Click here for this week’s European Volksmarch schedule.
With the summer transfer season in full swing, we will be saying farewell to many experienced Volksmarchers. However, there will be new, excited and energetic folks arriving who might need some help getting their Volksmarch feet on the ground (pun intended). In an effort to steer them in the right direction, we will provide information every week or so on some of the Volksmarch clubs in Europe that have a lot of American members. These clubs are always looking for new members and we firmly believe that joining a club is an excellent way to get into a walking network that will offer you new friends and many more walking opportunities.
I have sent e-mail inquiries for updated information to most of the clubs that we know of. If you know of a club that has a large number of Americans, or Canadians, like our club here in the Netherlands, drop us a line so we can get more information out there. We can be reached at: two.walkers@yahoo.com.
The first club we will mention is
The Aviano Roadrunners, in Aviano, Italy.
• POC: Gloria Leonarduzzi
• Telephone: (+39) 0434-307404
• Meetings: Sunday at 7:45 a.m. at Bar Municipio in Roveredo in Piano
• Annual walk: April
• Web site: www.AvianoRoadRunners. org
This is a fairly new Web site and it features a very nice feedback section so you can contact the club for more information or give suggestions. If you live in or will be visiting the Aviano area, these are the people to get you onto the Volksmarch trail.
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Are you off work Wednesday, Aug. 15? Do you live near the Hunsrück area of Germany? If you answered “Yes” to both questions, then boy do we have a deal for you. You can Volkssport at four events sponsored by the WF Amerikaflug-Club e.V., Stromberg — all within an 18-kilometer radius of one another. Choose between a 6- or 10-kilometer walk at each featured town and a swim with start windows specifically established so you can hit all events in one day.
The first is in Waldalgesheim. Germany. Hit the trails between 7 and 9 a.m., finish by 11:30 a.m. The second is in Spabrück- en. It has a 9 a.m. to noon start and a 2:30 p.m. finish. The third and fourth events are in Rheinböllen; walk from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. finish) and swim 300 or 500 meters starting between noon and 5 p.m. (6 p.m. finish).
Now how often will you have an opportunity again to participate in such a series of events? Not very often is the answer! And here’s another bonus … participants who complete all three walks at all three locations will receive a free commemorative certificate. B-medal wine glasses are also available at the reduced price of 2.80 euros each. We completed this special event two years ago and had a blast!
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The walk in Noirefontaine, Belgium, is only about three miles north of the town of Bouillon. The castle in Bouillon was built in the 11th century. In the 18th century, the French, under Louis XIV, captured the castle and parts of the castle and fortress were renovated by the famous military architect Marshal Vauban. It is open for tours daily from 9:30 a.m until 7 p.m. during the summer.
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“Obrigado” to the following contributors: William Castro and Maureen McHugh-Castro, Manfred Dahl, Bob Gambert, Lew Harrison; Egon Hatfield; Wayne Henry, Ramona and Horst Kechelen, James Kelly, Tim and Luchi Lynch, John and Patty Marsh, Pat Patterson and Nancy Shawley.
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Miscellaneous notes about this week’s events:
• Berg in Terblijt is the start location of a four-day walk through the hills around Valkenburg, in the Limburg region of the Netherlands. You do not have to do all four days, but if you do you will receive a medal and certificate.
• The prize for the walks in Hainsacker and Hoffenheim is an apple that apparently holds a tea light candle. It is unusual for two clubs to offer identical prizes on the same weekend.
• Clark Soeldner, our voice of Italian Volksmarching, says the walk in Villanova della Grotte-Lusevera is one of his favorites. The route winds through the mountains surrounding the Alta val Torre. Toward the end of the 16-kilometer route there are two old fortifications. Arrive early unless you want to do a warm-up hike to the start hall. The ceramic souvenirs go to the first 300 walkers.
Clark also recommends the walk at Frisanco. This is a mountain-type walk; expect stout grades, especially on the 18k route. This trail usually takes you through the town of Poffabro, a pretty mountain- side town with narrow streets and photo opportunities at every turn.
E-mail Volksmarch schedule information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO, AE, 09703-0278.
