Take a Hike

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

* The calendar for volksmarching in Germany, Terminliste 2014, is available for €2,50 in the start hall at most events. This useful booklet lists dates, locations, points of contact and other information for each of the scheduled events in Germany. Also provided is an extensive list of permanent trails. Kaiserslautern- and Spangdahlem-area wanderers may also wish to pick up the 2014 volksmarching calendars for France or Luxembourg; both are available from the Rheinland-Pfalz District DVV Awards Officer for €2 each.

* The new year brings minor fee changes to volksmarching in Germany. The price for start cards without the souvenir will increase to €2. With a souvenir the price varies between €4 and 4,80, and the price for souvenirs from previous events (B-medals) is often discounted. Start cards for marathons begin at €6.50 (including patch and certificate; price varies) or €4.50 (credit and certificate). Events in France hold the line with start cards at €1,80 without a souvenir and €5,40 with the souvenir; marathons with a certificate are €2,70 or with a certificate and patch are up to €6. Luxembourg events offer start cards at €1,50 without a souvenir.

* The Ramstein Roadrunners Club has organized a day trip to the always-popular event at Rothenburg o.d. Tauber on Feb. 22. Get the details by visiting their Website at www.avaclubs.org/ramsteinroadrunners/ or on their Facebook page. (Search “Ramstein Roadrunners” to find it.)

* Interested in planning for the March 15-16 marathon at the Frankfurt/Main-Bergen-Enkheim? While the event brochure did not include the details, this writer can provide the missing insert to readers who write volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Marathon.”

* Got a comment? Found something you’d like to correct? Want to change ‘unknown’ to a useful trail description? Write me at volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Feedback.”

* Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started.”

* Many thanks to readers Pat and Cheryl Patterson for providing event brochures.

* You, too, can help out by picking up event brochures and mailing them via no-cost MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.

* The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.

* Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the newspaper editor? The complete, unedited version of the monthly volksmarching feature is available in its original Word document format by sending an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with ‘subscribe’ in the subject line.

* Look for additional event choices at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.

WEEKEND OF JAN. 18-19

Flétrange, France (57690) — This French walk is southwest of St. Avold. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France. Continue on Autoroutes A320 and A4 toward Metz. (Note A4 is a toll road with automated payment facilities.) Exit at Carling (39) to pick up D633 through St. Avold. Connect with D603 and D910 toward Falquemont and Tritteling-Redlach. Take the D910C exit toward Créhange and follow minor roads to Flétrange and the start.
Start: Complexe sportif
Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Schweppenhausen (55444) — The trails at this event are part of the IVV-Rundwanderweg Hunsrück, a year-round system of permanent trails offering participants seven routes totaling 160 kilometers. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach/Waldlaubersheim (47) and follow secondary roads through Windesheim to Schweppenhausen.
Start: Schloßgartenhalle
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to noon (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Hilly trails, fields and woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JAN. 25-26

Contz-les-Bains, France (57480) — This event is adjacent to the French border, roughly midway between Merzig, Germany, and Luxembourg City. KMC’s wanderers will find the drive is almost entirely on the autobahn making it relatively easy to reach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and toward Luxembourg City. After Perl, the autobahn becomes A13 once the border is crossed. Immediately after entering Luxembourg, use exit 13 to the end of the ramp and turn right onto the road designated 152. Follow this road south to France and the town of Contz-les-Bains using IVV directional signs.
Start: Mille-Club, near the stadium (stade, in French)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown, expect wooded areas
Award: None.

Grosbliederstroff, France (57520) — This French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and almost literally on the border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 to connect briefly with Autobahn 620 at Saarbrücken. Exit at Saarbrücken-St. Arnual (19), take the third exit from the roundabout at the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Saargemünder Straße (likely at a traffic light) to head south under A-6 and parallel to the river. The road becomes Rue de Sarrebruck (N61) upon crossing the border into France. Continue a short ways to Grosbliederstroff.
Start: Salle de Jeux et Loisirs on Rue des Fermes
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Hinsbourg, France (67290) — Here’s a volksmarch that requires more than a bit of driving but provides an opportunity to explore the sort-of-nearby town of Haguenau or Strasbourg. The event is southwest of both Pirmasens and Bitche, France. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 (a toll road) toward Strasbourg and use the Phalsbourg exit (44). Use secondary roads through Phalsbourg, Eschbourg, and La Petite-Pierre to reach Hinsbourg and the start.
Start: Salle polyvalente
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Seibersbach (55444) — This event is west of Bingen and adjacent to the scenic Hunsrück region. The town and its walk are easily reached. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Stromberg (46) to follow a secondary road 4-5 miles in the direction of Rheinböllen in order to pick up the minor road to Seibersbach. In the past, the club used small IVV directional signs; drivers will need to carefully watch for them.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus on Soonwaldstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods and local neighborhoods
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 1-2

