Bars & Parties

Losing my hiking virginity

It’s important to vary your exercise routine

Published

14 years ago

September 30, 2010

Prior to this weekend the only hiking I had ever really done was in the Blue Mountains in Australia, but that was quite easy and I was in much better physical condition. After all, I was in Sydney to compete in the 2002 Gay Games.

Spontaneously, while camping in West Virginia, I went on a hiking excursion with two other people, Greg and Steve (seasoned and in better shape than I). I left myself open to their lead and was excited for the unexpected. I had a slight inkling that I would be challenged and I was a bit intimidated.

We started out on an easy path that had already been cleared, which was quite easy and not very steep. Soon we went off path and headed toward the direction of the peak.

Steve marked the trail by tying fluorescent ribbon around trees every so often so we could find our way back. As we went off path the terrain got steeper and more challenging. My heart rate increased, I was sweating and I started to feel many muscles in my legs engaged. The muscles were waking up and talking back to me. Going up the mountain, I was using my hamstrings, glutes and lower extremity muscles like the calves and achilles. These muscles began to fatigue quicker than I wanted, but I trudged on.

The grade got steeper and more difficult and I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. By now there were no paths and we were heading up. Greg and Steve were moving at a challenging pace, but for the most part I was not too far behind.

The real challenge started when the grade became the steepest and we had to use all four limbs and climb up what was clearly no longer a hill but a mountain. And then we began rock climbing up the remainder of the peak.

I took very short rests because I did not want my body to rebel. Greg and Steve were reassuring and kept me posted as to how far we had to go. On more than one occasion, I contemplated going back because I felt as if I had enough and while I had some time constraints, truth be told, I was looking for a way out. I doubted my abilities for a moment or two.

I was so glad I prevailed! We reached the peak and the vista was spectacular. We were at one of the dozens of mountainous peaks of the Shenandoah Valley. It was about 9 a.m., a bit hazy and you could see for miles. I’m not sure what the elevation was, but it was high. We marveled at the beauty of the view and took some pictures. The experience was breathtaking.

I was told the descent would be much quicker, which I thought for a moment may involve rolling. We climbed down the steep rocks first and our pace was much more cautious as we paid particular attention to our footing. At some point I slipped on a rock, twisted my ankle and scraped my knee. There was blood, but I was OK.

Our pace was indeed quicker, and much less challenging but more dangerous. I felt like I had to be more aware of my every step. I was no longer using my hamstrings, but more quadriceps muscles and the pace required more core strength, balance and agility. My heart rate was much less elevated going down the mountain.

We followed the fluorescent tree ties and quickly made our way back to the clear path with much less incline.

The entire hike took almost two hours, which went by quickly, and while I was tired I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I had just completed my first real hike and, according to Greg and Steve, they rated the hike challenging. It was definitely not for a beginner.

It’s always important to vary your exercise routine to shake things up and get out of your comfort zone. I have discovered a new activity that does all that for me and I am excited to add this to my repertoire of physical activity.

Bars & Parties

Support HIV research with a drag show

Tara Hoot, Evry Pleasure, TrevHER to perform

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

Tara Hoot performs at Cherry Sundays on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

El Techo will host, in partnership with Cherry Fund, a special edition of “Cherry Sundays” on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m.

This event is a one-day fundraising bottomless brunch. There will be performances by Evry Pleasure, Tara Hoot and TrevHER, with DJ Lemz. All tequila shot purchases will be donated to the Cherry Fund.

The Cherry Fund raises money for LGBTQ non-profits whose primary goal is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS with prevention, treatment and education, and mental health services.

The event costs $45, inclusive of bottomless brunch on margaritas, mimosas, Bloody Marys and Tecates.

Bars & Parties

MAL kicks off Jan. 11 with Bootcamp

Mid-Atlantic Leather begins with party at Bunker

Published

4 months ago

January 5, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

MAL Weekend kicks off next week. (Image courtesy of Bunker)

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend arrives next week with a kickoff event Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at Bunker. Organizers at Kinetic promise a surprise drill sergeant who will whip you into shape. Joshua Ruiz DJs the event. This event is for VIP pass holders only; visit kineticpresents.com for details.

Bars & Parties

A roundup of New Year’s Eve parties in D.C.

Celebrate the start of 2024 in style

Published

4 months ago

December 29, 2023

Tinashe Chingarande

Xavier Entertainment LLC will host the seventh annual Times Square NYE Celebration at 10 p.m. at Ivy City Smokehouse. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

New Year’s Eve 2024 at Lost Society will be at 7 p.m. at Lost Society. There will be unique entertainment all night along with a journey of the senses through captivating light shows and LED displays, music, and bottle service presentations throughout the evening. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Busboys and Poets will host New Year’s Eve Open Mic and Party at 10 p.m. at 2021 14th St., N.W. This will be an evening of poetry, live DJ, dancing, food, and good company in a vibrant atmosphere where local artists take the stage, showcasing their talents in various genres. The night will be hosted by the talented Charity Blackwell and will feature award-winning poet Black Chakra. Dyanna Monet will deejay. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

QueerTalk DC will host Sapphic New Year’s Celebration at 8 p.m. at FigLeaf Bar & Lounge. The event will celebrate Sapphic, trans, and non-binary communities and feature complimentary hors D’oeuvres, a Champagne toast and DJ sets by DJ Clamazon and DJ Q. For more details, visit Eventbrite.

The Queers Upstairs will host Heels & Ties: A Queer New Years Eve Surprise at 9 p.m. at Aliceanna Social Club. This evening will be an unforgettable LGBTQ New Year’s Eve party where you can sip your favorite cocktails and enjoy small bites while dancing the night away with music from DJ Rosie & DJ Missy. Tickets start at $30 and can purchased on Eventbrite.

BuffBoyzz Gay-Friendly Male Strip Clubs will host a male revue that caters to men and women at 8 p.m. at Buffboyzz Male Strippers. The event will be an exciting, entertaining and sexy show of exotic male dancers in that will entertain your pants off. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

International Events Washington DC will host the 2024 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at 7:30 p.m. at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. There will be free-flowing Champagne, an open bar, a spectacular balloon drop in the Euro Discotheque Ballroom and live bands and DJs. For dinner, guests can choose from an elegant sit-down, three-course dinner with Champagne or a dinner buffet of international cuisine. Tickets start at $189 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Social Architects will host the 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night at 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, Va. There will be six rooms of entertainment spread across three floors. The DJs will spin hip hop, R&B, salsa, Afrobeats and old school music. Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Pitchers and A League of Her Own will host a NYE party with complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and a DJ all night long.

Shaker’s plans a drag extravaganza with Tatianna and Crystal Edge among others starting at 10:30 p.m.; the $10 cover includes a glass of Champagne.

Bunker hosts a 12-hour masquerade ball with several DJs, including Joe Gauthreaux. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. Tickets start at $45 and are available at bunkerdc.com.

DJ Alex Love spins NYE at Dirty Goose with drink specials at midnight.