Seasonal or Year Round Events

Seasonal and year-round events are self-guided events you can do at almost any time on almost any day.  Seasonal events (SYRE) are open only during specified months.  Year-round-events (YRE) are open all year.

Why Do YREs & SYREs?

YREs and SYREs are a great way to see an area around Washington or around the country.  If you travel, lookup YREs and SYREs before you go.  They usually show off a particular area and can be a great way of developing a sense of place or history, and a feeling for a neighborhood, city or area other than your own.

They also provide great walking opportunities when no traditional events are scheduled in your area or for mid-week walking alone or with groups. 

YREs and SYREs are sponsored by volkssport clubs, which pick out an interesting route, prepare directions and a map, and maintain a start location.   Like traditional events, YRE and SYRE walks are usually 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), but may be longer, and have a shorter route of 5 or 6 kilometers when feasible.  Similarly, bike YREs and SYREs are at least 25k (15.5 miles).

Where You Can Find SYREs and YREs

Information about YREs and SYREs can be found in the Northwest Pathfinder, on club websites, on the American Volkssport Association's (AVA's) website and in the Starting Point, an annual guide published by the AVA.  These sources will include the location of the event, a short description, a contact person,  the trail rating, and the hours and days that the start location is open.

Start Location

The start location is typically a facility, private or public, which has agreed to let a host club have space for a box or file cabinet holding the walk materials.  Common start locations include hospitals, supermarkets, delis, hotels, and retail stores.  Events can be done anytime the start location is open during daylight hours.  Check for holiday hours.

Remote or Mail-In Registration

Some clubs are using mail-in registration for YREs and SYREs in remote areas or where there is no possibility of a start location.  This will be noted on the AVA website.  For these events, the club website will have a registration/waiver form to fill out and mail to the club for each participant.  The club, in turn, will send you the walk directions.  When you complete the walk, you can obtain stamped insert cards or arrange to meet with the event point of contact to get books stamped.

"Walk Box"

The start location will have a "walk box" or notebook.  This might be a file box, file cabinet or even just a 3-ring binder.  The "walk box" contains the event registration form, start cards, directions and maps, and IVV stamps for event and distance books.  In some instances, this box or cabinet may be clearly visible near the front of the facility.  If you don't spot it, ask an employee for the "walk box".  Please be sensitive to the work priorities of the employee, and don't interrupt or delay other customers or users.  These facilities are hosting walks as a community service. 

How They Work

Detailed directions for doing the event should be in the walk box.  Fill in the event register, sign where designated, take a start card and/or directions, and do the event.  There may be a checkpoint question along the route, which the directions will describe.  Note the answer on the start card or direction sheet.

You may always participate in YREs and SYREs for free.  But you must always sign the registration/liability waiver.  If you participate in the IVV awards program, stamp your IVV record books and pay for the credit stamp when you've finished the event.  In some cases, the payment envelope is left in the walk box, perhaps in a locked drawer.  In other cases, the host club provides addressed envelopes in the walk box, to mail in the payment.  Please mail fees as soon as possible.