So anyway...winter is finally here, as evidenced by the accumulation of snow. We walkers do appreciate a well-shoveled sidewalk. Thanks to you all who ensure that a path is cleared and ice is removed. As I hit middle age, I find myself respecting icy sidewalks, especially when I walk at night, after the boys are in bed. As most humans age, we become more susceptible to a variety of injuries - from pulled muscles in various parts of our anatomy to broken bones or strained ligaments. Each of these injuries can lead to more serious injuries if not allowed to heal. I know from personal experience.

As an avid walker, I do find it difficult to ensure that I make time to ambulate with everything happening in life and all of the distractions about. But I know that if I make a commitment to pursue my pedestrian passions on a specific date at a specific time with a specific distance goal in mind, I'll be more likely to meet this goal if others are expecting me to be there.

So that's why, back in December 2005, I cashed in the pocket change I'd been collecting for several months and came up with the chartering fee to found the Washtenaw Wanderers Volkssporting (walking) Club, with all the benefits the American Volkssport Association has to offer. In founding the club, it was my hope to share my enjoyment of walking with my children. Not only do we walk, but we strive to plan some interesting routes that give a great overview of a community.

Last year, 2009, the club met its goal of hosting an event in or near each of the major communities in Washtenaw County. With the advent of 2010, we find ourselves the most prepared we've ever been with our annual event schedule. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you what we have in store for this year. You might consider placing these events on your calendar so as not to miss a great walk.

The Washtenaw Wanderers Volkssporting (Walking) Club will conduct 3 “regular events” in the city of Ann Arbor, each offered on one day only. A fourth “regular event” in Washtenaw County is under consideration, with the date and location to be determined. The club will also sponsor 7 “year-round events” in southeast Michigan, which can be walked any day of the year.

At these events, all members of the general public are invited to attend: families, groups, and individuals. Children in strollers, teens in wheelchairs, adults in walkers, and even those who are slow and rest frequently due to health conditions are encouraged to attend. Although the entire 5K or 10K route is the overall goal, there is no shame in calling for the sag wagon at the first checkpoint. Since these events are free, there is no penalty for giving the walk a try. Plus, any sort of participation permits walkers to earn the low-cost event award to commemorate the event.

Since they are offered on one day only, regular events are like a “party for walkers”, with anywhere from 50-500 participants spontaneously showing up to go for a walk. Hard-core walkers, known as Volkssporters, frequently drive a few hundred miles to attend an event, since they are attempting to accumulate a personal record of kilometers walked and/or participation at sanctioned events throughout their lifetime. Volkssporters attend sanctioned events worldwide.

I was first introduced to the concept of Volkssporting while living in Germany. I miss heading out into the woods for a vigorous 10K walk, followed by pea soup, a bratwurst, and a tasty German pilsner. In the early years of the Washtenaw Wanderers, we did try to recreate the party atmosphere by providing food. But spotty participation, due to unseasonably warm fall weather, added costs of health inspections, and the burden of time commitments caused us to reconsider this potential source of revenue. Although, as a Volkssporting club, we are not out to make a huge profit, but to break even and have enough to pay for the costs upfront for future walks. Perhaps in the upcoming years, when our club membership increases, tasks can be delegated and we'll reconsider offering food again.

When & Where: April 11, 2010 (Sunday), starting at the office of AnnArbor.com (301 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104)

Event Award: Life-sized Fairy Door Fridge Magnet ($7-includes AVA Credit if desired); AVA Credit only ($3)

Distances: The "Treetown 10K" and the "Fairydoor 5K"

More Info:

Description & Difficulty: This event takes walkers among the many fantastical architectural features found in Ann Arbor including: the known Fairy Doors in downtown Ann Arbor and the Old West Side, "Ferry Field" - where the ferries run, several dragons of varying species and dimensions (2-D or 3-D), the "Trollmen" of the Law Quad, a "Rampant Unicorn", Angels and cherubs - relatives of fairies and the “Toothfairy” - the nickname for the sculpture under the arch of the Dental School. This event is rated 1+ due to hilly terrain on city sidewalks (on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being easiest).

