1. Finding Walking Events

Walk at your own pace. Go as fast or as slow as you want. Run or powerwalk if you want to go aerobic. Stroll if you wish. Stop to picnic, shop, or sightsee if you want. Just be sure you can complete the trail by the official finish time.

How long does it take to complete a 10 km trail?
At a very easy pace, it takes most people 2 hours. If you are a power walker, you will finish in an hour and a half or less. More difficult trails take longer.

TRAIL RATINGS: What do the trail route/ratings mean? The following trail rating system is used to indicate the degree of difficulty of a trail for the AVA sanctioned walk.

	Part 1 – INCLINE/ELEVATION		Part 2 - TERRAIN
1	Very small hills or very little stair climbing. Probably suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Cumulative elevation gain from Starting Point: up to 200 feet.	A	Almost entirely on pavement.
2	Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Probably suitable for strollers. May not be suitable for wheelchairs. Cumulative elevation gain from Starting Point: 200 - 1000 feet.	B	A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
3	Some significant hill or stair climbing. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Cumulative elevation gain from Starting Point: 1000 - 2000 feet.	C	A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths or soft sand.)
4	Lots of significant hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain from Starting Point: 2000 - 3500 feet.	D	A significant part of the route is on very difficult terrain.
5	Many  steep  hills.  Cumulative  elevation gain from Starting Point: more than - 3500 feet.	E	The majority of the route is on very difficult terrain.

Examples

When determining elevation gain, if a route goes up for 50 feet and down for 50 feet and back up for another 75 feet, the cumulative gain would be 125 feet.
A route that is mostly on flat pavement would be rated 1A.
A beach walk would be rated 1C.
A route with moderate hills on well groomed trails would be rated 2B.

Precautions: (Please be aware that weather conditions will cause a variance in the trail rating. Inclement weather or an unexpected hot or cold day can increase the degree of difficulty of a trail, so each participant should adjust their pace accordingly). It is advisable to carry water to all walking events. It is possible to become dehydrated in cold weather as well as in hot weather. It is always the goal in the AVA to provide the participant with a safe and enjoyable event. You alone know your own limits.

5. Checkpoints

Checkpoints: There should be one or more checkpoints along the trail. Usually these are staffed by friendly club members. Take the time to have some water, maybe a little treat, and chat with them. Present your start card to be stamped.

Water: You should ask about the availability of water fountains along the trail before starting. It is a good idea to bring your own (filled) water bottle along to ensure you won't go thirsty along the trail.

Snacks: Checkpoints will often have hard candies or pretzels. Some start points also sell food. Bring snacks if you think you will get hungry. If you have any health problems, consult with your physician to determine how you should prepare for a two-hour walk.

Restrooms: You should ask about the availability of restrooms along the trail before starting.

Gear: Wear comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in. Dress for the weather. Layers are always a good idea - you will probably warm up once on the trail, but may want a jacket or umbrella.

6. Finish and Awards

Finish: Turn in your start card at the finish table.

Collect your award: Now you get your medal, patch, pin or other award if you registered for it at the start. If you didn't and now you want one, just ask for an upgrade and pay the fee.

IVV Record Books Stamping: This is where you will get your IVV Record Books stamped if you registered for the award or for credit. You may place the stamp in your distance and event books as many times as you complete the event, however, you must pay an additional fee for a new start card each time. 

If you bought a New Walkers Packet, open it and take out the IVV Record Books and present them for stamping. Be sure to bring your IVV Record Books to each event. If you forgot, ask about getting an Insert Card stamped. Never cut or paste in insert cards, send them inside your book later on. 

Info on Upcoming Events: You will be able to pick up brochures on upcoming events on the Information Table. If you forget, simply click on the Find Walking Events link on our web site to find details on future events.

Relax and meet new friends: We welcome new walkers and hope you take the time to visit with the club members and other walkers at the finish. Ask about how to join the local club.

7. IVV Record Books and Awards

IVV Achievement Award Program: Earn awards by walking events and distance at volkssport events worldwide. Redeem your IVV Record Books at milestones such as 10 events, 30 events, 500 kilometers, 1000 kilometers for a certificate, patch, or hatpin (if available) to display your achievement.

IVV Record Books: Record books are sold by the clubs at each event (if available). In the USA the Event and Distance books are $5 each, and are good worldwide. An incentive for new walkers is to buy the New Walkers Packet and receive the first set of (2) IVV Record Books at a big discount. You get both an Event record book and a Distance record book for a total of $5.00 from a local club/event. If you order online or from AVA Headquarters the cost is $6.50 (includes $1.50 shipping and handling).

Record Book Types:

Event Record Books: Stamped once for each event (no matter how many times you completed the trail distance). Redeem at milestones: 10 events, 30 events, 50 events, 75 events, etc.

Distance Record Books: Stamped once for each completion of the trail with the distance recorded. Redeem at milestones 500 kilometers, 1000 kilometers, 1500 kilometers, etc.

At each event, by paying a single credit fee or buying the event award, you get BOTH books stamped.

Completing a Record Book: When the book is full, please print your name and mailing address clearly on each book. Make a copy for your records and mail the book to the address listed on the front (to AVA for USA walkers). Be sure to then buy a new set of books at the next event to keep going while the AVA processes your books and sends you back your Achievement Award. AVA processing address: 1001 Pat Booker Rd. Suite 101, Universal City, TX 78148.  See AVA Record Book Guide for more details. 

Passbook: After you redeem your first record book, the AVA sends you a small passbook (IVV Record of Achievement Book) that you need to mail to AVA when redeeming completed books in the future. Don't worry about this when redeeming your first book - you won't have it yet! 

 

American Volkssport Association
1001 Pat Booker Road, Suite 101
Universal City, TX 78148

Office 210.659.2112     Fax 210.659.1212
Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST, Closed most Federal Holidays
avahq@ava.org
American Volkssport Association. All Rights Reserved.
Last Revision 8/9/12