Take a Hike

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

– Reading this in the KMC area? Consider joining one of the two volksmarch clubs here — the Kaiserslautern Sunny Coyotes and Ramstein Roadrunners both have an active presence.

– The Sunny Coyotes meet monthly at the Hotel Restaurant Pfeffermühle (Beethovenstrasse 40, 66849 Landstuhl-Atzel) — you’ll need to check their Web site or e-mail the club (info@sunny-coyote.de) for the next date. Join them for dinner at 6 p.m. before the meeting’s start at 7 p.m.

–The Roadrunners play host to annual events in May and on Thanksgiving Day. The club’s monthly General Membership meetings take place on the third Tuesday at Burgschänke Landstuhl (Burgweg 1, 66849 Landstuhl) beginning with a social hour (6 p.m.) and followed by the meeting (7 p.m.).

– 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, Johnette Scott, and James Meredith 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.

 

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 via 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.

 

Leyviller, France (57660) — This Marche Populaire event is south-southwest of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have a bit of a drive to reach this walk. 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 Farébersviller exit (41). Use D29 south through Henriville and Valette to reach the start at Leyviller.

Start: Salle du Foyer Communal

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (12 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 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 easy to reach. 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

 

Aschbach bei Lebach (66822) — This event, due north of Saarbrücken, is closest to wanderers in the KMC area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, then exit at Tholey. Take B-269 toward Lebach to reach the start. From Ramstein, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Tholey to backtrack a few kilometers on B-269 to Aschbach.

Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Koblenzer Straße

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km)

Trail: Hilly trails, woods and some fields

Award: None.

 

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

 

Bitche, France (57230) — This Marche Populaire event is south of Zweibrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area willing to make the drive will enjoy a variety of trails, to include 42- and 50-kilometer routes offered Saturday. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim to take B-424 south where it becomes D35A in France. Continue on using D620 and D35 to reach the start at Bitche.

Start: Salle des cuirassiers on Rue du Général Stuhl

Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 and 50 km)

Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: Certificate for 42- and 50-km trails.

 

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.

 

Grolsheim (55459) — This walk is just south of Bingen and offers a variety of trail lengths. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Take exit 49 onto B-50 in the direction of Gensignen. Follow IVV signs to the start at Grolsheim.

Start: Nahelandhalle on Aspisheimer Weg

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 and 30 km)

Trails: Shorter trails are mostly flat, longer trails are hilly; fields, local neighborhoods and some woods

Award: From previous events.

 

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 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 22-23

 

Düppenweiler (66701) — This walk is a bit distant, but still reachable, with its location northwest of Saarbrücken and northeast of Saarlouis. As an incentive for challenge-seeking wanderers, the club offers a half-marathon trail. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, exit at Eppelborn (141) and use B-10 and B-269 past Lebach. Connect with a minor road at Bettstadt to Piesbach and Düppenweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Eppelborn (141) to use B-10, B-269 and the same minor roads to reach the start.

Start: Kulter- und Sporthalle on Pfarrer-Gierend-Straße

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (16 km) and 7-noon (21 km)

Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly trails, woods

Award: None.

 

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.

 

Talange, France (57525) — This event is north of Metz and a long drive from the KMC, but one which takes you past St. Avold and its American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320 and A4 toward Metz. Connect with A31 toward Thionville and exit at Talange (36). Follow IVV signs to the start. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to connect with Autobahn A-64 to Luxembourg City; after crossing the border, the autobahn becomes A1. Bypass Luxembourg City to the south and connect with A3 toward Metz and A31 toward Thionville. Exit at Talange (36) to follow IVV directional signs to the start.

Start: Salle Maurice Baquet on Place des fêtes

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

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.

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

 

Meisenthal, France (57960) — This mid-week French event is south of Zweibrücken and, with good weather, a great reason to call in sick. The drive from the KMC should be scenic but long. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Contwig (34) in the direction of Bitche. Continue on a secondary road to the border to connect with D35A in France, heading south toward Bitche. Pick up and use D620, D37 through Gretzenbruck, and D83 to the start at Meisenthal.

