Passport to pleasant walking

Relaxing, recreational activity can be as rewarding as competitive sports.  That's what some farsighted Europeans believed back in 1968 when they created the IVV.  Their program was simple: hold events where any person can participate and finishers earn awards.  Of course, all who finish are winners from a ‘health’ standpoint.

Today, thousands of clubs throughout Western Europe, the USA, and Canada sponsor IVV walking, swimming, bicycling events.  You set your own pace.  No special equipment or training is needed just the desire to explore both town and country for the fun of it.  Event Sponsors mark the route and offer free drinks along the way.  At the finish you get a stamp in your book of kilometers and events. They offer refreshments at reasonable prices and sometimes provide entertainment.

Getting some exercise should be fun, not drudgery.  Get out and try an IVV event near you real soon.  Brighten up your day--you’ll be glad you did!

To redeem your first complete book, either 10 events or 500 km, take it to the DVV Table (Abzeichenwart), the German award representative.  He will review it, validate it, and return it to you along with your IVV pin, certificate and a DVV log book (Abzeichen-Pass) all at no charge to you.  Keep track of this log book!  Make a note of the number on the book and write it on your event and distance books.  This is considered an “official” document so take care not to lose or misplace it.  Be sure to keep your canceled books and the Abzeichen-Pass because you will need them the next time you complete a book.

IVV walks are informal.  Just put on comfortable walking clothes and shoes.    You can usually find a list of Volksmarches on the Deutsche Volkssport Association (DVV) Web site www.dvv-wandern.de  or the Roadrunner Web Site www.ramstein-roadrunners.com . These sources and  Google Maps are very helpful in planning your weekend adventures.  Additionally, if you go to the Ramstein Roadrunners Facebook page there is usually a list of the walks that are close by.  Many of the IVV events are held in small towns so some pre-planning may be needed.  As you head for the event, follow the IVV arrows put up by the club found at intersections near to the town sponsoring the event.  These signs will take you to the start hall and the parking area.      

Depending on what time you get there cars will be parked all up and down the streets. Usually there are parking areas. And sometimes you may have to park a little ways off. The Starthalle is the start place and is where you basically check-in and meet your friends - chat a while - eat and drink a bit. This is also the place where you usually end your walk.  Select the distance you want to walk.  Usually several trail lengths are offered: 5, 10, 20 and sometimes 30 or 42 km.  If you are new to Volkssports and/or have small children along you might want to do the short ones at first.

Look for the STARTKARTEN sign, that is where you buy the start card.  Buy a Start Card (Startkarte) for every person who walks.  When you buy the start card you do not need to specify how far you will walk. (You can choose a longer or shorter distance as you walk along.) Tell them you are walking for the Ramstein Roadrunners. Your start card will cost 3 Euros.  Carry the card with you on the trail.  

Follow the trail markers for the distance you select.  Trails are marked in different ways, but all try to make the trails easy to follow.  The most common method  you will see is with colored tape around poles or trees or stuck to any surface including the road. Sawdust or chalk arrows and lines are also used to mark the direction of the trail. Outside the Starthall most clubs will have a sign showing which distance belongs to which colored tape.  Trail splits are marked with a sign “Streckenteilung” or “Streckentrennung".  To show which trails or roads NOT to use, a painted or sawdust line might be seen.  Stay on the trail and pay attention to the tape.

Control Points are set up every 3-4 km along the trails (A 5 Kilometer has one Control Point, a 10 has two Control Points, and a 20 has three Control Points.). At each one, present your start card to get it stamped.  You will find a free drink available (usually tea) and possibly light refreshments for sale at reasonable prices.

Eventually, the trail will take you back around to the Start Hall. Look for the table that says Stempel or Ziel.  Here, you will get to present your completed start card and get your IVV Books stamped with credit for distance (Kilometer) and participation (Teilnahme ).  Once you have completed the process, sit back and relax at the start hall and partake in the available food, drink and camaraderie! Before you leave, look for the Werber area and pick up flyers for future walks (bring some to the monthly club meeting to share with your fellow walkers).

Additional information about those award books

At the completion of each event, you get your book, or books, stamped with the official IVV rubber stamp.  All you need for this is the Start card (3 Euro). This first event book is completed quickly---after only 10 stamps (one stamp at 10 different walks).  At that point you will need to purchase another event book (walks #11-30) and if you want to keep track of distance – a distance book.  The distances for the first ten walks will be transferred into this book by the DVV  It usually takes longer to complete the distance books (500km).  Any extra kilometers are credited toward your next award book.

To redeem your first complete book, either 10 events or 500 km, take it to the DVV Table (Abzeichenwart), the German award representative.  He will review it, validate it, and return it to you along with your IVV pin, certificate and a DVV log book (Abzeichen-Pass) all at no charge to you.  Or ask some member of the club for further guidance. Keep track of this log book!  Make a note of the number on the book and write it on your event and distance books.  This is considered an “official” document so take care not to lose or misplace it.  Be sure to keep your canceled books and the Abzeichen-Pass because you will need them the next time you complete a book.  

Simple Rules for Happy Wanderings

 Dress for the weather.  Wear layers of clothing, which you can remove as you warm up.  Be prepared for rain with an umbrella or waterproof rain gear.

Bring your own cup with you for tea at the control points. 

Don’t leave valuables visible in your car.

Buy one start card per person.  Remember the card for an award includes getting the IVV credit too.

Try to have small change (5/10 Euro notes or coins) to pay for your cards and purchases.  Most clubs don’t have change for 50/100 Euro notes early in the morning.

Print your name on your start card before starting out.  This helps you get it back if lost.

 Stay on the marked trail.  

Keep pets on a leash.

Do not disfigure the  markers on the ground.  Others after you need to see them.

Set your own pace.  Don't rush.  Stop whenever you wish to look around or rest.

Present your own start card at each control point.

Help yourself to the free drink provided at each control point.  You need it to replenish the fluids you sweat away and to prevent dehydration.

Put trash in the receptacles provided.  Nobody likes a litterbug!

If you must smoke, don't do it in the woods. 

Don’t take shortcuts along the trail.  You could miss a key marker.

Move aside to let faster walkers and runners pass.  You'd expect the same courtesy.