Walking is a necessary aspect of life. With age, regular movement takes on increasing importance to keep joints flexible and arthritis at bay. It’s an activity that requires no special equipment, offers social interaction and puts you in touch with nature and the community. 

“Be involved and active, both physically and mentally,” urged Karen Seay, 80, who has been a member of the Falcon Wanderers Volkssporting Club since 1992. 

Her active involvement in the club is the secret to her youthful energy. Currently, she serves as the club’s member at large. 

“The purpose is to promote physical well-being and encourage people to exercise in an outdoor environment without stressful physical exertion,” said President Terry Lunghofer, 77. A member of the Volkssporting movement since 1978, he has accumulated nearly 7,500 miles of walking over 46 years. 

Volkssporting, translating to “sport of the people,” began as a noncompetitive activity in Germany and has evolved into an international nonprofit with clubs in 40 countries. The Falcon Wanderers Club, founded at the Air Force Academy in 1981, boasts over 200 active members. 

Though you don’t have to be a member to participate, membership brings benefits such as a newsletter, monthly meetings, patches and achievement awards. 

“Participation in our year-round/seasonal events brings people together, and a benefit is the lasting friendships forged as we walk and talk,” Lunghofer enthused.

And the walks are educational.

“Learning the area’s geography, history, scenic by-ways, architecture and people who live there” motivates Russ Kester, 67, a Wanderer since 2003. 

Kester serves as the Falcon Wanderer’s trailmeister, ensuring the trail is safe and sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association. Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks and Fountain Valley are his favorite local trails. 

Walking events range from 5K to 10K, and participants receive a map and trail description. Since everyone walks at their own pace, the goal is to find an individual or a group that matches your speed. The club sponsors monthly walks and hosts 22 seasonal/year-round events in a broader area, from Salida through Colorado Springs to Fort Collins. It is one of over 400 clubs in the American Volkssport Association.

Treasurer Debra Hare, 66, who joined the Wanderers in 2014, brought her enthusiasm for volkssport from her experiences in Germany. She outlined the diversity of walkers within the club—slow, fast and fair-weather walkers. Walks can last up to three hours depending on the pace, and occasionally include stops at interesting sites along the route. Dogs are also welcome to join on a leash, and refreshments are available at the end of the hikes.

New walkers are always welcome. For more information, visit FalconWanderers.org, follow them on Facebook or call 719-648-3176.