AirmaxUK

Most guys seem to prefer pre-loaded. So some frozen loads are useful to get the ball rolling when out cruising... 

Like anything - Monkeypox, C19, HIV, Riding a motorcycle in t-shirt and shorts... It's all about how you perceive risk and how you mange it, to keep your anxieties low enough to still have fun. I find that if I have figured that out in advance, then I am able to make sensible decisions in the moment without overthinking or procrastinating.  I think that then when guys haven't reached this point it leads to the worst sin in hookup world: leading someone on then changing your mind. 

Everyone's perceptions of risk and their situation and anxieties are different. What's good for one person may not suit another. The best answer for you is one of your own devising, based on facts you trust. We live in an age of influencers and pundits trying to foist their own agendas on us. Even if you think your agendas are aligned, you can never be sure the facts and thinking behind them are sound. Asking this question here is going to get an answer biased toward the lifestyle this site promotes. Only you can figure out the best answer for yourself but if it helps you figure it out, I think understanding other people decisions and most importantly, the reasoning behind them is helplful.     

For example, during C19 lockdown I was really exceptionally risk averse: my mother was having treatment for cancer. Although we were vaccinated, catching C19 - however mild after the vaccine - would likely have been fatal. Some guys I spoke to thought I was being overcautious, but I didn't want that on my conscience, so despite having opportunities and getting invites - I had to decline. 

Last year the situation inevitably changed and once the dust settled,  I was able to adjust my attitude to risk.  What I've found is that the landscape had changed somewhat - and the online/app scene is now very hard to get guys to switch from fantasy to reality. When the clubs, bars and saunas reopened, this was my playtime, although many were slow to return. Even before monkeypox, numbers were 50-70% of where they were. 

As far a Monkeypox goes, knowing my body and how it reacts, I figured that I'd likely be OK in the long term if I had it, and the worst thing was that it might be embarrassing to explain at work. My partner is quite scared of it, so I had to take his feelings into account. After talking to a couple of guys I knew who caught it at Darklands, I felt a bit more informed about what to expect.  Based on this, I figured I was happy reducing down to a few 1-2-1 meets, but not comfortable in darkrooms and saunas.  

We were lucky enough to get the monkeypox vaccine about three weeks ago, and I've re-adjusted again. They tell me it's not 100% effective so there is still residual risk... But it's low enough that I've really enjoyed SOP and done a couple of sessions in the saunas. It's been fun, but it has been really quiet out as a lot of guys are still staying away...

TL;DR: Everyone should inform themselves to make their own balance of risk/anxiety vs reward.

3 hours ago, RawPlug said:

There seems to be mixed messages about this. When I went for my regular 6 month check up and bloods last week, I asked my consultant about monkeypox. She asked if I’d had the smallpox jab as a kid. I said I had and even showed her the scar. “Oh, you should be okay, then,” she said. “You should have some good immunity.” And that was it. Not terribly convincing if I’m honest. But I’m guessing that means over 50s (the vaccination programme in the UK ended in 1971) won’t be prioritised in any new vaccination programme for monkeypox.

 

Indeed, it seems variable. My friend had smallpox vaccine in the 1960's rang our local clinic for a checkup appointment this week and asked if he needed the shot. They asked him about his habits and he mentioned saunas, darkrooms and cruising... that seemed to fit the criteria and they booked him in for the jab on Monday. 

Cockoos: (intentional spelling)

Luton Greenhouse Sauna has cabins off of a narrow corridor. The corridor is wide enough to pass closely.

Some guys don't like having the ones they're not into pass so close and want to keep some space between them. These guys tend to stand in the doorways of the cabins - even if there is someone in there trying to attract guys passing by, thus blocking. 

Also when it gets busy and all the cabins are occupied I've seen guys use a similar technique to block someone in a cabin, and then when they engage with someone in the corridor they physically block the passage - someone will inevitably ask them to move and that when they will move into the occupied cabin and force the occupant out. 

Bio-warfare guy:

There was a guy who used go to Central Station who had really bad flatulence. Bad in a nasty smelling way. He was in his early 60s at the time and got more than fun you'd think, but if he was having an off day (on reflection - perhaps because of his condition), he'd get off by ruining everyone else's fun. His favourite if someone was on their knees giving a BJ was to sneak up close by and let one rip as close as he could and try and make it look like it wasn't him or he was innocent. If confronted he'd either deny it or say he can't control it. Haven't seen him around since before C19 lockdowns.      

Whoa. When I asked the question it was meant kinda lightheartedly - I hadn't expected it be to taken so seriously and for it to blow up in quite the way it has.  

