The Indianapolis Hiking Club

ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS HIKING CLUB

A Brief History

The Indianapolis Hiking Club was formed on January 23, 1957 by a group Hoosiers who liked to hike and work on conservation projects, like the completion of the Yellowwood Trail in Brown County. In the first year membership grew to 82 and the Club was thriving. The constitution the founders adopted stated the Club's purpose was "To encourage a love of nature through the promotion of outdoor recreation in the form of hikes and outings, and to sponsor other activities incidental to the foregoing". The Indianapolis Hiking Club, which recently celebrated its Golden Anniversary, has grown and evolved through the years, but has always remained faithful to the goals of the founding members.

For the first 20 years, the Club scheduled hikes only on Sunday. It also sponsored a Christmas party, summer picnic, social and business meetings and weekend overnights, often in conjunction with other hiking clubs. The first Trailblazer report (year in review) was published in January 1969, recapping the Club's activities in 1968 which was representative of the Club's early years. During 1968 membership rose to 165. Dues were $2.00 annually, plus $.10 a hike. It cost $.04 to mail the one page schedule. Only 52 Sunday hikes were scheduled, ranging from 1 to 13 miles with an average distance of 5 miles. Hikes typically drew 20-30 members and 10 or more guests and children. About half the hikes were to out-of-town locations we still hike today, including Brown County State Park, Morgan Monroe State Forest and Jackson State Forest. Hikers usually carpooled from the Indiana statehouse and the Board suggested that riders reimburse the driver $0.01 per mile. Members often enjoyed a cookout after a hike.

Other notable events in the Club's history:

1958 "Trailblazer" (little man with the hiking staff) becomes the familiar Club logo
1960 Eleven members hike 22 miles from Morgan-Monroe to Yellowwood
1963 Name tags adopted
1967 Started tracking member mileage. Sorry no credit for Club's first 10 years
1970 Board sets a goal of at least one 10-20 mile hike a month
1974 Bill Larrison coins Club motto "Happiness - A step at a time."
1975 Pets banned from hikes
1976 Win Pulsifer pens lyrics for official Club song
1978 Saturday hikes and multiple hikes on the same day begin to appear
1979 Tom Patterson, the Club's all time mileage leader, reaches 1,000 miles.
1979 First men's "Beauty Pageant" at Gnaw Bone camp
1981 Weekday hikes begin appearing in the schedule
1982 Club celebrates its Silver Anniversary with several major events
1983 First "self guided", set-your-own-pace hikes
1985 Club participates in its first German-American Volksmarch
1986 Ron Craig proposes a hike rating system, still used today
1987 Dues raised to $5.00 single and $8.00 for family
1989 Old tradition of collecting $.10 a hike is abolished
1989 Single day distance record of 41 miles set by 10 hikers
1991 Bill Murphy, first Club president, passes away
1997 Club celebrates its 40th anniversary
1998 First annual Club trip to Smoky Mountains National Park
2000 Reba Wooden develops Club Web site
2000 Single day distance record of 43 miles set by 5 hikers
2001 Halloween costumed hike, hay ride and wiener roast
2002 Carol Barnes completes the Appalachian trail for the 3rd year in a row
2003 Hikes scheduled in every Indiana State Park and State Forest and 7 states
2004 13,494 hikers complete 1,114 hikes, both records
2005 20 hikers complete 10 hike series across the state of Indiana (190 miles)
2006 Seven members set an incredible single day distance record of 62 miles
2007 Governor and Mayor declare January 23 "Indianapolis Hiking Club" day to recognize our 50th Anniversary
2007 Tom Patterson passed away after having accumulated a record 42,590 miles with the Club

The Indianapolis Hiking Club has been serving its members and the community for more than 50 years. We are larger and more vibrant than ever, thanks, in large part, to an inspired vision, the efforts of countless volunteers and many wonderful traditions. While the main goal has always been hiking, it has been the camaraderie that's kept the Club thriving since 1957.

The Club Today

As of October 1, 2007 (start of the Club fiscal year), the Indianapolis Hiking Club had 731 members, making us one of the largest hiking organizations in the country. Our members, who must be at least 18 years old, come from all races, creeds and national origins. We have slightly more women members than men. All age groups are represented and the median member age is above 50. Most members live in and around Indianapolis, but it is not uncommon for people to drive from as far away as Lafayette, Brown County and Illinois to a hike. Members who have relocated to other states often maintain their membership and the close friendships developed over the years. Many physically challenged long tenured members still participate in the social events. A large percentage of our members share multiple interests related to the outdoors and keeping fit and participate in other related organizations, such as backpacking and biking clubs, the Sierra Club, photography clubs, bird watching and conservation groups and the worldwide Volksmarch organization. Guests are welcome on all hikes as are children and grandchildren of members. Sorry, but pets are not allowed at Club events. To learn more about joining us, review how to become a member.

