Listed below are eleven year-round walks that are available from January 1 through December 31, 2011. Also included are two seasonal bikes, which are available May 1 through October 31. All events are sanctioned by the AVA, and are eligible for AVA/IVV Achievement Awards. Credit fee for all events is $3.00; non-credit participants may walk (or bike) free, and are welcome, but must sign the event registration log and carry and return the start card.

Contact:         Regina Blake at 503-665-0950, or reggie_blake@yahoo.com.

Butler Creek – 10K Rated 2+  5K Rated 2 – YR 0595

Walk portions of the Springwater Trail to the Butler Creek Trail. Walk on paved streets and wooded trails passing over pedestrian and woodland bridges to Butler Creek Park and Butler Creek School, while passing small ponds, lakes and creek beds and walking in residential areas.

Walk Oregon Challenges:  Namesakes Walk (Gresham, Colorado), Waterways, Auditoriums, Lakes (Binford), Seasons, Libraries (10k only), Park Trails, Watering Holes, Walk Oregon Duck (G-Gresham), Forests, Oregon Counties (Multnomah) and K – Klub; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries (10k only); Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).

Start/Finish:  1011 SW Highland Drive, Gresham.

Driving directions:  Going either east or west on I-84, take Exit 13 (181st. Avenue). Go south on 181st. When you cross Stark St. 181st becomes 182nd.Go through seventh traffic signal at Centennial High School. Immediately after that signal, get into the right lane. Cross Powell Blvd. and turn into the Safeway parking lot on the right. From I-205 traveling south, take exit 19 (Division Street) and turn left onto Division and go to 182nd Avenue. Turn right on182nd and go to Powell Blvd .When you pass Centennial High School get into the right lane and cross Powell Blvd and turn right into the Safeway parking lot. From I-205 traveling north take the Powell/Division St. exit. Turn right on Powell and take it to 182nd Ave. Turn right into the Safeway parking lot. Please park in an outlying area of the lot. You can take Bus #9 Powell/Gresham and get off at Powell and Highland Drive and walk to Safeway. Ask at the Customer Service Counter for the start box. Water restrooms and snacks are available at Safeway.

Fairview - Salish Ponds - 10K Rated 1 and 5K Rated 1 - YR 1489

An exciting walk through three distinct areas: the new Fairview Village, a planned community of beautiful homes, Fairview Park which includes several larger-than-life carved statues, and a trail around the Salish Ponds, home to a variety of birds. The route also features the Old City of Fairview, including a small park, an old jail, and the original City Hall.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walk (Fairview, Virginia), Waterways and K – Klubs; Libraries (10K only); Covered Bridges; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries (10K only); Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon); AVA Challenge:  Covered Bridges.

Start/Finish: Wood Village Fred Meyer Store, 22855 NE Park Lane, Wood Village

From I-84 east or westbound, take Exit 14 from the freeway. From the west, turn right on 207th and go about 3-4 blocks to NE Halsey Street, turn left to 223rd Avenue. Turn right to Park Lane. Turn left with signal at Park Lane, and follow the drive to the Fred Meyer Store. Use the first entrance, with the address 22855 over the door, and Starbucks and Washington Mutual signs on either side. The start box is inside the store to the immediate right, through two sets of double doors by the produce entrance. 

From the east, exit the freeway at Exit 14 and turn left on 207th and follow directions above. Please park in outlying areas of the parking lot. Walk from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. Fred Meyer is open 7 a.m. to 11   p.m. daily. The store is closed on Christmas Day, and closes at 4:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and at 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Restrooms and water are available. Segments of the trail are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Leashed pets are welcome but scoop laws apply.

You can take Bus #12 Sandy to Troutdale and get off at Wood Village Shopping Center.

Gresham – Gresham Town and More - 10K Rated 1; 5K Rated 1- YR 0519

This revised route takes you through quiet neighborhoods, new and established, as well as part of the Springwater Trail. The route is mostly on sidewalks or trails, but includes some roadside areas. It is feasible for strollers, but wheelchairs would be difficult due to roadside areas, and some curbs may not be cut out. Restrooms and water are at the start/finish and at some locations along the route. Leashed dogs are welcome, but scoop laws apply.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walks (Gresham, Colorado); Walk Oregon-Duck (G-Gresham, Libraries, K – Klubs, Monuments, and Murals.  Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries and Bakeries; AVA Challenges:  Carnegie Libraries, Museums, Veterans’ Memorial, Historic Churches and Artistic Heritage.

