South Bay Striders
Are you interested in a way to keep fit that involves fun, friendship and fresh air? Would you like to explore new places and meet new people? Then the South Bay Striders may be just what you are looking for.
South Bay Striders (SBS) is a Silicon Valley-based walking and hiking club aimed at bringing together individuals and families who love the outdoors and enjoy participating in social, non-competitive exercise. We offer organized walks with 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) routes. Participants walk at their own speed, ranging from “power walk” to “leisure walk.”
SBS is a chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA), which offers non-competitive walking, biking, swimming and cross-country ski events throughout the US. “Volkssport” means “sport of the people.” Volkssporting originated in southern Germany and was brought to the United States in the 1970s. The first official Volkssport club in the US was in Friedricksburg, Texas. They held their first official walk in 1976. Since then, the AVA has grown to include more than 400 clubs across the US and Canada.
AVA clubs sponsor two types of walks, or “Volksmarches”: “Event” walks that are special, scheduled walks, usually drawing from 20 to 100 participants; and “Year Round” walks (YREs) that are available to members and guests to do any time. Many walkers track the number of events and/or the mileage they complete and receive patches and various awards for their efforts. Some set specific goals for themselves, like walking in all 50 states, or in every capitol city. Others just walk for the fun of it. There’s something for everyone.
One of the many benefits of Volksmarching is the opportunity to explore parts of cities, parks, small towns, and quaint neighborhoods that one often misses by car. Traveling to another city and want to get off the beaten path? Easy. Just find the local club in the Starting Point, which lists all the clubs and their walks in the US and Canada, email the contact person and you’re on you way to a new adventure.
If you are ready to get out of the gym, or off the couch and find a new avenue for fitness, we’d love for you to join us on the trail.