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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 KA’ in the subject line.
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.
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.
Kirrwiller, France (67330) — This event is west of Haguenau and an hour and three-quarter’s drive via autobahn from the KMC. From there, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, and 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) and take B-424 south to cross the border. Continue onto D35A toward Bitche. Use D620 to Bitche; D622 and D37 through Goetzenbruck; D12 to Wimmenau; D919 to Ingwiller; D6 to Bouxwiller; and D17, D7 and D69 to Kirrwiller.
Start:Maison des Jeunes et Culture
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Willerwald, France (57430) — This Marche Populaire event is south of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have slightly more than an hour’s drive to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then take the B-51 exit toward Güdingen. Follow B-51 to Kleinblittersdorf where you’ll cross the Saar River into France. Drive south on N61 to Hambach, then use D661 to the start at Willerwald.
Start: Salle Socioculturelle
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
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.
Köllerbach (66346) — Wanderers will find this Saarland event northwest of Saarbrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis to reach the Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz exit (15), then use secondary roads to Sprengen and Köllerbach.
Start: Kyllbergschulhalle, Zur Sporthalle 1
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, woods
Award: None.
Saverne, France (67700) — While distant, the drive is almost entirely on autobahns (albeit a toll road in France) and should be relatively painless to reach. Saverne is not too far from Strasbourg or Haguenau if a visit to those locations will add another reason to make the drive. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with Autoroute A4 toward Strasbourg and use the Saverne exit (45). Follow directional signs to the start.
Start: Salle du COSEC
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Surbourg, France (67250) — Another long drive from the KMC (about an hour and three-quarters), this late afternoon event is in the area north-northeast of Haguenau. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 8 toward Zweibrücken. Take the B-10 exit toward Landau to connect with B-427 at Hinterweidenthal. Continue on B-427 to Reichenbach and pick up a minor road winding south past Bobenthal to the border. Continue on D334 to Wissembourg, then use D77 and D3 to reach D263. Head south to Reimerswiller to connect with D243 which leads to the start at Surbourg. Start: Salle de la Mairie
Sunday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
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 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
Florange, France (57190) — This event is roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. The drive from the KMC will take at least 90 minutes but it does offer the opportunity to stop at St. Avold for a visit to the beautiful, but sobering, American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320 and A4 (toll road with automated collection points) toward Metz. Connect with A31 toward Thionville and A30 toward Longwy. Take exit 2 in the direction of Florange and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Complexe de Bétange
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Hemmersdorf (66780) — This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the French border, yet it’s easily reached by autobahn from the KMC area. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig to exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Büren to reach Hemmersdorf.
Start: Grenzlandhalle on Niedaltdorfer Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (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.
Hermesdorf (54636) — This is almost a hometown event for Bitburg’s wanderers and certainly within reach of those from the KMC and Baumholder. Located northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir), participants 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.
Saarbrücken (66117) — This event is in the capital city of the state of Saarland and easily reached by autobahn. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and connect with Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken. Exit at Malstatter Brücke (14) to turn left onto Malstatter Straße to follow IVV directional signs a short distance to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then exit at Malstatter Brücke (14). Turn left onto Malstatter Straße and follow IVV directional signs to the start.
Start: Halle Bellevue at Lulustein 5-9
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 12 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: From previous events.
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.
Quierschied-Göttelborn (66287) — This event is in the Saarland area west of Ramstein. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierschied (144) to use a minor road to reach Göttelborn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 to reach the Merchweiler exit (18), then use secondary roads to reach the start at Göttelborn.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Hauptstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, woods
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. 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.
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.
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 21
Marlenheim, France (67520) — This event is northwest of Strasbourg and about a two-hour drive from the KMC. Its location makes a visit to the historic city of Strasbourg possible. From the KMC, use Autobahns A-6 toward Saarbrücken and the border, and French Autoroutes A320 toward Metz and A4 (toll road) toward Strasbourg. Exit at Saverne (45) to connect with D1404 and D1004 south to Marlenheim.