Start/Finish: Best Western Pony Soldier Inn, 1060 NE Cleveland, Gresham

1060 NE Cleveland, Gresham, OR. Please use out-lying spots on Pony Soldier parking lot. Ask at front desk for start box. From the east on I-84, take exit 16, Wood Village/ 238th Drive. Turn left and follow this road to Division St. As you go up the curved hill 238th becomes 242nd/Hogan Rd. Turn right on Division St. and continue to Cleveland Ave. which is the next light after Burnside St. Turn right on Cleveland Ave. to the Pony Soldier Inn. From the west on I-84, take exit 16, Wood Village/238th Drive. Turn right and follow the directions above. From MAX light rail system, get off in Gresham at Cleveland/8th, the last stop, and when you leave the parking lot turn left and walk to Cleveland. Turn right and walk approximately 1 block to the Pony Soldier. You can take bus #9 Powell/Gresham TC, or bus #4 Division/Gresham TC and get off at Gresham TC and walk to start which is about 1/2 mile north. Restrooms are available along the route. Leashed pets are welcome. Please obey scoop laws.  Start box at Pony Soldier desk.   

Gresham - Walt Morey - 10K Rated 2; 5K Rated 1 - - YR 1482

This route provides magnificent views of Mt. Hood in good weather. You will walk through the newer residential areas of Troutdale. Wheelchairs and strollers are possible but not all curbs are cut.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Auditoriums, Walk Oregon-Duck (G-Gresham), Water Towers, Libraries, Namesakes Walk (Gresham, Colorado) and K-Klubs; Mountains; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries; Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).  AVA:  Hooray for Hollywood.

Start/Finish: Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, 24800 SE Stark Street, Gresham

Use driving directions and general information given for the Red Sunset walk. Daily, dawn to dusk.  The start box is in the hospital entrance area on the right.

Gresham - Red Sunset - 10K and 5K Rated 1 - YR 0687

Walk through neighborhoods and make a complete circuit of Red Sunset Park where you can do some duck watching and take a break at the gazebo. Strollers are fine, but wheelchairs could not enter the park by the 23rd Street entrance.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Walk Oregon-Duck (G-Gresham), Arenas (10K only), Auditoriums (10K only), Libraries (10K only), Namesakes Walk (Gresham, Colorado) and K-Klubs; Longview Border Crosses:  Worldwide Libraries (10K only); Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).

Start/Finish: Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, 24800 SE Stark Street, Gresham

From the east on 1-84, take Exit 17, Troutdale. At the second light turn left and immediately turn left again on Frontage road. Get into the right lane and continue on Frontage approximately 1/2 mile to the light and turn right onto 257th Avenue. Go south (away from the Columbia River) to Stark Street, and turn right. Turn left to enter the hospital grounds.

From the west on I-84, take Exit 17, Troutdale, stay in the right lane, and follow Frontage Road approximately 6/10 of a mile to 257th. Turn right on 257th and follow directions above. Please park in outlying areas of parking lot. The start box is in the hospital entrance area on the right. Water and restrooms are available at start point; food, water, and restrooms are also available along the route. Daily, dawn to dusk.  You can take Bus #20 Burnside/Stark and get off at Mt. Hood Medical Center.

Gresham - Springwater Corridor Bike - Rated 1 - 25K Bike –YRSB 0803

This gentle 26k bike route has 35k and 43k optional routes. This route will take you as far along the Springwater Corridor Trail as you feel comfortable in going.

AVA Challenges: Veterans’ Memorial.  Walk Oregon Challenge:  Bike Challenge and Monuments.

Start/Finish: Best Western Pony Soldier Inn, 1060 NE Cleveland, Gresham

Follow directions for Gresham and More, above. To give you the best biking experience possible, we ask that you register at the Best Western Pony Soldier and then drive to Main City Park, where you will actually start the bike. To get to Main City Park, turn left on Cleveland (from the Pony Soldier). Turn right on Powell. Turn left at the stoplight at Powell and Main Street, entering Main City Park. Go straight through the first parking area over the small bridge and park in the lot on your right. There is a restroom by the baseball backstop.  You can take Bus #9 Powell/Gresham TC or Bus #4 Division/Gresham TC and get off at Gresham TC.  You will need to go north about one-half mile to the start point.  From MAX light rail system, get off in Gresham at Cleveland/8th, the last stop, and when you leave the parking lot turn left and walk to Cleveland. Turn right and walk approximately 1 block to the Pony Soldier. You can take bus #9 Powell/Gresham TC, or bus #4 Division/Gresham TC and get off at Gresham TC and walk to start which is about 1/2 mile north. Start box at Pony Soldier desk.

Gresham - Springwater Trail - 10K and 5K Rated 1 - YR 1716

A walk with a variety of attractions, including a trail through trees away from city streets, walking through quaint downtown Gresham, past a pioneer cemetery amid a variety of restaurants, and through older, well-maintained Gresham neighborhoods. Leashed pets are welcome. Please obey scoop laws.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Watering Holes, Walk Oregon-Duck (G-Gresham), Courthouses (10k only), Waterways, Libraries (10k only), Auditoriums, Murals (10k only), Monuments (10k only), and Namesakes Walk (Gresham, Colorado) and K-Klubs; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries (10k only); Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).  AVA Challenges:  Veteran Memorials.