Kleinich/Hunsrück (54483) — This event is north-northwest of Idar-Oberstein and fairly accessible to volksmarchers in other locations. From Baumholder, head toward Neubrücke via minor roads to reach B-41/B-269. Head north through Birkenfeld to connect with B-327 toward Hahn Airport. Take the minor road at Hochscheid to the start at Kleinich. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, exit at Birkenfeld (4), and take B41/B-269 north and B-327 toward Hahn Airport. Use the minor road at Hochscheid to reach Kleinich.
Start: Gemeindehaus at Orts Straße 53
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 15 km)
Trails: Hilly, wooded areas
Award: From previous events.

Lintgen, Luxembourg (L-7505) — This event brings volksmarchers north of Luxembourg City. While it’s less than half as long of a drive from the Bitburg area as it is from the KMC, it does offer drivers something different as far as scenery. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on Autoroute A1 to Luxembourg City and connect with A7 north to briefly use N11 toward Gonderange. Pick up secondary roads CR126 and CR125 west to Walferdange, then take N7 north to Lintgen and the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-257 south to Echternach and the border. Pick up N11 (E29) in Luxembourg through Lauterborn and Michelshaff to Junglinster. From here, use secondary routes CR129 to Godbrange, CR130 to Koedange, CR119 to Weyer, and CR101 to Lintgen and the start. Watch for IVV signs to assist.
Start: Salle A Mouschelt
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Riedseltz, France (67160) — This event, the club’s first winter event, is southeast of Pirmasens and likely a long but scenic drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Saarbrücken and Pirmasens (or, alternately, B-270). Exit at Pirmasens (15) to take B-10 and B-427 to Bad Bergzabern. Pick up B-38 and head south to the border where it becomes D 263 in France, and after a short drive you’ll reach the start at Riedseltz.
Start: Salle des Fêtes (near the stadium)
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Saarbrücken-Gersweiler (66128) — Just west of Saarbrücken, this event places wanderers in the area of the French border and is easily reached by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and exit at Völklingen-Gersweiler. Take a secondary road a short distance to reach the start.
Start: Sportzentrum on Krughütter Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Yutz, France (57970) — This event is roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. It’s another long drive from the KMC but, after exiting the autobahn at Perl, will wind alongside the Moselle River south toward Thionville. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, Saarlouis and Merzig to the border at Perl. Use the Perl exit (2) to connect with B-419 south; this road changes to D654 after crossing the French border. Continue south along the Moselle to Yutz and the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use Autobahns 60, 1, and 602 to Trier. Use the Trier-Ehrang exit to connect with A-64 to Luxembourg City; after crossing the border, the autobahn becomes A1. Bypass Luxembourg City to the east using B1 to connect with A3 and A31 toward Thionville. Exit at Yutz Centre (38) to follow IVV directional signs to the start.
Start: MJC La Pépinière at 30 Rue de la Pépinière
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 8-9

Durstel, France (67320) — This Sunday volksmarch, found south-southeast of Saarbrücken, is reached relatively easily by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarre-Union exit (43). Head south on D1061 toward Phalsbourg, then use a minor road (D95) through Gungwiller and Bettwiller that leads to the start at Durstel.
Start: Salle Avenir
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Rémeling, France (57480) — This event is near the French border and west of Merzig, Germany. While a bit distant, KMC’s wanderers will find the drive is mostly on the autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, then exit at Merzig (6). Take secondary roads across the border and through Hilbringen and Waldwisse to the start at Rémeling.
Start: Foyer Socio-Culturel
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown, expect wooded areas
Award: None.

