Take a Hike – A monthly guide to volksmarching in your area – Oct. 16, 2015

TAKE A HIKE –

The Kaiserslautern Military Community’s monthly volksmarching feature.

Volksmarching Notes

• The Wiesbaden International Wandering Club’s second volksmarch event takes place on Halloween weekend, Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in Bierstadt. You can volunteer to help with the event by contacting wiwcvolksmarching@gmail.com or visit the website at www.wiwc-volksmarching.de for details about the event.
• Thanks to Baumholder volksmarcher Monique Berthon for her suggestion to keep postal codes consistent by adding “F” for events in France. Unless noted otherwise, all events are in Germany.
• Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started KA.”
• Many thanks to Spangdahlem volksmarchers Pat & Cheryl Patterson and Ramstein’s Lew Harrison and Johnette Scott for providing event brochures.
• Take a moment to grab a set of brochures from the Werber table and send them via no-cost MPS to Donald Seltzer, PSC 2 Box 10684, APO AE 09012.
• The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.
• 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 KA.”
• 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 KA’ in the subject line.
• Look for additional event choices at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.

Weekend of Oct. 17-18

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — This event is closest to wanderers from Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the unnumbered road bordering the training area to reach B420 at Rathsweiler. Take B420 to Lauterecken, then B270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From the KMC, use B420 north toward Lauterecken to Heinzenhausen and the minor road to the start.

Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6 Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Morbach (54497) — This event is northwest of Idar-Oberstein and within a reasonable distance from Baumholder. Morbach is on B327 just north of the junction with B269. Use B422 from Idar-Oberstein to reach B269. From Baumholder, connect with B41/269 to head north on B269 to reach Morbach. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 62 toward Trier. Exit at Birkenfeld (4) and use B41 and B269 north through Birkenfeld to Morbach and the start.

Start: Baldenauhalle on Jahnstraße Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Roussy-le-Village, France (F-57330) — This Sunday event, roughly midway between Luxembourg City and Thionville, is about an hour and three-quarters from the KMC. The volksmarch includes 30- and 42-km trails for those seeking a challenge. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the Luxembourg border on Autoroute A13 and exit at Frisange (10). Pick up N3 toward Thionville and D653 to Roussy-le-Village and the start.

Start: Foyer Socioculturel Robert-Schuman at Place de l’Europe Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 and 22 km), 7-11 a.m. (30 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wasserbillig, Luxembourg (L-6633) — This event is down the road from Trier and just across the border making it a reasonably easy drive from the KMC (90 minutes). From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue onto Autoroute A1/E44 to the Mertert exit (14). Follow IVV signs to Mertert and the start.

Start: Centre Culturel Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of Oct. 24-25

Berschbach/Mersch, Luxembourg (L-7505) — This event brings volksmarchers north of Luxembourg City. Expect about a two-hour drive from the KMC by using 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 to take N1 and N14 through Biwer and Heffingen. Connect with CR119 at Larochette, pick up CR118 to Berschbach, and then use N7 and N8 to Mersch.

Start: Blannenheem at 47, rue de Luxembourg Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Güdingen (66130) — This walk is south of Saarbrücken and offers trails along the French-German border. Wanderers from the Kaiserslautern Military Community should find this event within their driving range. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken, briefly pick up Autobahn 620 and exit at Saarbrücken-Güdingen (21). Take B51 south to Güdingen and follow signs to the start.

Start: Festhalle in city center Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 21 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (5, 10 and 21 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

Kindsbach (66862) — This walk, on the road between Einsiedlerhof and Landstuhl, is certainly convenient to the KMC’s wanderers, many of whom live in the town. Kindsbach is just a kilometer south of Autobahn 6’s Landstuhl exit (13) making it just as easy, but longer, to reach from other communities.

Start: Mehrzweckhalle at Marktstraße 27 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Koenigsmacker, France (F-57970) — This event is northeast of Thionville and roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. It’s another long drive from the KMC at a little more than 90 minutes 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 B419 south; this road changes to D654 after crossing the French border. Continue south along the Moselle to Basse-Ham, then turn onto D56 which leads to the start at Koenigsmacker.

Start: Salle Polyvalente Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Schirrhein, France (F-67240) — This Sunday volksmarch is midway between the pottery town of Soufflenheim and Haguenau where the Cora supermarket offers a wide variety of cheeses and wines. KMC drivers can expect to be on the road at least 90 minutes getting to this walk. From Kaiserslautern, take Trippstadter Straße south past the Technical University to connect with B48 and B10 to Annweiler and Landau. Take Autobahn 65 toward Karlsruhe. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B9 south to the border, and continue on French Autoroute A35 to the Rountzenheim exit (55). Follow IVV signs to the start.

Start: Salle Socio-Culturelle Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Siersthal, France (F-57410) — This French event, southeast of Saarbrücken, is the first for the host club and includes views of the Maginot Line fortifications. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 to Neunkirchen and Autobahn 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) and use B-24 south toward the border where it becomes D35A in France. Just before reaching Bitche, take the secondary roads D35/D662 to the start at Siersthal.

