Take A Hike

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

(bullet) Readers are reminded when driving in France of the requirement for a breathalyzer kit. It is also recommended to have an International Driver’s Permit and passport.

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

(bullet) The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices; exit numbers are being added for those without navigation.

(bullet) 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.”

(bullet) Readers are asked to pick up extra event brochures and to mail them via MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.

(bullet) Many thanks to readers Richard and Donna Glenn, Pat and Cheryl Patterson, Tim and Luchi Lynch, and Bob and Pat Kiebler for providing brochures.

(bullet) Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the 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. You may choose from the KA version or the Herald Union (HU) version which lists events around and between Wiesbaden and Baumholder.

(bullet) Look for additional event choices at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 1-2

Höheinöd (66989) — This walk, south of Landstuhl, is another of many available to wanderers from the Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl communities. From Landstuhl, take Autobahn 62 south toward Pirmasens. Use the Parkplatz exit at kilometer 231,5 to reach the start.
Start: Sportplatz Sägmühle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (17 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Saarbrücken-Ensheim (66131) — This walk is east of Saarbrücken and, besides normal trail lengths, offers 42- and 50-km routes to challenge-seeking wanderers from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Saarbrücken-Fechingen (4). Follow directional signs to Ensheim and the start.
Start: Sporthalle on Backfeldstraße
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 6-11 a.m. (21 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 km) and 6-8 a.m. (50 km)
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 6-11 a.m. (21 km) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: From previous events (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 8-9

Großrosseln-Karlsbrunn (66352) — This walk is southwest of Saarbrücken and near the French border. Use Autobahns 6 and A32 past Saarbrücken and into France. Exit at Merlebach (41) to use minor roads leading back into Germany, through the town of Naßweiler, and to the start at Karlsbrunn.
Start: Turnhalle at Zum Tiefen Graben 22
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (6, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Heidelberg-Rohrbach (69126) — Join one of Germany’s more active American volksmarching organizations, the Heidelberg International Wandering Club, at their 38th and final event. The community is in the process of closing and, for the most part, moving to Wiesbaden. According to the club’s president, Rob Floyd, “The 11 & 22 km trails will meander through the forests and fields throughout the hills above Heidelberg, passing by the Ehrenfriedhof Memorial.  This is a monument commemorating those who died in battle in the Heidelberg area during both (World Wars) and offers a marvelous panorama of the city of Heidelberg.  The 22 km trail will venture to the Heidelberg castle, while the 6 km (trail) will … pass through the vineyards and … be stroller friendly.” The start is near the former Army Hospital; participants with ID cards may use its parking lots. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim and Stuttgart, and 656 into Heidelberg, then follow IVV and U.S. Army signs for Campbell Barracks and the Clinic.
Start: Internationale Gesamtschule on Baden-Badener-Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 11 and 22 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 22 km)
Trail: Family (6 km) trail is flat, other trails are hilly; fields and wooded areas
Award: Limited supplies of glass beer mug with farewell motif (€5).

Riegelsberg (66292) — This event is north of Saarbrücken and just off of Autobahn 1, making it easily reached from the Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl. From the KMC area, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Riegelsberg (146) to follow signs to the start.
Start: Riegelsberghalle on Alleestraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Willerwald, France (57430) — This event is south of Saarbrücken and easily reached from the KMC 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 Sarreguemines (42) exit. Take D661 a short distance to the start at Willerwald.
Start: Salle Socioculturelle on Rue de la Croix
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Wittlich-Neuerburg (54516) — East of Spangdahlem Air Base, this event should offer some scenic trails through the surrounding countryside. It’s not too far for volksmarchers from Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Wittlich-Mitte exit (145) and follow IVV signs to the start at Neuerburg. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier, Koblenz and Wittlich. Exit at Wittlich-Mitte exit (125) and follow IVV signs. From Bitburg Annex and Spangdahlem AB, use B-50 through Wittlich to connect with a minor road at Wengerohr; follow it through Bombogen to the start at Neuerburg.
Start: Bürgerhalle
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 15 km)
Trail: Expect hilly, mostly wooded
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 15-16

Forstfeld, France (67480) — 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 to Roppenheim and another minor road to reach Forstfeld. 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 exit 56 and Forstfeld.
Start: Salle Polyvalente
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Meisenthal, France (57960) — This French volksmarching event is south of Zweibrücken and offers evening start times. The drive from the KMC will be scenic but long. 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 D37 near Bitche to follow it through Lemberg and Goetzenbruck. Take a minor road to Meisenthal and the start.
Start: Salle des fêtes on Place de la Poste
Saturday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Miesau-Bruchmühlbach (66892) — Just west of Landstuhl and home to an Army depot, this walk is easily reached via the autobahn. Pretty trails are offered by a friendly club, as is (so I’m told by fans of it) a world-class pea soup. Use the Autobahn 6 exit for Bruchmühlbach-Miesau (11) and follow signs a short distance to the start hall.
Start: Turn- und Festhalle at Alte Straße 3
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 & 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (18 km)
Trail: Very hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

Saarlouis (66740) — While distant from American bases, this popular walk is interesting for its start location — the Ford Motor Company’s plant in Saarlouis. In addition to a variety of trail lengths, the club is playing host to its first marathon. From the KMC area, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and Saarlouis. Exit at Nalbach/Ford-Werke (12) and follow signs to Tor 4/Personentor and Parkplatz Ost.
Start: Halle B, Kantine-Bürogebäude on Henry-Ford-Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km), 7 a.m. to noon (30 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km)
Trail: Unknown but shorter two trails are stroller-friendly
Award: Ford F-1 Pickup Truck model (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon).