Hikes

Webster's dictionary defines "hike" as a long walk, especially for exercise or pleasure. Using that definition, the Indianapolis Hiking Club definitely "hikes" a lot. In 2007 the Club sponsored over 1,300 hikes. 13,460 hikers trekked 88,459 miles, making us one of the most active hiking organizations in the world. Hikes are scheduled every day of the year and everyone is encouraged to lead. In a typical week 30 hikes are offered, including morning, afternoon and evening choices on most weekdays and a variety of moderate and long distance options every weekend. Although spring and fall are the most popular seasons, a full schedule of hikes is offered in the dead of winter and during the warmer summer months, making hiking a year round activity. All hikes are rated as to speed, distance and terrain and a full spectrum of choices is offered each week. Moderate speed and distance hikes predominate (typically 5-7 miles at a 2.5-3.5 miles per hour pace), but challenging hikes (12-20+ miles at a 3.5-4 mile per hour pace including hilly terrain) are scheduled frequently. Most of our weekday hikes follow roads and trails in or near Indianapolis - Eagle Creek Park is a popular venue. Weekend hikes typically include in-town and out-of-town options.

In 2007, the Club visited most Indiana State Parks and State Forests, the Hoosier National Forest, the Knobstone Trail, Nature Conservatories and numerous rural communities. Seven overnight trips were sponsored, including the Niagra Falls area, Smoky Mountains National Park, Springfield and New Salem Illinois, and Cumberland Falls State Park in southeast Kentucky. In April 2007, seven members tied an incredible single day distance record of 62 miles (100K) set the year before. Rumor has it they will try for three in a row in 2008. Many theme hikes were also offered, including wildflowers, bird watching, monuments, concerts, restaurants, flower gardens and opportunities to learn more about the geography, geology and history of our great state.

During 2007 we celebrated the Club's Golden Anniversary with many theme hikes, including 12 nostalgic hikes from 1957 and 12 hikes to remember notable hike leaders from the past. Weeklong trips to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and South Dakota's Badlands have been planned for 2008. Click here to see a list of the future trips.

No matter where your interests lie, you will almost certainly find hikes on our schedule that are perfect for you. Check out the current hiking schedule on this web site and see for yourself.

Social Events

Although hiking remains the primary focus, the Club sponsors a Christmas party each December, a summer picnic, two General Assembly meetings, a wiener roast at Gnaw Bone Camp each fall and social oriented long weekend outings over Memorial Day, Labor Day and in mid-winter. Many hike leaders tack on pitch-ins and visits to museums, gardens, concerts and restaurants at the conclusion of a hike. Overnight hikes and out of state trips usually include organized social activities.

Many members enjoy a monthly Euchre Party on the first Saturday evening of every month. And the "lunch bunch" has been meeting for lunch for more than 30 years on the 2nd Thursday of every month after the morning hike.

Club Organization

The Indianapolis Hiking Club is a completely voluntary unincorporated association with no paid staff or officers. Although it supports a number of local and national organizations dedicated to hiking, conservation and trail maintenance, the Club expressly avoids actions or activities that might promote controversy or divisiveness, or favor any commercial, political, or special interest group. The Club constitution provides the organizational framework. A Board of Directors meets monthly and oversees all Club business (see Club Officers for a list of current Board members). All Club members are invited to two General Assembly meetings that are held each spring and fall. New officers are elected at the fall meeting and take office on October 1, which is when annual dues become due. A combination hike schedule/newsletter is mailed to all members every two months. The same information is also published on this web-site. Every fall, each member receives a Trailblazer report which recaps the prior year's hiking activities, including everyone's annual and lifetime mileage. Every January, a membership roster including addresses and phone numbers is sent to all members.

Current Club Officers

Following is a list of Indianapolis Hiking Club officers for the Club year beginning October 1, 2007. The President, VP, Pathfinders (schedule the hikes), Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors At Large are elected to a one-year term at the Fall General Assembly meeting. The incoming President appoints the other officers to a one-year term. If you would like to volunteer to be on the Board or serve on one of the Club's committees, please contact the President.

President - Ron Higdon
Vice-President - Cheryl Conwell
Pathfinder (weekends) - Jean Ballinger
Pathfinder (weekdays) - Ed Wright
Secretary - Judy Hackett
Treasurer - Mary Ann Layman
Directors at large
- Julie Litten
- John Lyghtel
- Joe Scherrer
- Linda Zappia
Conservation - Ron Craig
Membership (contacts) - Mary Williams
Membership (mileage) - Ellen Mutzl
Publicity - Susan Roberts
Publications - Bill Larrison
Social - Kathy Burch, Donna Chastain and Penny Edmondson

Member Recognition

INDIANAPOLIS HIKING CLUB ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Beginning in 2006 the Club instituted an Achievement Awards program to recognize members who have done exceptional things during the prior Club year, which ends on September 30. Awards are given in nine categories to members who accomplish measurable hiking and trail maintenance tasks, such as leading more than 50 hikes or hiking more than 1,000 miles in a year. Each year the award winners are recognized at the March General Assembly. To a see a description of the awards and a list of last years winners, click on Achievement Awards.