Start: Centre Culturel
Monday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Morbach-Bischofsdhron (54497) — This walk celebrates the 30th anniversary of the host club with an Easter Monday event close to Idar-Oberstein. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 62 toward Trier. Exit at Birkenfeld (4) to use B-41 to connect with B-269. Follow B-269 north to Morbach and the start at Bischofsdhron. From Baumholder, use minor roads to Birkenfeld and B-269. Head north to the towns of Morbach and Bischofsdhron to reach the start.
Start: Gemeindehaus at Zur Rau 2
Monday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods; short trail has been stroller-friendly in the past
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF APRIL 26-27
Alteckendorf, France (67270) — While distant — the drive from the KMC is about an hour and three-quarters – this late afternoon event positions you for Saturday shopping or sightseeing in relatively nearby Strasbourg or Haguenau. Bring a flashlight if planning to begin the trail toward the end of the starting times. 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 Hochfelden exit (46). Use secondary roads D32, D25, and D69, plus IVV directional signs, to Alteckendorf and the start.
Start: Salle Polyvalente
Saturday: 3-9 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
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).
Kalhausen, France (57412) — This Marche Populaire event is south of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have a bit of a drive (should be less than 90 minutes) to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 to Saarbrücken and take the B-51 exit toward Güdingen and the border. Continue onto D82, D919, and D33 as the secondary roads parallel the winding Sarre River. Connect with D83 and take it into Kalhausen and the start.
Start: Salle polyvalente
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
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.
Saarlouis-Roden (66740) — Although distant from American bases, this Saarland walk is easily reached in about an hour’s time via autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and Saarlouis. Exit at Dillingen-Süd (10), use B-51 for a short distance, and follow signs to the start.
Start: Römerberg-Kulturhalle on Hochstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Schweighouse sur Moder, France (67590) — This Sunday volksmarch is near the town of Haguenau. Expect the drive from the KMC to take about an hour and three-quarters, and wind through the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south across the border where it becomes D35A. Continue on secondary roads (D620, D662, D1062) toward Hagenau, then take D85 to reach Schweighouse and the start.
Start: Centre Culturel et Sportif Robert Kaeuffling
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Fairly flat, fields and woods
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.
Wednesday and Thursday, April 30-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.
Rohrwiller, France (67410) — This May Day holiday volksmarch event is southeast of Zweibrücken and about a 90 minute drive from the KMC. Participants will find themselves fairly near Haguenau, Soufflenheim and Strasbourg — all of which are worth exploring. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 toward Karlsruhe and 65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B-9 south to the border, and continue on French Autoroute A35 to the Rohrwiller exit (53). Follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF MAY 3-4
Itzig, Luxembourg (L-5957) — This event is southeast of Luxembourg City and about a 90-minute drive from the KMC, and less than an hour’s drive from the Bitburg/Spangdahlem area. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-51 south to Neuhaus. Take Autobahn 64 west to cross the Luxembourg border, then continue west toward Luxembourg City on Autoroute A1. Exit at Sandweiler (7) and use N7, CR234 and CR159 to the town of Itzig. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 8 to Luxembourg. Cross the border and continue on Autoroute A13 to Luxembourg City, then exit at Frisange (10). Use N3 and CR159 to reach the start at Iztig.
Start: Centre Sportif at 2, Rue de l’École
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
Ormersviller, France (57720) — The club playing host to this Sunday event offers its first marathon route — 42 km of mountains, valleys and villages. It’s located south of Zweibrücken and just across the border; about an hour’s drive from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) and take a minor road south through Mittelbach and Altheim to cross the border. Ormersviller is a very short distance from the border.
Start: Salle Socio Culturelle
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 and 20 km) and 6-9:30 a.m. (30 and 42 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: Patch and certificate (marathon).
