The (Volks) March is on

I can't tell you how gratifying it was to know something relating to sports that Terry had never heard of. I had to savor the moment because I know it isn't likely to happen again.

The sport (OK, recreational activity)I stumped him on is Volksmarching, and it's very popular in Maryland. In fact, there are numerous clubs around the state.

Volksmarching is a German practice that found its way to Maryland via the military families stationed there after the war. A volksmarch is literally a "people walk." It involves a scheduled time, place and route, usually wrapped around a theme involving another activity. It's non-competitive and not overly strenuous, usually about a 10K stroll.

Volksmarching is part fitness regimen, part communal experience, part entertainment, and part education. Those really into volksmarching go to sanctioned events regularly, picking up patches and pins to commemorate the completion of the course. Yes, some of them even wear those Tyrolean hats to display the pins. There is a genuine sense of community among volksmarchers because of the many experiences, many places they've shared at a leisurely pace

Volksmarching in Maryland can take you through the wine country or the many fairs and festivals held year round. The one I'm going on this weekend will be historic in nature -- a segment of the C&O canal. C&O canals walks have been scheduled so the entire route -- from Georgetown to Cumberland -- can be taken a stretch at a time over the course of a year.

So that's where I'll be this Saturday -- hoofing along the Potomac, hopefully with some of the Annapolis Amblers (if I can catch their carpool.) It will be a good opportunity to see the towpath, a national park that is a favorite of cyclists and runners in Maryland. Hope it's as shady as the Torrey.