Walking Events AND Programs

Empire State Capital Volkssporters welcomes everyone to our walks and biking events throughout the year. The group schedules and plans these events, and publishes an online calendar to help you find an activity.  The information here is general and applies to all walk and bike events.  Events are sanctioned by the American Volkssporters Association (AVA), and participants can collect points to earn distance walking and other recognition awards. Membership gives you access to the full online catalog to all of ESCV events.

Registration for In Person Group Walks:  Our members meet in person for the planned walks and bike events published on our online calendar, using the times noted below under Hours.

Hours: All walks must be done during daylight hours. Each event in this brochure lists times that the Start/Finish is open for walk registration.  General walk times for group walks (Wednesday/ Year-Round/ Seasonal) follow this schedule unless otherwise posted:

• January - April @ 10AM Start,  Registration 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM
• May - August @ 9AM Start,  Registration 8:30 AM to 8:55 AM
• September - December @ 10AM Start,  Registration 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM
• All year - Sunday or Holiday walks @ 1:30 PM Start, Registration 1:00 PM to 1:25 PM

Distance:  There are typically two (2) distances available for each planned walk - 5 km or 10 km, with detailed instructions available.

Refreshments and Restrooms: Unless noted in the individual event descriptions, restrooms are available at the Start/Finish and/or along the route.  Refreshments usually can be purchased from local businesses along the route.  Walkers are encouraged to carry water to prevent dehydration.

Sanction:  These events have been sanctioned for credit by the American Volkssporters Association (AVA) and the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV).  All events are conducted under the rules of these governing organizations.  By registering, the participant agrees to abide by these rules.  For each Year-Round Event (YRE) and Seasonal (SRE), one IVV credit/ stamp per event is permitted each day in your Event Book. Distance credits should be recorded in your Distance Book.  You may complete the route more than once for a Distance Credit in a single day without paying an additional fee.  Accumulation of events counts toward acquisition of IVV Achievement Awards (certificates, pins and patches).   Visit the AVA website for more information.

Fees: All Walks and Bike events are subject to a $4.00 fee.

IVV Books: May be available for sale at Group Walks for $6.00 each.

ESCV Awards: Some walks have "A Awards" available for purchase upon completion of the event.  These awards are either pins or bars and are $3 each in addition to the IVV walk fee of $4.00.  A Header (our Club emblem, which holds the "A" Bar awards) can be purchased separately upon request for $4.00. Contact the Point of Contact (POC) of the walk to purchase an "A Award" if available. 

Stipulations:  With registration for these events, participants accept the guidelines for AVA Volkssport events. 

• The event is open to everyone.  
• Children under 12 walk free and must be accompanied and under supervision of an adult. The adult must sign a waiver on behalf of the child. 
• Dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less and dog debris must be picked up. 
• Littering is not permitted, and smoking is prohibited in public buildings by New York, Massachusetts and Vermont state laws.  
• There are no refunds of fees.

Disclaimer: The sponsors of the event, ESCV and the AVA, cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items, damage, accidents or injury of any kind at any time. Every effort has been made to make these events safe and enjoyable.  By virtue of registering for these events, the participant agrees to these conditions.

Procedure for Non-Scheduled Walking:  Walkers may use an Online Start Box or a Physical Walk Box (where available) to complete a walk event at their convenience.

Online start box users:  This is an online option to participate in sanctioned walks. Participants must register using the AVA Online Start Box. When you register with the online start box (OSB), you deposit money into your walk account to cover the $4 participation fee.  You then select the walk you plan to complete, in order to get instructions. After completing the walk, you register the completion in the OSB to get credit for your walk book.

Physical walk box users: Complete a corresponding Start Card. Upon completion of the walk, pay the fee and obtain your IVV Credit stamp, and/or Award if applicable.  Place Start Card and fees in the provided addressed envelope and mail to the POC.  Groups of 6 or more are encouraged to contact ESCV to make special arrangements.

Additional Questions?  Please email ESCV