Riedseltz, France (67160) — This event, offering a marathon trail, 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 D263 in France and, after a short drive, you’ll reach the start at Riedseltz.
Start: Salle des Fêtes (near the stadium)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: Patch and certificate (marathon).
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, MAY 8-9
Hohengoeft, France (67310) — This Thursday event is roughly midway between Saverne and Strasbourg and is less than a two hour drive from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns A-6 toward Saarbrücken and the border, and French Autoroutes A320 toward Metz and A4 (toll road) toward Strasbourg. Exit at Saverne (45) and use D1404 and D421 to connect with D41 south to Woellenheim. Take D25 to the start at Hohengoeft.
Start: Salle polyvalente on Place de l’Eglise
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF MAY 10-11
Heusweiler (66265) — This event is north of Saarbrücken and just off of Autobahn 8, making it easily reached from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Heusweiler (16). From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis. Exit at Heusweiler (16) and follow signs to the start.
Start: Friedrich-Schiller-Schule at Schillerstr. 65
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.
Junglinster, Luxembourg (L-6101) — This event is northeast of Luxembourg City, and a little more than a half-hour’s drive from Bitburg and 90 minutes from the KMC. Challenge-seeking volksmarchers will find a 42-km marathon at this walk. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-257 south to Echternacherbrück and the border. Use Bitburger Straße to cross the Sûre River into Luxembourg, then pick up N11 (E29) and follow it to Junglinster. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 toward Trier, and 64 toward Luxembourg. Cross the border and continue on Autoroute A1, then exit at Potaschbierg (13) to use N1 toward Diekirch. Connect with CR 122 and CR129 to reach the start.
Start: Centre Polyvalent Gaston Stein
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) and 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: Certificate and patch (marathon).
Vianden, Luxembourg (L-9425) — This volksmarch is west of Bitburg and just across the border — about a 35-minute drive or so from Bitburg and two hours from the KMC — and offers a surprising variety of trails. Vianden is home to the Musée Littéraire Victor Hugo, the French author who wrote the historical novel, Les Misérables. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-50 west to the border. At the town of Roth an der Our, turn off on N17 (Rue de la Frontière, then Rue de la Gare) to cross the Our river into Luxembourg. Continue on N17 to the start at Vianden. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 toward Trier, and 64 toward Luxembourg. Exit at Trier (3) and take B-51 north to Newel, then a secondary road to Ralingen and B-418. Continue along the river to Echternacherbrück and the border. Use Bitburger Straße to cross the Sûre River into Luxembourg, then follow N10 and N17 to Vianden.
Start: Centre CulturelLarei Vianden at 39, Rue du Sanatorium
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 11 and 15 km), 6 a.m. to noon (20, 25 and 30 km), and 6-9 a.m. (42 and 50 km),
Trail: Unknown
Award: Certificate and patch (marathon).
Waldweistroff, France (57320) — This French walk is west-northwest of Saarbrücken and will be a bit of a drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) and take a minor road through Rehlingen-Siersburg to the border. Continue on D956 after entering France. Connect with D19 and, at Colmen, take a minor road to Waldweistroff and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF MAY 17-18
Bining, France (57410) — Here’s a French event southeast of Saarbrücken that offers a 42-km marathon. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 to Neunkirchen and Autobahn 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) and use B-424 south toward the border where it becomes D35A in France. Just before reaching Bitche, take the secondary roads D35 and D662 to Rohrbach-lès-Bitche; D35 continues southward to Bining and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: Patch and certificate (marathon trails).
Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville, France (57320) — This just-across-the-French-border volksmarch is northwest of Saarlouis. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) to use minor roads to cross into France. Drive through Siersburg and toward Bouzonville until you can connect with another minor road leading to Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes du Foyer
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
MONDAY, MAY 19
Saverne, France (67700) — This Monday volksmarch is a school-oriented event and students can participate without cost. While distant — it’s a little more than 90 minutes from the KMC, the drive is almost entirely on autobahns. 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 Saverne exit (45). Follow directional signs to the start.
