We are Vaca Valley Volks - Our club is a member of the California Volkssport Association (CVA), which is member of the American Volkssport Association (AVA), and they in turn of the International Volkssporting Association (IVV). Our club was organized in 1986, and this year is our 30th anniversary. We have monthly meetings to discuss old walks and make plans for future walks. We meet every first Monday of the month at 7:00 m in the cafeteria conference room, Vaca Valley Hospital, 1000 Nut Tree Rd, Vacaville. Each week there are walks by our club, or other clubs, in which members may choose to participate. Most of our members come from Vacaville and nearby cities.
Volkssporting started in Germany and simply defined, is a personal fitness sports and recreation program offering noncompetitive walks, hikes, bike rides, swims, and cross-country skiing. You may choose your time to start within the start/finish and participate in the sport at your own pace. Walking, also called "volksmarching" is the most popular of all the activities.
There are clubs though out California, the United States and the world. We are one of several in the local area with which we coordinate with on a regular basis, ranging from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. Some of the clubs are : Bay Area Bandits, Sonoma Stompers, Sacramento Walking Sticks, Placer Pacers, Delta Tule Trekkers, and the Tahoe Trail Trekkers. You will note the cute club names - we are looking for fun, fitness and friendship
The main type of event we have is a walk. There can also be bicycle, swimming, snowshoe and boating events. We have two kinds of walks - Traditional walks and Year Round Walks (YRE's).
Traditional Walks
a specific club plans 5K and 10K walks in their local area. Individual clubs know their area the best are able to set up events based on points of interest. They set up the route, get it approved and invite all of the other clubs. It is held on a specific date and the sponsoring club is present to register walkers and stamp their books. Walkers may normally start between 9:00am and noon, walk at their own pace and complete by 4:00pm. Clubs normally sponsor 2-4 walks a year. CVA coordinates with the clubs in a region to make sure they don't schedule walks for the same day and compete for walkers.
Year Round Events YRE
The route is set up in the same way and a start point is identified by the sponsoring club. At the start point (normally a business) there is a Walk box, with instructions for the walk, a stamp for your books and an envelope for walk fees. Single or groups of walkers walk on their own at any time.
Do I have to join a club?
Clubs welcome new members, but you don't have to join a club to participate. All events are open to the public.
How far do you walk?
The majority of the walks are 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Occasionally there are walks of longer distances. Many clubs also offer an optional route of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) for handicapped walkers, beginners or anyone who cannot walk, or does not want to walk, the longer distance.
How much time do I have to finish the walk?
The sponsoring club determines the start and finish time; however ample time is provided. Most clubs have a starting time of 8:00 AM to noon or 1:00 PM with a finish time of 3:00 or 4:00 PM. You can start at 8:00 AM, sightsee, have lunch along the way or do whatever you want just so you finish by the 3:00 or 4:00 finish time.
Are there any awards?
Many clubs offer a medal or patch as a token of the walk and to show that you have completed it. There is also an Individual Achievement Award Program. You can purchase Distance Record Books and Event Record Books for $5.00 each. If you register for the event award or pay the credit fee ($3.00), the event and distance you walked are entered in the Record Books. After milestones such as 10 events, 30 events, 50 events, 500 kilometers, 1000 kilometers, etc. you send your books to the American Volkssport Association and receive a Certificate of Achievement, a patch and a hatpin, and your accomplishment is printed in the American Wanderer, our national publication.
What is a New Walker packet?
A New Member packet is a real bargain to get you started in volkssporting. You purchase these packets for $5.00 at any walk. This packet includes your first event book which is good for your first ten events; your first distance book which is good for your first 500 kilometers, three coupons for free credit at your first three events; and other coupons and information.
How much does it cost to walk?
Most clubs allow you to walk free if no "credit" is desired. (If you are keeping Event and Distance Record Books, you are walking for credit.) You can walk for "credit only" for $3.00. If the sponsoring club offers a patch or medal, the medal and "credit" is usually $7.00 or less.
