Janet Schaefer [05/21/2005]

To the editor:I would like to thank the staff of Eastern Mountain Sports in North Conway and the Jockey Cap Caf in Fryeburg for hosting the two 10K walking events now offered in the Mount Washington area. Because of their generosity in accommodating walkers, North Conway and Fryeburg now join 1,400 other locations across the United States that offer these walks. The walks are sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association, the Seacoast Striders Club of New Hampshire, and the Southern Maine Volkssport Association.These self-guided walks are open to all. To do the walks, simply go to the start points at EMS and Jockey Cap Caf and locate the walk box. Read the instructions about registering and pick up a map and written directions. You may do the walks at any time that the businesses are open, until Oct. 31. Please call ahead to find out their business hours. The volkssport idea came to this country with our returning servicemen and women who had enjoyed the recreational walking so popular in Europe. The idea is to participate in noncompetitive walking. The walks are designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and can be done at any pace. Dogs are welcome on most walks as well. The motto of the American Volkssport Association is "everyone's a winner."