I do wonder if, when guys read this kind of discourse, it discourages them from participating here: Even as seasoned user of this site,  I know that I haven't replied or commented until now because I don't want to get dragged into the flames. Is that healthy? I don't think so.   

So, thank you everyone for your input - I consider my question answered. 

Let's leave it to rest.

Out of the blue, you get an Oink (or whatever) from a stranger on a hook up site or app. How do you react? 
 

Some guys block oinks altogether- does that work? Do you get more real messages? 
 

Do you deal with oinks differently if the person is 100s of miles away? Or if you like /don’t like them? 
 

I found that replying to an oink with a real message saying thanks for the oink works better than just oinking back. 
 

how about you?

Backstreet was one of the most famous places, but there are others - and even new ones around that deserve our support. 

I haven't been yet, but a newly opened venue is The Lord Clyde in Deptford (9 Wotton Road, SE8 5TQ)

Description from [think before following links] [think before following links] https://visitgay.london/10662/the-lord-clyde/

A hot new gay cruising events bar in Deptford, South London, based at the Lord Clyde pub.

A host of special nights includes Punishment Block, every Friday, for man-to-man CP/spanking in a safe environment; Sunday Social for a chilled evening of retro songs from the 70s to noughties, with hot cruising downstairs; Come2Daddy, London’s first and original home of Daddy Lovers; Leather – a night for leather and fetish fans; Game, for guys who take their Sports kit seriously; CP spanking introduction Kandy Stripes, for Crossdressers, Transvestites and Transexuals and their friends and allies; Worship – for like-minded men who love rimming and know how to take it to the next level; and Butt Naked – which needs no explanation!

Also see: [think before following links] [think before following links] https://www.facebook.com/groups/691189292138984

Someone's already mentioned Bunker, which has a range of themed events but they aren't very strict about the theme or dress code.  Some events overlap as well. 

Central Station in Kings Cross has it's infamous Underground Club basement cruise and play space.  They have a variety of special interest fetish clubs like Pants, SOP, Horse Fair, Skinheads, Sweet Wednesday, Collared, Shoot, Gearbound, Feet on Friday, Sneax on Saturday, and more. All these events are run by independent people, not by the venue, so they tend to be quite focused on their themes. I can't speak for others, but when I run events there, we don't let anyone in who's not into the party "just for a look" or "just to cruise" as we want to keep the event a safe space for the fetish community.  

A lot of the smaller places don't have big advertising budgets, like Recon do, and events are run by volunteers. They rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and reputation instead - which is why I mention them here and encourage others to do so too. 

Headed out to SOP this afternoon at Central Station - always a lot of fun - and I'm more than keen to meet any BZ guys who might be around - an exchange of fluids is always nice, but it can be just saying hi over a beer, too.   

1 hour ago, fatbottom said:

I'm off to Amsterdam tomorrow. Not been there for years. Any advice which of the backrooms is best for piss? Either daytime, evening or at night. Any other friendly advice for a fat old slag?

Well - good luck if you're flying - I was there (AMS) this week for work - Heathrow T5 was chaos with 3.5 hour queue for security. Fasttrack was closed. I had to jump the line so as not to miss my flight - which was 1hr late as they had no-one to load the baggage. Schipol was just as bad... piles of bags everywhere, and similar queues and delays.  

I'm headed to SOP at Central Station today for some WS fun. That's usually a reliable source for me. 

1 hour ago, fatbottom said:

I have told myself that for the time being i will stick to CP, boot licking and piss. But yesterday i cheated and sucked two cocks.

Plus, if i really think it through, i do wonder if it can be passed from one guy to another via paddles and canes. Any thoughts?

 

I think sanitising CP implements between guys is a very good idea, even before Monkeypox.  

SOP Generally peaks 4pm-8pm on Sunday, but it's open from 1/2pm (can't remember) until 11pm or earlier if it gets quiet enough to close. 

That said, I've had some of my very best times there when it is quiet - some guys like to start and finish early on a Sunday. 

You can never tell how busy it'll be... this weekend it might be busier because of fetish week, but on the other hand if there's another big event at the same time it could be quiet...  the weather is gonna be mega hot and then there's monkeypox keeping people away.  You can analyse it to death but it can only take one guy to make it epic.  

On 7/9/2022 at 10:06 AM, AirmaxAndy said:

UK Based here... went for a check-up at my local clinic this week (first in three years so should be interesting results) and asked about Smallpox vaccine. Initially they said that they were making a list of guys and putting it in risk/priority order, but as I was about to leave they said that their delivery of vaccine had arrived and they'd be happy to give me a dose, but it was still frozen - so they made an appointment for Friday (yesterday) to give it. 

