Government
Departments Recreation Programs Walking Club
Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volksmarch ClubWho: We are a group of people from Cape Breton Regional Municipality who enjoy the outdoors. We recognize that walking is a simple but effective form of exercise that enables us to discover the beauties of our island while increasing our personal health. What: 'Volksmarching' is what we call our activity. It is one of four sports supported and sanctioned by the Internationaler Volkssport Verband (IVV), or International Federation of Popular Sports, based in Germany, where members of the Canadian Armed Forces first encountered volksmarching. The other sports are swimming, cross country skiing, and cycling. Our club is affiliated with the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF), which is the national body. There are other clubs such as ours right across the country. The CVF is in turn affiliated with the IVV, and joins other national clubs in countries like the USA, Australia, and Finland, to name but a few. When: Our 'guided' walks take place regularly at about two week intervals, usually on Sunday afternoons. Other, self-guided walks, sometimes called 'Year-round' or 'Seasonal' walks are available to be done whenever you have the time and/or the inclination. Where: These YREs, as they are known, are also found in every province, all 50 states, and many countries around the world; so you could, if you wish, incorporate them into your vacation plans. Indeed, many volksmarchers plan their vacations around walking events in areas they have not yet visited. Cape Breton Island Hoppers have walked in all four counties of the Island, in such places as Middle Head Ingonish, Uisge Ban Falls near Baddeck, Port Hawkesbury, and Gull Cove, near Gabarus. Why: One of the mottoes of the CVF is "Fitness, Fun, and Friendship." That just about says it all. We walk to improve our fitness; we do it because it's fun, and we meet new friends along the way. Most importantly, volksmarching is non-competitive. We recognize milestones such as the number of walks completed, and distances walked, but these accomplishments are achieved at your own pace-if you don't feel like walking today, that's your choice; no one will try to coerce you. Our walks are usually of about 2 to 2.5 hours' duration, and the distance covered is a minimum of 10 kilometres, or about 6.25 miles. One of the first walking events we attended as a club was the Bridgewalk in May 1997, across the Confederation Bridge from PEI to New Brunswick. Most recently, we developed two walks in Louisbourg; one in the evening into the fortress itself, the other, the following morning, through the 'new' town and out to the lighthouse and return. Club dues are $10 per person per year, and families may join for $25 per year. The club's 'year' runs from January to December. Each guided walk sanctioned by the CVF costs our club $38-$30 for the sanction stamp, and $8 for insurance. The Year-round walks cost $108. These costs are partially defrayed by club dues, but also by a donation of $2 per person. This two dollar subscription is NOT mandatory-anyone can walk for free, but will not be awarded the credit for the walk. Club members are offered the privilege of purchasing a coupon which will allow them to participate in club-sponsored walks at a reduced rate. New walkers may obtain credit for their first five walks free of charge, to allow them to be sure they want to participate fully. Walk RatingsThe system of rating CVF walks has changed recently, to give a better idea of the difficulty of any given trial. They now consist of a number (1-5), indicating the incline, and a letter (A-E), indicating the type of terrain. The new descriptions are as follows:
If you'd like more information, contact us at: Interested in a walking list serv? Click here.
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