Start: Stade du Haut-Barr “Adrien Zeller”
Monday: 8-11 a.m. (10 and 20 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.
Schirrhein, France (67240) — This Saturday 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 about an hour and three-quarters getting to this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 toward Karlsruhe and 65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B-9 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
Saturday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
THURSDAY, MAY 29
Leudelange, Luxembourg (L-3361) — This event brings volksmarchers to Luxembourg on the Ascension Day holiday, this time southwest of Luxembourg City. It’s a long drive from the KMC (about 1 hour 45 minutes) but should be easily done using autobahns. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, Saarlouis and Merzig to the border at Perl. After crossing into Luxembourg, continue west on Autoroute A13 to connect with the A4 toward Luxembourg City. Use the Leudelange Sud exit (2) and follow secondary roads to 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 south using B1 to connect with A4, then exit at Leudelange Nord (1) to follow secondary roads to the start. IVV signs should be available after exiting the autoroute.
Start: Hall Omnisports at 7, place des Martyrs
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF JUNE 7-9
Beaufort, Luxembourg (L-6312) — This event, held on Saturday and Whit Monday, is southwest of Bitburg and just a few kilometers from the German border. The drive from the Bitburg area is about 45 minutes; from the KMC, it’s an hour longer. The town is home to a historic castle built in the mid-1600s. 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 Luxembourg and pick up N10 to Dillingen. Take CR364 the rest of the way to Beaufort. From Bitburg and Spangdahlem, use B-257 west to the border. At Echternacherbrück, cross into Luxembourg and pick up N10 to Dillingen. From there, take CR364 to Beaufort and the start.
Start: Kummelsbau
Saturday and Monday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: 6-km trail is stroller-friendly; otherwise, unknown
Award: None.
Woustviller, France (57915) — This Whit Monday event is found a few miles southwest of Sarreguemines. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then take the B-51 exit toward Güdingen. Follow B-51 to Kleinblittersdorf where you’ll cross the Saar River into France. Drive south on N61 to Roth, then use D674 to Woustviller.
Start: Gymnase Leprince-Ringuet at Place de la Mairie
Monday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
Deuselbach (54411) — This midweek event offers a start time late enough for readers in the Baumholder and KMC areas to enjoy a walk. Consult a map before heading to this walk as the brochure’s description of its location is unclear. If your GPS allows it, you may enter the start location’s coordinates 49° 44’ 13” N/07° 04’ 58” E. From Baumholder, take the secondary road leading to Neubrücke to connect with B-41. Head north through Birkenfeld and past Hüttgeswasen. Take a minor road west to Deuselbach. Watch for IVV directional signs that will lead you to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier. Exit at Reinsfeld (132) to pick up B-327 toward Morbach. Connect with a secondary road leading to Deuselbach and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Hunsrückhaus am Erbeskopf
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF JUNE 21-22
Heimbach/Nahe (55779) — Wanderers will find this enjoyable walk midway between Neubrücke and Baumholder. From Baumholder, use the secondary road leading to Neubrücke. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4), then follow a minor road through Hoppstädten-Weiersbach to Heimbach.
Start: Besenbinderhalle on In der Au
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trails: Hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.
WEEKEND OF JUNE 28-29
Griesheim-sur-Souffel, France (67370) — This event is 9 km northwest of Strasbourg, making a visit to the historic city relatively easy. It’s about a two-hour drive from the KMC but most of it is on the autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 toward Karlsruhe and 65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B-9 south to the border, and continue on French Autoroutes A35 and A4 to Strasbourg. Exit at Reichstett (49) to use the secondary roads D63, D263, D64, D31 and D166 to Griesheim-sur-Souffel.
Start: Centre Culturelle
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.
(For more events in your area, visit www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.)