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 22-23

Gusenburg (54413) — This event is easily reached from Baumholder as well as the KMC. Gusenburg is located just off Autobahn 1 (heading toward Trier) and reached via the Hermeskeil exit (133) and a secondary road. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier to reach the Hermskeil exit (133) and the minor road to Gusenberg.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Vogtstraße
Saturday: 1-6 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 1-4 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods and fields
Award: None.

Siersburg-Saar (66780) — This event is northwest of Saarlouis and just this side of the French border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) to use minor roads a short distance to reach Siersburg and the start.
Start: Niedtalhalle on Zur Niedtalhalle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 15 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Walschbronn, France (57720) — This French volksmarching event is south of Zweibrücken and just across the border. The drive from the KMC should be fairly straightforward. 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 a minor road leading through Breidenbach to reach Walschbronn.
Start: Terrain de Omnisport
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26

St. Julian-Gumbsweiler (66887) — Reading this in Baumholder? Then relax after work with a Wednesday volksmarch offering late starting times and just-down-the-road convenience. There’s little reason KMC’s wanderers couldn’t make the starting time, too. From Baumholder, follow a secondary road along the border of the training area to reach B-420, then briefly head east to the start at Gumbsweiler. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Kusel and exit at Glan-Münchweiler (8). Take B-423 north through Altenglan to St. Julian and follow signs to the start in Gumbsweiler.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Friedhofstraße 4
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 29-30

Folschviller, France (57730) — This event is south of St. Avold and offers a variety of trails, to include a Saturday-only marathon. Volksmarchers will find the event is easily reached via Autobahn 6. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320 in France. Use the Carling (39) exit, drive through St. Avold toward Altviller, and connect with D20 to bring you to Folschviller.
Start: Centre Socio-Culturel et Sportif Marcel Martin
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 km), 7-10 a.m. (30 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) and 7-10 a.m. (30 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None (shorter trails) or patch (marathon).

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3

Trier-Ehrang (54293) — This midweek, German holiday walk benefits Cystic Fibrosis research. 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, begin by heading toward Freisen to use Autobahns 1 and 602. Volksmarchers in Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl will use Autobahns 62, 1 and 602 to Trier. Trier-Ehrang has its own exit off of Autobahn 602 as drivers approach Trier. Watch carefully for IVV directional signs.
Start: MPG/AVG Halle at Sichelstraße 3 in the Trier suburb of Ehrang
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods and fields
Award: Roman coin, and €0.95 of your start fee goes to the research.

WEEKEND OF OCT. 6-7

Holtzheim, France (67810) — This French volksmarch puts participants within easy reach of Strasbourg where one may enjoy a meal and some sightseeing. 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). Use D1404 to Otterswiller and D1004 to Ittenheim. Pick up minor roads through Achenheim to reach the start at Holtzheim.
Start: Salle de la Bruche
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF OCT. 13-14

Allenbach (55758) — Just up the road from Idar-Oberstein and Neubrücke is the event at Allenbach. From Baumholder, follow a minor road to Neubrücke, then north on B-269 to B-422 and Allenbach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4). Take B-269 north toward Morbach to connect with B-422 toward Idar-Oberstein and the start at Allenbach.
Start: Gemeindehaus on Hauptstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: From previous events.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17

Eguelshardt, France (57230) — This midweek event is southeast of Bitche and offers a long, but fairly pleasant drive to France that avoids autobahns. From the KMC, take B-270 south through Pirmasens, Niedersimten, Obesimten, Trulben and Schweix. Continue into France on D86B to Bitche, then pickup D662 through Stockbronn to reach Eguelshardt.
Start: Salle socioculturelle Wednesday: 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 OCT. 20-21

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — Too distant for most readers, this event is closest to Baumholder and Kaiserslautern. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the 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 the KMC, use B-420 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.

Neufgrange, France (57910) — This French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and Sarreguemines. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 to connect briefly with Autobahn 8 at Saarbrücken. Exit at Saarbrücken-Unner to head south on a minor road that becomes N61 in France. Use N62 toward Sarreguemines a short distance to connect with minor roads leading to the start at Neufgrange.
Start: Salle des Sports at Rue du Stade 7
Sunday: 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. 17-18

Cocheren Belle-Roche, France (57800) — This event is just west of the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and east of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via Autobahn 6. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320 in France. While the brochure suggests the use of exit 41, a review of Google maps indicates an easier method might be to use exit 42. Take N3 in the direction of Merlebach and D29 south to Cocheren.
Start: Salle Balavoine at the Place Ste Barbe
Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

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