saturday February 13th 10:00 am Buffalo, NY Running Lockport Y-10 Saturday February 13th 11:30 am

Lockport, NY Running YMCA Polar Bear Series Wellsville YMCA Sunday February 14th 1:00 pm Wellsville, NY Fitness, Running Grimsby Half Marathon and Family Day 10K & 3K Monday February 15th 9:00 am Grimsby, NY Running Sprague Brook Scramble Snowshoe Race Sprague Brooke Park Saturday February 20th 10:00 am Glenwood, NY Fitness, Winter Sports Ice Man 2-Miler Saturday February 27th 10:00 am Buffalo, NY Fitness, Running, Winter Sports Canisus Chilly Challenge Sunday February 28th 12:00 pm Buffalo, NY Running

MARCH Adirondack Winter Adventure Weekend March 4, 2016 @ 7:00 pm - March 6, 2016 @ 2:00 pm Franklin County, NY Hiking, Spotlight Events, Winter Sports YMCA Polar Bear Series 5K Run/Walk a 10K Run or Half Marathon Run Sunday March 13th 1:00 pm Bradford, PA Fitness, Running

For a complete list of outdoor and fitness events, please visit

www.BuffaloTrek.com.

WATER SPORTS

Winter in Buffalo.. What’s a Diver to Do? By: Tony Anderson, Phoenix Scuba The problem with being a serious scuba diver in the Buffalo area is from late October through May the local waterfront is closed. Many divers are fortunate enough to travel to warmer climates in the winter and spring months to feed their passion and these adventures are great, but what about the rest of the time?

Like any other sport, divers need to stay fit and simply going to the gym is not always the best answer. When people dive they use different muscles than during a typical workout. Divers are encouraged to snorkel or use a tank at an indoor pool once a week to keep their skills sharp while at the same time exercising their legs. This type of program can be done on your own or through a local dive center. For those individuals that only dive occasionally, exercise is even more important.

Remember the less you dive the more you need to keep your skills sharp. Swimming is an excellent and relaxing year round way to stay fit for diving adventures.

Keeping fit goes for your diving gear as well.

Remember, regulators, dive computers, buoyancy compensators (BC’s), are all part of the life support system when going into the underwater world. It is the responsibility of trained divers to make sure these life support systems are functioning at full capacity at all times. Manufacturers recommend annual servicing of all dive related equipment. Just like our bodies, the less often dive gear is used, the more it needs a checkup. In addition to keeping our body and dive gear tuned up, the last item to keep sharp is your diver related knowledge. Divers can continually update and expand their CPR, First Aid, and other under water related skills.

Diving is a wonderful recreational adventure sport. Similar to kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities, being fit, properly trained and having one’s gear in top condition makes the sport more enjoyable and safe each and every time out. Enjoy the world underwater.

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TRAINING

Fleet Feet Sports: Promoting Active Lifestyles As one of Western New York’s premier running specialty stores, Fleet Feet Sports Buffalo has long been known for their extensive run training programs.

Beginning in 2015, Fleet Feet’s curriculum expanded to cater to individuals from all fitness backgrounds. “Starting this year, we have revamped and added new programs that help promote active lifestyle changes for all Western New Yorkers,� shared Fleet Feet’s Training Program Coordinator, Kateri Walsh.

With its expanded emphasis on fitness, Fleet Feet Sports training now caters to any individual who is seeking a way to improve their health. “We have incorporated a ladder approach to our training methodology here at Fleet Feet Sports. Folks who may have been inactive for some time may start their fitness journey gradually with our WalkFIT* or Ton of FunŽ Weight Loss Challenge* programs,� said Walsh.

These entry level fitness programs emphasize fun and camaraderie with fellow participants. Many individuals become so engaged in these programs that they soon progress to greater challenges with Fleet Feet’s array of training options geared specifically for runners. “We have witnessed so many success stories here at Fleet Feet Sports with people making great strides in improving their fitness. One woman who started with our No Boundaries not long ago and recently completed this year’s NYC Marathon,� added Walsh.

In addition to its multi-faceted training

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curriculum, Fleet Feet Sports offers FREE weekly group runs, trail runs, pub and social runs as well as FREE clinics.

