On August 22, the Pruehsners completed a walk of the continental United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, as members of the Rowan Roamers Volkssport Club, a chapter of the American Volkssport Association. AVA is a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports along with almost 30 other countries.

“Volkssport” is a German word which, literally translated, means “people’s”or “popular”sport. Volkssporting was started in 1968 by the International Volkssportsverband, or IVV.

Though Bob and Lois were familiar with the international organization through their son and daughter-in-law, William and Mary Ann, who are also volksmarchers, they did not join the Rowan Roamers until they saw a march taking place at a local park.

“We went to Dan Nicholas Park, one day, just to walk and, lo and behold, they were having a volksmarch there,”Bob says. “We didn’t even walk it for credit, we just walked. And we thought ‘We do these things anyway, so why don’t we just do it for credit?’ And that’s what we did.” And that’s what they’ve been doing for nearly four years.

“We’re health-conscious, and we’ve always been walkers. We take a daily walk together before breakfast, but he goes out before I do because Isleep 15 minutes later!” Lois says, laughing.

“But being in the club just gives you a spurt! When you join you think, ‘Oh, my! Just think of all the places you can go!’”

Volkssports include volkswalk, volkswim or volksbike, all of which can be done for IVVcredit. There are one- or two-day events with set start and finish times, seasonal year-round events which encompass a time period less than a year, as well as year-round events.

Participants can enroll in the IVVAchievement Awards Program by purchasing event books and distance books. Upon completion of specified milestones, maybe 50 events or 1,500 kilometers, the book owner is entitled to a free certificate, hat, pin and patch.

The Pruehsners took their first walk for IVV credit near Disney World in May 1996 and have walked everywhere from Montgomery, Ala., and Savannah, Ga., to New Orleans, La., and Kailu-Kona, Hawaii.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a Hawaiian vacation!” Lois admits.

And an opportunity to indulge in America’s extensive history. Though Bob says the conversations during the excursions is usually limited to the walk itself, they enjoy exploring and discussing the natural and man-made sights.

“We’ve especially enjoyed walking through older towns which are historic and have interesting architecture. We’ll have long discussions about it,”he says.

“And we like to look at flowers,”she adds.

“We don’t talk about other things on the walk. I mean, if you want to talk about the movie you saw, or something, you can stay home and do that,” Bob says.

Bob explains that to be eligible for their award, they had to participate in at least one organized walk in each state. But they went a step further and participated in organized events, like the Spencer Steamfest and March for Parks, for credit.

“In some states, we’ve only done one, in some, more than one. In North Carolina, we’ve done countless and we think the Salisbury walk is one of the best.”

They completed their walk of the 50 states in Boston. It’s quite a feat, says Rowan Roamers president George Sachno.

“It’s a major accomplishment for anyone in the Volkssport Association,” Sachno says. “What they’ve done is phenomenal for the short time they’ve been in the club.”

Sachno says the major theme of the club of better health through non-competitive walking and walking sports makes it unique.

“Everybody’s a winner! And we’re looking for more members,”says Bob, who, as the trailmaster, is responsible for laying out the trails for almost all of the club’s events.

And you might see the Pruehsners walking through your neighborhood in their shiny purple Volksmarchers jackets: They’re now working on walking all 51 capitals.

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