They key thing was mentioning 'saunas' and 'parties in Berlin, similar to Darklands'. That seemed to get me the #2 slot in their list. I am only wondering who was #1 and what they said!

They explained the vaccine they are giving is a much more modern vaccine than that given in the 60's and 70's and it doesn't leave a scar - the older vaccine left a 5p coin sized scar apparently. They did warn there may be some reaction around the injection site. They were also quite careful to talk through any possible allergies. They said egg is used in the production process. The info also said that 'flu like symptoms' are possible in the days or so afterwards. The shot was given in the flesh and was like the B12 shots I have each quarter, and no weird aches afterwards like you get with the covid shots. They wanted me to hang around for 20 minutes 'just in case there is a reaction' but I needed to get to the gym for a PT session, so I left early.  

They reckon it takes "a week or two" to build immunity after having the shot. So far no, symptoms at all except wanting to get out there again!

A buddy of mine I go out cruising with is older and has had the smallpox vaccine in the 70's. I asked if he would need a booster, and they said that if he fits the risk profile, he'd get a shot whether or not he'd had the smallpox vaccine years ago, so don't discount the idea if you had a shot in the 60s/70s.

This was my experience at a smallish provincial clinic in the UK - your experience may vary depending on your local NHS Trust's policies etc. 

I originally said no symptoms - there's a *small* lump that feels tender like a bruise if I massage it, about where it was injected. I've done a shoulders and arms day on Tuesday with my PT and it didn't ache, hurt or affect performance. Seems to be reducing slowly. No scar or anything where it was injected - can't even tell. 

My older buddy is 'on the list' but hasn't been given an appointment yet. 

11 hours ago, bluedragon said:

Thanks man! Not hugely into outdoor cruising but i am curious about hampstead heath (used to live in Clapham).

Was also thinking of going to the vault omorrow actually.

Not heard of the bunker, a sex club? What kind of crowd?

Also try Central Station's Underground Club, basement of Central Station on corner of Balfe St and Wharfedale Road, Kings Cross, N1 

5 hours ago, 1hornyjohn said:

There's one near Peterborough but I'm sure you probably know that!

I'm hoping to try it out in the next few weeks 

If you mean Rosebay then I am aware of it. If you become a member then you get access to videos of the play spaces - although it is unclear which are of the new play space and which are of the former one in Blackpool. Planning a weekend up there but they could do with some catering facilities on site. 

A recent internet rabbit hole search led me to the website of a gay campground/resort in the US.  It's not something I've considered before but it ticks more boxes than I expected.

Is there a central website that lists and compares all such places and their facilities?  US is of interest but worldwide might be interesting. 

Would be also interested to know any recommendations from guys who've stayed... My only requirements are that they have rental cabins, caravans or tents (as I am travelling from abroad) and some kind of play space. I'd prefer a place or event that attracts a more 40s and older crowd that's more bearish than twinkish. Friendly and inclusive rather than attitudey and judgey.  

And finally, any tips on staying?

Thanks

Andy

UK Based here... went for a check-up at my local clinic this week (first in three years so should be interesting results) and asked about Smallpox vaccine. Initially they said that they were making a list of guys and putting it in risk/priority order, but as I was about to leave they said that their delivery of vaccine had arrived and they'd be happy to give me a dose, but it was still frozen - so they made an appointment for Friday (yesterday) to give it. 

They key thing was mentioning 'saunas' and 'parties in Berlin, similar to Darklands'. That seemed to get me the #2 slot in their list. I am only wondering who was #1 and what they said!

They explained the vaccine they are giving is a much more modern vaccine than that given in the 60's and 70's and it doesn't leave a scar - the older vaccine left a 5p coin sized scar apparently. They did warn there may be some reaction around the injection site. They were also quite careful to talk through any possible allergies. They said egg is used in the production process. The info also said that 'flu like symptoms' are possible in the days or so afterwards. The shot was given in the flesh and was like the B12 shots I have each quarter, and no weird aches afterwards like you get with the covid shots. They wanted me to hang around for 20 minutes 'just in case there is a reaction' but I needed to get to the gym for a PT session, so I left early.  

They reckon it takes "a week or two" to build immunity after having the shot. So far no, symptoms at all except wanting to get out there again!

A buddy of mine I go out cruising with is older and has had the smallpox vaccine in the 70's. I asked if he would need a booster, and they said that if he fits the risk profile, he'd get a shot whether or not he'd had the smallpox vaccine years ago, so don't discount the idea if you had a shot in the 60s/70s.