The store even boasts its own Wellness Coordinator who attends community health fairs and corporate wellness events to help promote its training opportunities.

Fleet Feet Sports is also very proactive in giving back to the local community.

The store accomplishes this through its Power of Running campaign. Buffalo RACIN’ was recently voted by Fleet Feet Sports patrons as a designated recipient of the campaign. RACIN is a non-profit organization that improves the physical, social and emotional lives of people with developmental disabilities through regular physical activity and involvement in the local racing scene. Portions of the sale of designated products were collected into a fund that Fleet Feet donated to Buffalo RACIN’. In another facet of the campaign, Fleet Feet Sports partnered with Mizuno footwear and provided 42 high school Cross Country Athletes at Hutchinson Tech with new complimentary Mizuno footwear.

Descriptions of Fleet Feet Sports’ fitness programs and run specific training curriculum may be found below.

For more detailed information, please visit www.fleetfeetbuffalo.com today.

Entry Level Fitness Programs *WalkFIT Beginner is perfect for those who have no desire to run, but still want

to be active and healthy. A supportive and trained coach helps participants adopt a regular walking routine and assist them in meeting new fitness partners along the way. *Ton of Fun Weight Loss Challenge As a participant, you will work on your own to lose the weight, but Fleet Feet will provide support along the way: Weekly weigh-ins, Weekly e-Newsletter, Closed Group Page on Facebook, Group workout opportunities, Injury prevention tips and nutrition resources highlight the program.

(Newest program) ***Winter Warrior Program- Embrace Buffalo’s winter months with the Winter Warrior Program!

The Winter Warrior Program will keep you active, outside and motivated with a supportive and encouraging group during the long Buffalo winter. The Winter Warrior Program is open to all fitness levels and runs from December 9th through February 29th.

Run Specific Training Programs No Boundaries is a nationally awarded program that offers a proven approach to running that is safe and effective. No Boundaries offers three different training options: đ +ƍ +1* .%!/ƍ ĥƍ ! .*ƍ +ƍ 1*ƍ Ć'ƍ ƍ ĥƍ designed to guide you safely and effectively into running đ +ƍ +1* .%!/ƍ Ă,0Āƍ ĥƍ 3+.'/ƍ 0+ƍ improve speed, endurance and performance at the 5K level

Ä‘ +ĆŤ +1* .%!/ĆŤ ă,0Āƍ ÄĄĆŤ 3%((ĆŤ 0. %*ĆŤ 5+1ĆŤ towards a 10K or 12K Speed Camp - Do you feel the need for speed? Want to work on a strong finishing kick at the end of a race? Whether you currently run a 7 minute mile,11 minute mile or a 14 minute mile, Speed Camp will get you stronger and faster. This 6 week program will meet once a week and will provide you with speed workouts and education that are essential for your training schedules.

Half & Full Marathon Training - If you’re serious about training for or completing a half or full marathon, join the region’s premier training program that has helped thousands of runners reach their goal!

Fleet Feet’s trained coaches offer the support and motivation needed to keep you going. With 9 different pace groups and 4 different training options, there is a program suited for every participant - whether this is your first marathon or you’re trying to qualify for Boston.

Boston 365 - Make your 2016 Boston Marathon weekend the experience of a lifetime! At Fleet Feet Sports our Boston365 program is about more than running the race. It’s about developing lasting bonds with your training partners and creating unforgettable memories in Boston over race weekend. The Boston365 Program is designed to help you physically and mentally prepare for the Boston Marathon.

To learn more, please visit www.fleetfeetbuffalo.com today.

WINTER SPORTS

Kissing Bridge - A Historical Retrospective

As local skiers and snowboarders gear up for another fun filled winter season of outdoor adventure at Kissing Bridge, Buffalo Trek was granted a unique overview of KB’s first 55 years...

Kissing Bridge was incorporated March 30, 1960 under the laws of New York State for the purpose of developing and operating a major ski resort on the northeast slope of South Hill in the town of Concord, Erie County.