Tétange, Luxembourg (L-3786) — This event is southwest of Luxembourg City with the drive less than two hours from the KMC. Let’s admit it — it’s pretty neat to see the LUX stamp among all of the D and occasional F stamps in your IVV record books. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border on Autoroute A13 west to the Kayl exit (7) and connect with CR165. At Kayl, pick up N33 to lead you to the start at Tétange. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to Neuhaus. Take Autobahn 64 to cross the Luxembourg border, then continue on Autoroutes 1, 3 and 13 west to the Kayl exit (7). Pick up CR165 to Kayl and N33 to Tétange.
Start: Centre Culturel Schungfabrik at 14 rue Pierre Schiltz
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 15-16

Beinheim, France (67930) — This event is on the border east of Haguenau and northwest of Baden-Baden, Germany. Yes, it’s quite distant from the KMC but offers the opportunity to visit Haguenau, Soufflenheim and Strasbourg in France as well as Baden-Baden. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south where it becomes D35A in France. Connect with N62 to Haguenau and N63 through Soufflenheim to Rountzenheim. Connect with a minor road toward Seltz in order to reach Beinheim and the start. An alternative route from the KMC via autobahn would be A-6 toward Mannheim, A-61 toward Ludwigshafen and A-65 toward Wörth. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B-9 into France and the A35 autobahn to the Beinheim exit (56).
Start: Salle Polyvalente
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Dudelange, Luxembourg (L-3474) — This event is about an hour’s drive from the Bitburg area and an hour and three-quarters from the KMC to the start south of Luxembourg City. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border on Autoroute A13 to connect with A3. Head south toward Metz to exit at Dudelange (3). Pick up secondary roads CR161 and CR160 to Dudelange. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to Neuhaus. Take Autobahn 64 west to cross the Luxembourg border, then continue west on Autoroute A1 and south on A3. Exit at Dudelange (3) to pick up secondary roads CR161 and CR160 to the start.
Start: Centre Culturel Schungfabrik at 14 rue Pierre Schiltz
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Eimersdorf/Saar (66780) — This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the Luxemburg border, yet it’s easily reached by autobahn by readers of the KA. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig and exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Siersburg to reach Eimersdorf.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Im Steinrisser 2
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 22-23

Lauterbach (66333) — This walk is southwest of Saarbrücken near the French border. The event should be within volksmarching range of wanderers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community and fairly easily reached. Use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Geislautern (8) and take the secondary road through Geislautern and Ludweiler to the start at Lauterbach.
Start: Lauterbachhalle on Fröbelstraße
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 16 km)
Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber (91541) — This walk explores the medieval walled-city of Rothenburg. The Saturday-only old-town walk offers a mini-tour of its many shops and sights. The outside trails, including a half-marathon distance, are a great choice if you’ve already experienced the old-city trail. It’s crowded but not overwhelming; parking is plentiful. In conjunction with this special walk discounts on admission are offered by a number of museums and attractions by showing your IVV start card. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 7 past Mannheim, Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Crailsheim in order to reach Rothenburg.
Start: Sporthalle at Erlbacher Straße 5
Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon (6, 11 and 21 km outside of city) and noon to 4 p.m. (11 km old-city trail)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (21 km)
Trails: Old-City routes are paved and have steps; trails in the surrounding area are hilly and wooded
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 1-2

Mertert, Luxembourg (L-6686) — This event is down the road from Trier and just across the border making it a reasonably easy drive from the Bitburg/Spangdahlem area as well as the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 64 to the border. Continue onto Autoroute A1 to the Mertert exit (14). Follow IVV signs to Mertert and the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to Neuhaus. Take Autobahn 64 west to cross the Luxembourg border, then continue west on Autoroute A1. Exit at Mertert (14) and follow signs to the town.
Start: Centre Culturel
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Schwalbach-Griesborn (66773) — Wanderers will find this Saarland event northwest of Saarbrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 south toward Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz (15). Use secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to the start at Griesborn. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis to reach the Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz exit (15), then follow secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to reach Griesborn.
Start: Gemeindesaalbau at Hauptstraße 90
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 8-9

Sien (55758) — Not too far from Baumholder, this event offers flat and stroller-friendly trails that could be enjoyed by wanderers of all ages. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to connect with B-420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to pick up B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and Sien.
Start: Turnhalle at Kirner Straße 6
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km)
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: None or patch and certificate (marathon).