Safety Concerns: Please do not feed the fairies chocolate. Everybody knows what fairies are like when hopped up on chocolate. Dogs and rattlesnakes must be leashed and should be left outside of buildings.

When & Where: May 16 (Sunday), starting at the Museum on Main Street (500 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104). Free parking available at the Ann St./Ashley St. parking structure.

More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86671

Description & Difficulty: In conjunction with the Washtenaw County Historical Society, this walk will incorporate a narrative (downloadable to your personal listening device) of the historical locations and people who have lived in this town. The route takes walkers to Kerrytown, UM Central Campus, Downtown Ann Arbor, the Old West Side, and Lowertown. This event is rated 1+ due to hilly terrain on city sidewalks (on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being easiest).

Safety Concerns: Please ensure that personal audio devices do not interfere with awareness of vehicular traffic.

When & Where: October 10 (Sunday), Starting at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105)-please park on the lawn adjacent to the entrance

More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86672

Description & Difficulty: Celebrate the date of 10/10/10 with a 10K walk. The 10K route takes walkers on a tour of 10% (approximately) of the parks and natural areas within the city of Ann Arbor. Most of the 10K route is on dirt trails or park paths. All participants will see the rehabilitated raptors at the Leslie Science & Nature Center. On a scale of 1-5 (1 being easiest), both the 5K and 10K routes rate a 3 due to hills and other difficult terrain. Jogging strollers can make the trip. For those in wheelchairs, please contact Stefan Szumko at washtenawwanderer@gmail.com or 734-649-5024 for the preparation of alternate routes.

Safety Concerns: The trails may be muddy - be prepared. Dogs and rattlesnakes must be leashed.

These events can be walked any day of the year; using written directions available at the walk start point. Visit the AVA websites listed below to find out start point locations and contact information. Call the start point prior to your visit to ensure that you will be able to register and obtain the walk route since hours may vary seasonally.

Ann Arbor - Downtown More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86158 Route Description & Difficulty: Trail (rated 2) includes: Huron River, Historic Kerrytown District, downtown A2, University of Michigan Central Campus, & Nichols Arboretum.

Ann Arbor - Gallup Park/University of Michigan North Campus More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86140 Route Description & Difficulty: The trail goes through Gallup Park and along Huron River on mostly paved paths. The 10K also goes through University of Michigan North Campus & is rated 1+ for some gradual inclines.

Blissfield More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86049 Route Description & Difficulty: This walk is on city sidewalks & park paths through the historic town of Blissfield, Michigan, & along the River Raisin at several locations. Both the 10K & 5K trails go through Pleasant View Cemetery & Clara Bachmayer/Ellis Parks, & the small downtown, a haven for antique buffs. The 10K route explores additional neighbor-hoods north of the railroad tracks; the 2K extension provides further views of the River Raisin. The town has many Victorian, Queen Anne, & Craftsman style houses. Trail rated 1+.

Dundee More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86052 Route Description & Difficulty: Walk on sidewalks and park paths through this charming small town on the River Raisin.

Flat Rock (Oakwoods Metropark) More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86054 Route Description & Difficulty: Oakwoods Metropark features wooded nature trails and paved hike-bike trails (rated 1+). There are several picturesque views of the Huron River. Trail conditions vary by season and weather conditions. Difficult for wheelchairs and small-wheeled strollers. Please, no dogs.

Monroe More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86053 Route Description & Difficulty: Monroe is the boyhood home of General George Armstrong Custer. Walk through the downtown area, past many historical buildings, and along the River Raisin on a paved riverwalk, as well as a lovely green park near the river. Route passes St. Mary's Academy and goes through Woodland Cemetery. 2K Extension visits an 1812 Battleground. Trail rated 1+.

Ypsilanti More Info: www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=86051 Route Description & Difficulty: With the third largest historic district in the state of Michigan, Ypsilanti allows walkers to view diverse architectural styles integrated into the modern world, visit unique museums and shops, and experience diverse cultures. This walk is on city sidewalks and park paths through the historic town and is suitable for both strollers and wheelchairs. Trail rated 1+.

For more information about these events, please contact Stefan Szumko at washtenawwanderer@gmail.com or 734-649-5024.