The idea for developing a ski area was conceived in 1957 by brothers-in-law Harry Loomis and Bob James. Harry had purchased his first pair of skis at W.T Grant and thoroughly enjoyed the sport. He was an active outdoorsman and fully recognized the potential

Western New York winters held for the rapidly developing sport. With startup money totaling $100.00 they quietly acquired five parcels of land totaling 415 acres near a small cabin Harry Loomis owned far above the West Branch of the Cazenovia Creek running along State Road, Rte. 240. Their plan had included the purchase of a used tractor and the building of a rope tow, but based on visits to other ski resorts it became apparent they would need a $15,000.00 Snowcat, a very expensive piece of equipment for a business in its infancy.

their combined business experience and time.

Harry Loomis ran the outside operations and Bob James ran the inside operations.

The resort began operating in December 1960 with a ski school, cafeteria and leased ski shop. Several other people had joined Harry and Bob in the early development of Kissing Bridge contributing capital,

To read the entire Kissing Bridge retrospective, please visit the Buffalo Trek website at www.buffalotrek.com.

The original 415 acres of woodland and cleared hills, with an elevation of 1700 feet and 453 ft. vertical drop, in the beautiful Colden Valley Snowbelt became the footprint of the Kissing Bridge we know today.

Highlights of KB’s first five decades are insightful to review as Kissing Bridge continues to entertain new generations of skiers and snowboarders.

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RETAIL SPOTLIGHT

SURVIVAL OF THE GEAR a brick and mortar location in Amherst at 2463 Niagara Falls Boulevard.

When asked about the vision behind Survival of the Gear, Pat replied “We want to be your basecamp for outdoor adventure; from inspiration, to instruction, to gear”. “Our goal is to get more people involved and active in the outdoors, provide workshops, and eventually organize adventure trips”.

He wishes to organize mountain climbing, kayaking, and biking trips around the world.

He currently has plans for a bike trip to Cuba in 2016. Pat also plans on extending his business to include offering services such as Bike and Ski Repair.

Survival of the Gear recently started hosting a variety of workshops that cover a range of outdoor adventure topics. From Drone Photography, Disc Golf 101, and Kayaking for Beginners, these classes aim towards getting people off the couch and into the outdoors.

Survival of the Gear, owned and operated by Patrick Barczys, is your one-stop shop for new and used outdoor gear. Survival of the Gear is unique from other used equipment stores in that it offers outdoor enthusiasts the ability to sell their own gear through a consignment process. Patrons can also rent gear and later choose to apply those rental payments towards the final purchase price of the item. This is especially beneficial for big ticket items like a kayak or a pair of snowshoes. From hiking boots to backpacks, Survival of the Gear has the supplies you are looking for at a great price.

What originally started as a passion for the outdoors, Pat launched his operation two years ago as an online gear exchange. The idea behind Survival of the Gear originated from visiting similar used gear stores around the country. He had not yet seen anything like it in Western New York and jumped on this niche opportunity. He also won retail space for two months in a Queen City PopUp contest which allowed him to test the waters. Fast forward to this past June, after much success, when Pat’s dream became a reality. Survival of the Gear officially opened

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For more information on these events, visit www.survivalofthegear.com.

BUFFALO TREK CHALLENGE

Be the Adventure.

Buffalo Trek focuses on seven primary activities including: Running, Biking, Paddling, Hiking, Multi-sport, Fitness and Winter Sports.

To successfully complete the Buffalo Trek Challenge and receive a complimentary Buffalo Trek tech shirt we simply ask you to submit a brief synopsis describing your participation in one of the of these endeavors along with an image. Select submissions will be featured on our Buffalo Trek blog or in our newspaper.

Submit your stories and photos at buffalotrek.com/buffalo-trek-challenge

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Hiking

Biking

Paddling

Camping

Disc Golf

Snow Sports

Buy & Sell Quality Outdoor Gear

Your r e t n i W e t a m i Ult ey at Holiday Vall

❆ Season-long passes start at $135 ❆ Passes for Sundays • Nights • Weekdays ❆ Early deadline November 1st

www.survivalofthegear.com 2463 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228

716-775-7669

holidayvalley.com/ultimatepass 716•699•2345 ❆ Ellicottville • NY