How the Legend Grew
From One Birthday to a Brotherhood
The group chat has changed its name a dozen times. The story is right there in the renames.
2018
The One That Started It All
A handful of guys from Hudson & Bergen fly to the Dominican Republic. No name, no traditions yet — just a trip that everybody wanted to do again.
2019
Rick's 50th & The Bar Slide
The group chat is born for Rick's 50th — the birthday that started the whole thing. Eddie's opening words for the ages: “Sup bitches.” Rick signs off the week with “exactly what I dreamed — plus bar sliding!”
2020
Fuck Covid!
The only year the crew ever missed. No flights, no Riu, no foam. The brotherhood held the line from home and came back hungrier.
2021
The Comeback — Coming In Hot
Back on the sand, straight from the airport to the foam party. Half the crew stuck at home living vicariously: “Stay strong motherfuckers!” Nobody missed the pool again.
2022
Big D Joe & The Toe
The year of the chant — and the infection that took the tip of Joe's toe. Nicknames born in the fire: 9½ Toes, Tip Toe Joe. Also: don't swim with the sea lions.
2023
The Number Prank
The crew hands out Rick's phone number to every last person at the resort. His inbox never recovered. Alix on the week: “All of you are such magnificent characters.”
2024
I Believe In Miracles
Eric has to pull out days before wheels-up and the whole thread mourns. “Your absence will be felt and I will keep hoping until the last possible minute.” That's when everyone knew what this had become.
2025
The Movement Goes Worldwide
Rick calls it: “Men's mental health matters. And the best way to improve it is to be around some good dudes.” Lugo issues his legendary 5-Star Rating System. Post-trip depression becomes an official diagnosis.
2026
31 Strong
The biggest crew yet — 31 brothers, new guys folded in like family, and Jay drops an original anthem that nearly brought the thread to tears. “I felt like I was at home.”