Start/Finish: Safeway Supermarket, 1011 SW Highland Drive, Gresham

1011 SW Highland Drive, Gresham. Going either east or west on I-84, take Exit 13 (181st. Avenue). Go south on 181st. When you cross Stark St. 181st becomes 182nd.Go through seventh traffic signal at Centennial High School. Immediately after that signal, get into the right lane. Cross Powell Blvd. and turn into the Safeway parking lot on the right. From I-205 traveling south, take exit 19 (Division Street) and turn left onto Division and go to 182nd Avenue. Turn right on182nd and go to Powell Blvd .When you pass Centennial High School get into the right lane and cross Powell Blvd and turn right into the Safeway parking lot. From I-205 traveling north take the Powell/Division St. exit. Turn right on Powell and take it to 182nd Ave. Turn right into the Safeway parking lot. Please park in an outlying area of the lot. You can take Bus #9 Powell/Gresham and get off at Powell and Highland Drive and walk to Safeway. Ask at the Customer Service Counter for the start box. Water restrooms and snacks are available at Safeway Daily, dawn to dusk, except for closure on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Start box is at the customer service desk.   

Portland - Glendoveer - 10K and 6K Rated 1 - YR 0173

The walk will take you through quiet neighborhoods on sidewalks and streets, including a two­-mile circuit of the Glendoveer Fitness Trail on bark dust around the golf course. Pets are not allowed at Glendoveer, but an alternate route is available. Although strollers are used at Glendoveer, the trail is not wheelchair friendly. (Note: You need to drive to Glendoveer Fitness Course at 148th and NE Halsey to begin the walk)

Walk Oregon Challenge: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walks (Portland, Maine), Golf Courses (10k only), Water Towers, Watering Holes (10k only), Forests (10k only), Flowers (10k only), K-Klubs, Libraries, Auditoriums; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries; Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).

Start/Finish: Gateway Fred Meyer Store, 1111 NE 102nd Avenue, Portland

From 1-205 northbound, take Exit 21A, turn right on Glisan Street to 102nd Avenue. Turn left on 102nd, and left on Pacific Street to enter the Fred Meyer parking lot. Please park in an outlying area. The start box is to the right of the 102nd Avenue main entrance.

From I-205 southbound, take Exit 21A, turn left on Glisan Street and follow directions above.

From I-84 westbound, take Exit 9 to I-205 south (toward Salem), and take Exit 21A Glisan Street. Turn left on Glisan to 102nd Avenue and continue with directions above.

From I-84 eastbound, take Exit 7 (Halsey, Gateway District) and continue to second light, turn right. Turn right again at the first light on 102nd, and then left into the Fred Meyer parking lot. Water, food, and restrooms are available at the start point. Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., except 4:00 p.m. closure on Thanksgiving, 6:00 p.m. closure on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas. Start box is just inside the 102^nd Avenue entrance on the right side.

Portland- Ron Russell School – 10k and 5k Rated 1 - YR 1490

This walk takes you to some of the hidden gems of mid-Multnomah County including the remodeled Mall 205 Shopping Center, and a bike path. Also included is a park within a park as you visit the Portland Memory Garden. This park for Alzheimer's victims is one of only eight in the United States.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walks (Portland, Maine), Flowers, Forests (10k only), Arches (10k only), Auditoriums, Antique Shops (10k only); Libraries, and K-Klubs; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries; Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Bakeries (10k only); Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon). AVA Challenges:  Americas Gardens; Honoring Law Enforcement.

Start/Finish: Portland Adventist Medical Center, 10123 SE Market Street, Portland

Use driving directions and general information given above for the East Portland Walk. You can take Bus #15 Belmont to the hospital.  Daily, dawn to dusk.  Start box just inside the hospital lobby on the right side by the arm chairs.

Portland - Parkrose Heights – 10k and 5k Rated 1 - YR 0427

This route is on paved paths, sidewalks, and one short section of bark dust. The walk goes through a college campus, two parks and in neighborhoods along a bluff with great views of Oregon and Washington along the Columbia River. It also provides scenic views or Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens in good weather. Suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walks (Portland, Maine), Flowers (10k only), Forests (10k only), Auditoriums, Water Towers (10k only), Watering Holes; Libraries, K-Klubs and Mountains. Longview Border Crossers:  Worldwide Libraries; Turn Around Trekkers:  COW (Oregon).  AVA Challenge:  Americas Gardens (10k only).