ALL TIME MILEAGE LEADER
We regret the passing of Tom Patterson, the Club's all time mileage leader, in 2007. During his incredible career with the Club Tom amassed 42,590 miles a record that is not likely to be broken.

SINGLE YEAR MILEAGE LEADER
In 2007 Glee Crowder hiked 2,721 miles - a new Club record. This averages out to 52.3 miles a week. According to Glee, she never did a hike longer than 10 miles.

SINGLE DAY DISTANCE RECORD

April 26, 2008 - For the third year in a row seven members tied the all time single day distance record of 62 miles (100K). They were Cathy Bridge (2nd time), Frank and Rita Bymaster (3rd time each), Sandy Fillinwarth, Anthony Povinelli (2nd time), Allan Roberts and Cindy West (3rd time)

April 28, 2007 - Seven members tie the 62 mile (100K) record set the prior year. They were Susie Blair, Frank and Rita Bymaster (2nd time each), Karen Chandler, Jeff Edmondson, Cindy West (2nd time) and Steve West.

April 29, 2006 - Seven members walk an incredible 62 miles (100K)from Washington DC to Harpers Ferry WV to set a new one day record. The record was set by: Cathy Bridge, Rita and Frank Bymaster, Bonnie O'Connor, Anthony Povenilli, Sukhbir Singh and Cindy West

October 29, 2005 - 50 mile distance record set by eight hikers: Cathy Bridge, Rita and Frank Bymaster, Bonnie O'Connor, Allan Roberts, Sukhbir Singh, Cindy West and Rory Wyss

November 4, 2000 - 43 mile distance record set by Rich Horan, Michele Kestle, Allan Roberts, Pat Thomas and Cindy West

10,000 MILERS
More than 35% of our members have hiked more than 1,000 miles with the Club. However, only 20 active members have achieved the impressive total of 10,000 miles. Here are our lifetime mileage leaders as of September 30, 2007:

    * Jill McFall         22,994
    * John Behrmann       19,435
    * Mary Lester         18,599    
    * Majorie Begeman     16,588
    * Allan Roberts       15,849    
    * Bill Larrison       15,633
    * Robert Begeman      15,009   
    * Rick Kinnaman       15,017
    * Michele Kestle      13,961 
    * Thomas Bowers       13,105
    * Tom Hollett         12,899 
    * Jim Griffin         12,624
    * Dennis Taft         11,641
    * Avis Shipman        11,429 
    * Marsha Hutchins     11,160
    * Genie Waltz         11,126  
    * Mary Hodges         10,726
    * Charles Hodges      10,713
    * Glee Crowder        10,649   Joined this select group in 2007
    * Mabel Easton        10,118   Joined this select group in 2007

1,000 MILERS
The following members hiked more than 1,000 miles in 2007:


    * Glee Crowder        2,721    
    * Jeff Edmondson      2,073
    * Jerry Heidenblut    1,753
    * Tom Patterson       1,662
    * Allan Roberts       1,639
    * Rick Kinnaman       1,450
    * Ed Wright           1,448
    * Cherie Voege        1,398
    * Jill McFall         1,323
    * Rick Maxwell        1,204
    * Ron Mutzl           1,203
    * Tom Hollett         1,184
    * David Kincaid       1,135
    * Bobbie Mattasits    1,119
    * Rita Bymaster       1,108
    * Ellen Mutzl         1,065
    * Ricki Jo Hoffmann   1,039
    * Donna Chastain      1,036
    * Joanne Applegate    1,021
    * Frank Bymaster      1,019

ACTIVE HIKE LEADERS
Without the efforts of our hike leaders, our Club could not exist. We would like to recognize the following members who led 25 or more hikes last year.

    * Rena Elsner          99 hikes
    * Glee Crowder         84
    * Jean Ballinger       67
    * Sukhbir Singh        62
    * Marsha Hutchins      61
    * Reba Wooden          61
    * Rich Peck            60
    * Rick Kinnaman        58
    * Julie Litten         54
    * Tom Patterson        54
    * Ed Wright            53
    * Donna Maurer         40
    * Mary Ann Layman      36
    * Jill McFall          36
    * Elaine Wright        35
    * Ricki Jo Hoffmann    32
    * Fran Leone           30
    * Ron Phillips         28
    * Bob Bedigo           27
    * Genie Waltz          25