This was my experience at a smallish provincial clinic in the UK - your experience may vary depending on your local NHS Trust's policies etc. 

Sorry you had a bad experience there: I haven't been in a while but the three occasions I went (all Tuesdays) last winter were brilliant. I found the best spot was the dark corner of the steam room. I've not been to the sauna since monkeypox - but will go again once vaccinated. I guess many guys may share the same logic? 

Thanks for this - about half way through at the moment and it's really interesting.

Yep - some years ago an ex was into this. As a fetish, it was a kind of bondage/humiliation thing... He'd put my arm or leg in a cast and we'd go out. We used the purple stuff that you dunk in water and it goes rock hard over a layer of bandage. At home we did all four limbs but we never seemed to have enough for torso as well. 

We experimented with a lot of stuff like this - my favourite is black pallet wrap which was great for mummification and very cheap.  

I also have a submarine escape suit which you put on and it inflates into a cocoon from a CO2 canister. You really can't move in it once it's inflated - I guess it is designed for keeping you motionless/stable.  You do need a helper to deflate it! 

Combining casts, wrap etc with some electro was also fun.

I remember a sub friend came to visit for a weekend who's into humiliation and pain - we put a dog training remote shock collar on his arm, then wrapped it with  bandages and put a cast on, so it was held in place. As I remember we used some joke-shop itching powder to make it more interesting, but it didn't really do much. We had great fun going to the supermarket, mall, cinema and generally in public. Sometimes he'd have to do a 'dare' and if he failed or chickened out he'd get a shock. Sometimes we'd trigger it at random especially in situations that would cause maximum humiliation.  It was a bit like something off of Jackass, and before the days of iPhones and TikTok so he got away lightly...  If you're thinking of trying this do it on yourself first. Dogs' fur and skin is a lot thicker so you should only use very low settings on the trainer device. 

12 hours ago, ErosWired said:

Not everyone who claims to be a cumdump is actually a cumdump - in fact, I’d say the majority really aren’t. Being an actual cumdump is not for everyone, and requires a degree of commitment. It’s often painful, often demeaning, labor-intensive, and high-risk. It requires a level of dedication to cleanout, and it requires a level of physical training and conditioning to endure the kind of serial use involved. Most casual fuckers simply aren’t invested in it enough to genuinely be called cumdumps, and if put to it, they couldn’t perform. So what we’re dealing with, in reality, is a high level of impostors.

Why such a high level? I suspect the current state of affairs is in part a result of the effect of the online app influence on hookup culture, exacerbated in the last couple of years by the changes wrought by COVID. Being forced to live sex lives virtually for a time has likely encouraged some men to indulge in more fantasy-based and less reality-based approaches to connecting with others. A lot of bottoms may think calling themselves a cumdump makes them sound slutty or edgy or somehow more fuckable to claim that they’re a cumdump - or maybe it’s just more wish-that-were-me-ism because they imagine they would like it. But if you look under the hood you’ll find the picky, discriminating, often timid and inhibited men who actually balk at taking more than a couple of cocks in a session.

The problem is that these people have ramped up the signal-to-noise ratio for Tops looking for legitimate players. It’s no wonder some Tops now prefer to stick with the ass they already know - it’s becoming too much hassle to sift through all the rubbish trying to find the real items out in the open. It’s a pity there’s no way to certify a cumdump so that not just anybody could go around claiming to be one.

Yes, I’m a cumdump.

May I see your cumdump license number?

Certainly. I have it here, tattooed on my taint.

So I see. Yes, everything appears to be in order. Don’t bother putting your pants back on, I’ll just take you now.

I think I posted before of the differences between fantasy and reality and how most guys find it difficult to make the jump into 'doing it for real'. For those of us that are (trying) it makes our job that much harder.  You might not find a tattoo with my certification on my butt (yet), however there's a couple of things that give us clues. 

Just talking to a guy you can often judge their experience and commitment. Are they ready? Or is it at the end of a list of errands? Laying in bed wanking means they'll usually vanish once they get off on the idea they're wanted. Cleaned out and prepared to travel for accommodate NOW is a big clue. 

Experience and reputation are good signs. If they're from here, then look at their previous posts. Lots of posts  that seem more fantastical than realistic is a red flag. Guys who only post 'me too' in discussions or just comment on porn pics are likely here just for a quick Palm-5.  

Also, do they know anyone you know? 

I hope this doesn't make me sound like a jaded old queen, but filters are sadly very necessary.