                                                                                                                                                                  Start/Finish: Gateway Fred Meyer Store, 1111 NE 102nd Avenue, Portland                                                          

Please use driving directions and general information given for the Glendoveer Walk above. You can take Bus #20 or the MAX to 102^nd & Burnside, and then walk north .3 miles to 102^nd & Glisan to Fred Meyer, or take Bus #15 Belmont/Parkrose TC and get off at 102^nd & Glisan and walk north to Fred Meyer.  Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., except 4:00 p.m. closure on Thanksgiving, 6:00 p.m. closure on Christmas Eve, and closed Christmas Day. Start box is just inside the 102^nd Avenue entrance on the right side.

Troutdale - Airport Bike - Rated 1 + - 25k Bike - YRSB 0723

A gentle ride running parallel to the Troutdale Airport and along Marine Drive. This route takes you from Troutdale to 122^nd and Marine Drive and then back again.

Walk Oregon Challenge:  Bike Challenge, and Lewis & Clark.

Start/Finish: Holiday Inn Express, 1000 NW Graham Rd., Troutdale

Use driving directions and general information given above for the Columbia River Gorge walk. The Troutdale bike starts from the Holiday Inn Express. Daily, dawn to dusk, except closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Start box at customer service desk.

Troutdale - Columbia River Gorge - 11K Rated 3; 7K Rated 2 - YR 0706

This historic and scenic area at the entrance to the Columbia River Highway is a natural for an enjoyable walk, which offers new and unexplored territory. You will be able to see the variety that the City of Troutdale offers in this walk. The Beaver Creek Canyon Trail and the beautiful Sandy River are featured on this event. The route includes sidewalks, walking paths, and some wooded trails. Strollers and wheelchairs are not feasible. Leashed pets are welcome. Please obey scoop laws.

Walk Oregon Challenges: Seasons, Oregon Counties (Multnomah), Namesakes Walks (Troutdale, Virginia), Lewis & Clark, Antique Shops, Waterfalls and K – Klubs, Museums, Monuments, Arches. Turn Around Trekkers: COW (Oregon). AVA Challenges:  Museums.

Start/Finish: Holiday Inn Express, 1000 NW Graham Rd., Troutdale

From the east on I-84, take Exit 17, Troutdale. At the signal light at the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right on Graham Road, then right into the Holiday Inn parking lot.

From the west on I-84, take Exit 17, Troutdale. Stay on Frontage Road approximately 5/10 of a mile, getting into the left lane.  At 257^th Avenue/Graham Road, turn left into the outside lane, pass under the I-84 overpass, and go straight ahead on Graham Road.  The Holiday Inn is on your right, just past Wendy’s.  The start box is at the registration desk.  Restrooms are available.  Daily, dawn to dusk, except closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Start box at customer service desk.

INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS

WHAT IS A VOLKSSPORT? A Volkssport is an organized, non-competitive event (walk, bike, swim, cross-country ski, etc.) designed to appeal to everyone. Walk events are usually 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and are rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult.

ELIGIBILITY: Anyone can participate. Volkssporting is a·family-oriented activity, and many parents carry infants in backpacks or push them in strollers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Many walks are also wheelchair friendly.

REGISTRATION AND FEES: All events are free. However, those paying the $3.00 credit fee and completing the course receive a stamp for event and distance on their IVV/AVA books and may purchase a unique commemorative award and/or hat pin. All participants must register, sign the waiver, and carry a start card, which will be turned in at the completion of the event.

STIPULATION/DISCLAIMER: The AVA and its officers, members or agents shall not be liable or responsible for, and shall be saved and held harmless for and against any and all claims and damages of every kind, for injury to or death of any person or persons, and for damage to or loss of property arising out of or attributed to the operations of events conducted by the AVA.

REFRESHMENTS: Water is available at the start point and usually along the route. However, we recommend all walkers carry their own water. Restrooms and food are available along many of the routes.

IVV/AVA CREDIT: These events are sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association (AVA), a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). Credit only is $3.00. "B" awards and hat pins are available at most start boxes. "B" awards are $1.50; hat pins are $1.00. NO REFUNDS.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE: DOUBLE YOUR EVENTS AND DISTANCE: During 2010, each Volkswalk may be completed twice for credit under the following conditions. Each walk must be completed between January 1 and June 30 to receive the "2010+" stamp. Between July 1 and December 31, these events may be completed a second time for the "2009" stamp.

BUS INFORMATION: Please call Tri-Met at (503) 238-7433 for exact times and bus numbers for service to the walk start points.

EAST COUNTY WIND WALKERS meet the second Thursday of each month, except July and December, at 6:45 PM at the Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center located at 24800 SE Stark in Gresham. Please join us for refreshments and fun - everyone is welcome. Check our website at www.eastcountywindwalkers.org for more information. We hope you enjoy all your events!!