Start: Salle des fêtes

Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

WEEKEND OF APRIL 12-13

 

Consdorf, Luxembourg (L-6213) — This event is roughly a half-hour’s drive from Bitburg, and about midway between there and Luxembourg City; it’s almost a two-hour drive from the KMC. The trails will lead wanderers among and though rock formations. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-257 south to Echternacherbruck and the border. Pick up N11 (E29) in Luxembourg to connect with CR118 at Lauterborn. Use CR118 to reach the start at Consdorf. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on Motorway A1 toward Luxembourg City, exit at Potaschbierg (13), and connect with N1 toward Larochette. Pick up N14 and CR136 to Brouch, then follow CR 132, CR137, and CR118 to Consdorf and the start.

Start: Centre culturel Kuerzwénkel on route de Berdorf

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

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. FFrom 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.

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

 

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — This midweek event is closest to Baumholder and Kaiserslautern. The start times may accommodate workers with an understanding boss. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the unnumbered road bordering the training area to reach B-420 at Rathsweiler. Take B-420 to Lauterecken, then B-270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From Kaiserslautern, use B-420 north toward Lauterecken to Heinzenhausen and the minor road to the start.

Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6

Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cycling) and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km)

Trail: Hilly walking trails, woods and fields; 30-km asphalt cycling trail

Award: None.

 

WEEKEND OF APRIL 19-20

 

Falck, France (57550) — This event is southwest of Saarlouis and just across the French border; a little more than an hour’s drive from Kaiserslautern. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 past Saarbrücken and 620 toward Saarlouis. Exit at Ensdorf (4b) in the direction of Überherrn and pick up B-269n toward Creutzwald and the border. After crossing into France, continue on N33 and D23B toward the start at Falck.

Start: Salle Rémy Schaefer

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

WEEKEND OF APRIL 26-27

 

Bockenau (55595) — This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. Being offered on both days is a marathon. From Baumholder, use the road adjacent to the training area to reach B-420 toward Bad Kreuznach. Connect with B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B-41 toward Bad Kreuznach. Pick up the secondary road at Waldböckelheim that leads to Bockenau.

Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km)

Trail: Fairly hilly, woods

Award: None or patch and certificate (marathon).

 

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.

 

Tandel, Luxembourg (L-9395) — This event is west-southwest of Bitburg and six kilometers or so across the Luxembourg border. The drive from the Bitburg area is well under an hour; from the KMC, it’s close to two hours. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 toward the Luxembourg border. Exit at Trier (3) to pick up B-51 to Newel. Connect with a minor road (L42) and B-418 to skirt the border and Sauer river to Echternacherbrück. Cross the border into Echternach, Luxembourg, to pick up N10 toward Dillengen. Continue on N10 to pick up N19 and N17 to reach Tandel. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-50 west to the border. At the town of Roth an der Our, turn off on Templerstraße to cross the Our river and into Luxembourg. Pick up N10 toward Bettel, then connect with a minor road to Fouhren, and N17 south to Tandel.

Start: Campus Am Brill on Rue de Diekirch

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 8 a.m. to noon (16 and 20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

THURSDAY, MAY 1

 

Hagondange, France (57525) — This European holiday event is north of Metz and roughly a 90-minute drive from the KMC. The A4 toll road to Metz takes you past St. Avold and its American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320 and A4 toward Metz. Connect with A31 toward Thionville and exit at Talange (36). Follow IVV signs to the start at Hagondange. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to connect with Autobahn A-64 to Luxembourg City; after crossing the border, the autobahn becomes A1. Bypass Luxembourg City to the south and connect with A3 toward Metz and A31 toward Thionville. Exit at Mondelange (37) to follow IVV directional signs to the start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes Paul Lamm

Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (21 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

 

Morbach (54497) — This club’s midweek event is northwest of Idar-Oberstein and within a reasonable distance from Baumholder. Morbach is on B-327 just north of the junction with B-269. Use B-422 from Idar-Oberstein to reach B-269. From Baumholder, connect with B-41/269 to head north on B-269 to reach Morbach.

Start: Sportlerheim in the Alfons-Jakobs-Stadion at Industriestraße 5b

Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 and 10 km)

Trail: Hilly, woods

Award: None.

 

WEEKEND OF MAY 24-25

 

Goetzenbruck, France (57620) — This event is south of Zweibrücken and Bitche. The drive from the KMC will be a little over an hour but should be scenic. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Contwig (34) in the direction of Bitche. Continue on a secondary road to the border to connect with D35A in France, heading south toward Bitche. Continue south on D620 and D37 through Gretzenbruck to the start at Goetzenbruck.

Start: Complexe sportif at 110 rue d’Ingwiller

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)

Trail: Unknown

Award: None.

 

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