Start: Simserhof on Rue André Maginot, Le Légeret Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Not stroller- or handicapped-friendly Award: None.

Weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Argenthal (55496) — Wanderers will find this German Allerheiligen holiday event in the picturesque Hunsrück region. The trails are part of the permanent IVV trail system. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Rheinböllen (45) and follow B50 to Argenthal.

Start: Churpfalzhalle on Aulergasse Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 16 km) Trail: Expected to be hilly, wooded Award: None.

Garche, France (F-57100) — This event is north of Thionville and roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. It’s a long drive from the KMC at 1 hour 45 minutes but it should be relatively painless as it’s mostly via autobahns. Plus, a visit to the beautiful American Military Cemetery at St. Avold is easily accomplished. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on A320/E50 and the A4/E50 toll road (with automated collection points) toward Metz, then follow signs for Thionville using A4/E25/E50. Exit onto A31/E25 toward Thionville, then take the Thionville-Centre exit (38) to connect with D1 toward Garche and the start.

Start: Foyer Nicolas Schmitt at 131 rue de Meilbourg Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (12 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wiesbaden-Bierstadt (65191) — The second event of the Wiesbaden International Wandering Club takes place on Halloween weekend (costumes welcome!) in the Wiesbaden suburb of Bierstadt. The start at Bierstadt is fairly close to the Crestview and Aukamm housing areas. Vickie Southworth, the club’s 2nd Vice President, pre-walked the 20-km trail and exclaimed “It was gorgeous!” From Kaiserslautern, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, 60 toward Frankfurt, and 671 toward Wiesbaden. Exit at Mainz-Kastel (3) to pick up B455 toward Wiesbaden, then take the B455 ramp for WI-Bierstadt. Turn right after the two Esso stations onto Schultheißstraße, then turn right at the second street (Biegerstraße) to reach the start. IVV signs will assist drivers.

Start: Gemeinschaftshaus at Biegerstraße 17 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Shorter two trails are stroller-friendly through countryside, city and park; 20 km trail adds forest and interesting sights Award: None.

Weekend of Nov. 7-8

Boofzheim, France (F-67860) — This event is south of Strasbourg and due west of the former Canadian airbase at Lahr, Germany. It’s way too far (easily 2.5 hours from Ramstein) but some of KMC’s volksmarchers will make a day out of it with visits to Strasbourg, Lahr, Baden-Baden, Bad Dürkheim, etc. From the KMC, use A6 toward Mannheim, A61 south toward Karlsruhe, and A65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to follow B9 to the border and connect French Autoroute A35 toward Strasbourg. You’ll merge onto A4 briefly but continue southbound on A35 to use exit 6 toward Offenburg/Illkirch-Graffenstaden. Follow secondary roads past Fegersheim, Erstein, Gerstheim, and Obenheim to reach the start at Boofzheim.

Start: Salle des fêtes Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Fields and woods Award: None.

Mandel (55595) — Here’s an event midway between Idar-Oberstein and Wiesbaden. From Baumholder, pick up B41 at Idar-Oberstein and head toward Bad Kreuznach. Turn onto a secondary road at Weinsheim for the final few kilometers to Mandel.

Start: Schloßberghalle at Sponheimerstraße 1 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly, fields and woods Award: From previous events.

Monreal (56729) — This event is west of Koblenz and within reach of the more adventurous wanderers from the KMC (about an hour and three-quarters). From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Mendig (34) and use secondary roads, to include B262 and B258, past Mayen to reach Monreal.

Start: Sportheim/Sportplatz Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to noon (5, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Expect hilly trails in wooded areas Award: None.

Wormeldange, Luxembourg (L-5480) — This event brings volksmarchers to Luxembourg to wander along the Mosel River on that country’s border with Germany. It’s about a 90-minute drive from the KMC but should be easily done using autobahns. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 0 toward Saarlouis, Merzig, and Perl. Exit at Perl (2) toward Thionville then connect with B419 to drive along the Mosel river toward Wincheringen. Cross the river toward Wormeldange and use CR122 to reach the start. IVV or FLMP signs should assist drivers.

Start: Centre Culturel at 95, rue Principale Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Neufgrange, France (F-57910) — This French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and Sarreguemines. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then take the B51 exit toward Sarreguemines. At Kleinblittersdorf (and just before Auersmacher), cross the Saar River into France and pick up N61 south to Hambach. Connect with D99 and D119A to reach Neufgrange.

Start: Salle des Sports at 7, Rue du Stade Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of Nov. 14-15

Lautzkirchen (66440) — This walk is west of Zweibrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the KMC. From the KMC, head toward Saarbrücken on the A6 and exit at Rohrbach (7). Take a minor road past Kirkel to Lautzkirchen and follow signs to the start hall.