WEEKEND OF MARCH 15-16

Differten (66787) — This walk is west of Saarbrücken. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Wadgassen (4b) and use minor roads through Wadgassen to the start at Differten.
Start: Bisttalhalle on Pater-Lorson-Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Kirn-Sulzbach (55606) — This scenic walk with a variety of trail lengths is literally just down the road from Idar-Oberstein and easily reached. From Baumholder, use minor roads to reach Idar-Oberstein and B-41, continuing toward Bad Kreuznach to reach the start at Kirn-Sulzbach. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahn A-60 to Bad Kreuznach and continue west on B-41. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, and exit at Birkenfeld (4). Take B-41 through Idar-Oberstein to reach Kirn-Sulzbach.
Start: Gasthaus Collet at Oldenburgerstr. 2
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

Petite Rosselle, France (57540) — This event is on the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and north of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via autobahn. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320 in France. Use the Forbach exit (42) and follow D31E and D31 to the start at Petite Rosselle.
Start: Espace La Concorde
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Trier-Ehrang (54293) — Wanderers will walk in the area surrounding Germany’s oldest city of Trier as a reward for the time spent reaching this event. From Baumholder, head toward Autobahn 1 and connect with it at Freisen, then use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. Use the Ehrang exit (2) and follow IVV directional signs to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 602 to Trier. Take Exit 2 (Ehrang) and follow IVV signs on the local roads to the start. From the Bitburg and Spangdahlem area, use B-51 south to Trier, then connect with Autobahn 64. Continue onto B-52 toward Trier when the autobahn ends, then pick up B-53 toward Schweich. Follow IVV signs to the start at Ehrang.
Start: Turnhalle at Oberstraße 8 in the Trier suburb of Ehrang
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods and fields
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 29-30

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night!

Kappel (55483) — This event is in the scenic Hunsrück region west of Bingen, not far from Hahn airport. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 north toward Trier, exit at Birkenfeld (4), and take B-269 and B-327 through Morbach. Continue onto B-50 to Kirchberg and connect with B-421 to the start at Kappel.
Start: Gemeindehalle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Somewhat hilly trails, fields and woods
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 5-6

Hermesdorf (54636) — If you have a reason to drive to Bitburg, then consider participating in this event northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir). Readers making the drive will find six trails of various distances winding through the picturesque area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62, 1 and 60 north to exit at Landscheid, take B-50 to Bitburg and connect with a minor road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich. Exit at Landscheid, use B-50 through Bitburg and connect with a road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf.
Start: Westeifelwerke at Unter den Birken 2
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (25 and 30 km)
Trail: Expect hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

Linger, Luxembourg (L-4797) — This event is west-southwest of Luxembourg City with the drive slightly less than two hours from the KMC and much less from Bitburg. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border onto Autoroute A13 west toward Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Pétange. Connect onto N31 and follow IVV signs a short distance to the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to Neuhaus. Take Autobahn 64 to cross the Luxembourg border, continue on Autoroutes A1 toward Luxembourg City, A4 and A6 to skirt the southern side of Luxembourg City, A4 toward Esch-sur-Alzette, and A13 to Pétange. Connect onto N31 and follow IVV signs to Linger and the start.
Start: Centre Sociétaire at 20 rue de la Libération
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 11 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 12-13

Rhaunen (55624) — This walk is in the Hunsrück region west of Bingen, an area well known for its scenic beauty and year-round series of walking trails. Trail lengths of 42-, 50-, and 60-kilometers are offered to challenge-seeking wanderers as are three Mountain Bike trails (which do not offer IVV credit). From Baumholder, use the minor roads skirting the training area to reach B-420. Head in the direction of Bad Kreuznach to B-270 and B-41 to Kirn. Connect with a secondary road through Hahnenbach and Bundenbach to Rhaunen.
Start: Idarwaldhalle at Am Sonnenschlicher 5
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km), 6:30-8 a.m. (50 km), 6:30-7 a.m. (60 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (25, 35 and 50 km mountain bike without IVV credit)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km), 6:30-8 a.m. (50 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (25, 35 and 50 km mountain bike without IVV credit)
Trails: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: From previous events (shorter routes) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Sprendlingen (55576) — Look for this event south of Bingen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Gau-Bickelheim (52) and follow directional signs to the start hall.
Start: Wißberghalle at Stettiner Straße 1
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Stroller-friendly on 5 km; otherwise hilly, woods
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 26-27

Larochette, Luxembourg (L-7619) — This event brings volksmarchers north of Luxembourg City. Expect the drive to be slightly under two hours from the KMC, and under an hour from Bitburg. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on Autoroute A1 toward Luxembourg City, exit at Potaschbierg (13), and connect with N1 toward Larochette. Pick up N14 and follow it to Larochette and the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-257 south to Echternach and the border. Pick up N11 (E29) in Luxembourg to connect with CR118 at Lauterborn. Continue on CR118 through Consdorf and Christnach to the start at Larochette.
Start: Centre Culturel on rue de Medernach
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

(For more events in your area, visit www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.)