1 hour ago, RawPlug said:

I’ve been playing with the link since you sent it me earlier this evening. Some results are a bit random but here’s an example I got. The sentence I typed in is in bold, the result in italics.

Marty gasped when he saw the size of Josh’s cock and braced himself for the roughest fuck of his life, but Josh’s touch was delicate as he slipped his hand down the front of Marty’s boxers. Marty gasped and arched his back, but Josh’s hands were strong as he pulled the boxers down with the tiniest of touches. “My sweet little angel,” he murmured. “All that beauty I see inside those eyes is going to be a perfect gift to me, do you understand?” Marty licked his lips and nodded. Josh pushed the boxers all the way down to his knees, then he ran his fingers through Marty’s hair and leaned over him. Marty let out a low moan as Josh’s lips made contact with his. Marty shivered as Josh took a big breath and then kissed him deeply, before letting his tongue play with Marty’s own. Marty trembled as Josh sucked on his tongue and gently pressed his body into Marty.

This one is a bit tame compared with other results I’ve had. But it’s good fun.

That has a touch of Mills & Boon to it... 

Something amusing for a rainy evening...

Head on over to [think before following links] https://textsynth.com/playground.html and seed it with an opening line, something like:

Quote

Billy knew that it was a mistake, but he just couldn't resist the temptation once he felt the hardness of a bare cock penetrating his ass.

Then ask the A.I. to complete the story.  You get a different result every time. I got this: 

Quote

Billy knew that it was a mistake, but he just couldn't resist the temptation once he felt the hardness of a bare cock penetrating his ass. He was surprised at how deep he was taken in once it was all the way in. As much as he liked the idea of being fucked by a stranger, it was all just too much for him to handle right then. He moaned a bit, but just then the stranger said, "Oh yeah, that's it, don't pull out now. You are really enjoying that are you?" He felt a bit embarrassed and ashamed, but he couldn't deny the truth. When he looked up, there was no doubt he was in a state of bliss. He looked up and found the man with the cock standing over him looking down on him. He was naked from the waist up and had a rather good looking face. "I'm sure you want to cum right now, don't you?" he said with a grin. Billy could only nod and as he started to feel it coming, he could feel the man's cock start to pulse. He never knew that it could be so good. It had taken so long for him to feel pleasure from a cock penetrating his ass and now he just couldn't wait for the feeling to explode. He felt the man's hands tighten on his cock. He had to keep reminding himself that this wasn't real, but still he couldn't help but to moan. As he felt it start to peak he started to feel the urge to cum and was about to let loose as his seed started to fill up his cock when he was suddenly pulled out and shoved to his knees on the bed. He was looking at the man's cock and it was still going full speed as it started to pulsate. The man turned his head and looked at Billy and said, "I can't believe you got me off so easily. I've only done that twice before and you still kept your cock inside of me." "Your cock wasn't that big, but I must say, I've never been fucked so good before. I had the greatest orgasm I've had in years. I don't think I've ever had such a great fuck in my life." "Yeah, I bet you've never had such a great fuck before," the stranger said with a grin. Billy felt the need to cum again as the man started to rub his cock and he suddenly felt a rush to go with it. He started to cum and once he felt it start to peak, he reached down and stroked his own cock. He felt the man's cock start to pulse as he started to fill his own cock up. His mouth started to go dry and he just had to keep stroking. As he kept stroking, he could feel it building up and he had to keep stopping. The stranger just lay back and watched Billy come. After he came, he said, "Damn, that was hot." He gave Billy a friendly pat on his head and left.

Having played with it for a bit I'm convinced that it creates a mashup of texts that it has been fed. It looks like it adapts names, context and things as it goes.  

Have a play, and post anything interesting it creates on this thread...

When I am online, one of my pet hates is when a guy's opening message to me is "I'm bored".  I am never sure how I am expected to react to that... Personally, life is so full of things to learn and do, exercise, people to talk to, I can't imagine being bored ever. Tired, maybe, but never bored.  

I am sure a lot of  guys online get off on the chase alone - and the gratification that comes from someone wanting them. 

Like others here, I love the hookup, and it's why I prefer to visit places to meet guys rather than do it online. 

Sad about this - the last of this kind of venue.  

As one door closes, another opens - I note that Mitch (who runs parties like Come to Daddy) has his own venue now and will soon be opening The Lord Clyde in Deptford. 

@thelclondon on twitter and Facebook. 

It can't replace Backstreet (nothing could) but it is nice to see new places opening.

Now, we all need to get off the apps and support these places!

2 hours ago, Watfordpig said:

DM sent 

Received and replied. Always good to hear from guys on here!