Start: Schützenhaus on Auf dem Gänshorn Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

Weekend of Nov. 21-22

Spabrücken (55595) — This event, in the Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe, is northwest of Bad Kreuznach and southwest of Bingen, and should be easily reached. From the KMC, expect a 70-minute drive using Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) to pick up B41 toward Idar-Oberstein. At Rüdesheim an der Nahe, take the exit off of B41 heading toward Stromberg and use secondary roads leading to Spabrücken and the start.

Start: Soonwaldhalle Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Hilly, fields and woods Award: None.

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26

Ramstein-Miesenbach (66877) — The Ramstein Roadrunners club plays host to their annual Thanksgiving Day volksmarch. Wanderers will find the event to be a friendly and relaxing family activity. Ask about becoming a club member — information is available at the start hall. Consider making reservations to enjoy the Thanksgiving buffet at the Officers’ Club on Ramstein Air Base. Spend a night or two in guest lodging — contact Central Reservations at 06371-454920 to find out if Space-A rooms are available. From the KMC, well, drive over to Miesenbach and look for parking.

Start: Mehrzweckhalle at Am Kiefernkopf 22 Thursday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Slightly hilly, fields and forests Award: Beer glass.

Weekend of Nov. 28-29

Fontoy, France (F-57650) — This event is west of Thionville. The drive from the KMC will take about an hour and three-quarters. The drive will take you by St. Avold with its beautiful, but sobering, American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320/E50 and A4/E25/E50 (toll road with automated collection points) toward Metz. Connect with A31/E25 toward Longwy and A30/E411 toward Hayange. Take exit 5 for Fontoy/Boulange/Audun-le-Roman, pick up D59A, and follow IVV signs to the start.

Start: Collège Marie Curie Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Ketsch (68775) — This Sunday event is roughly midway between Speyer and Heidelberg — both cities worth a visit themselves — and about an hour’s drive from the KMC. From Kaiserslautern, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 towards Karlsruhe, and exit at Hockenheim (64) toward Ketsch. Take minor roads to the start at Ketsch.

Start: Rheinhalle Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of Dec. 12-13

Metz, France (F-57050) — A hugely-popular Saturday-only evening walk offers wanderers a tour of this historic city with many of its monuments and buildings illuminated; the trail also passes through a Christmas market. Go early to avoid crowds or later to enjoy the lights; dress warmly regardless. This event is well worth the time to reach it. West of Saarbrücken, this walk is easily reached via autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken; cross the border into France and continue toward Metz using A4/E50. As you approach Metz, follow signs toward Stade Saint-Symphorien and the Metz Illuminée directional signs.

Start: Complexe Sportif on Boulevard Saint Symphorien Saturday: 2-7 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Flat, city streets Award: None

Notes: The highway between Germany’s border and Metz is a toll road with automated collection stations. A German Esso station is located at a rest stop on the eastbound side (direction Kaiserslautern/Mannheim) of A6 near Homburg/Saar (just past exit 9).

Weekend of Dec. 19-20

Luxembourg-Limpertsberg, Luxembourg (L-1750) — A few years ago, this event was recommended by volksmarching enthusiast Kay Garsnett who especially enjoyed “…December volksmarches that combine St. Nick or Christmas celebrations.” This writer has also participated in the event and can second Kay’s thoughts. This Saturday-only walk has its trails passing by the town’s Christmas market. It’s a long drive from the KMC (about 90 minutes) but, if you’ve got the time and the weather is nice, should be a worthwhile trip. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. At Kreuz Neunkirchen connect with A8 toward Luxembourg and continue across the border where it becomes A13. At the Croix de Bettembourg interchange, take A3 toward Luxembourg. Just past the Croix de Gasperich, the autobahn ends at a roundabout; take the second exit onto B3. Use N3, N50, N57, Boulevard Royal, N52, Avenue Victor Hugo, Square Edouard Andre and Rue Jean-Baptiste Fresez. Watch for IVV signs leading to the start at Limpertsberg. From Bitburg, expect slightly less than an hour’s drive. Take B257 south to Echternacherbrück and the border. Cross the Sûre river into Luxembourg and continue toward Luxembourg City using E29 and E421. Once in Luxembourg City, follow IVV signs to Limpertsberg.

Start: Hall Victor Hugo at 60, Avenue Victor Hugo Saturday: 1-5 p.m. (6 and 12 km) Trail: Hilly in places, passing by the Christmas Market Award: None.

Weekend of Dec. 26-27

Beringen, Luxembourg (L-7590) — This Sunday event, north of Luxembourg City, is about two hours from Kaiserslautern. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1, and 602 toward Trier, then 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue across the border on Autoroute A1 to the Potaschbierg exit (13). Connect with secondary roads N1, N14, N11, and N14 to Larochette, then pick up D119 and D118 to Berschbach. Use D123 to the start at Beringen.

Start: Hal Irbicht on rue Irbicht Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (16 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Questions? Send email to volksmarch@gmail.com.