What we’re about
This is a group for anyone that loves to walk and hike in the great outdoors. I started this group to explore the local trails and meet other outdoor enthusiasts. We have a short, local "after-work" hike every week or two, and an occasional longer (half-day or all-day) hike on the weekends to discover the trails and parks within an hour or two of Springfield. We also organize more adventurous hiking trips to Italy, Ireland, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland and Slovenia. We like to have picnics, trailside wine tastings, and ALWAYS an apres-hike bite to eat.
People of all skill levels are welcome, but you should understand the difficulty level of each hike before you sign up.
PLEASE READ OUR FULL DESCRIPTION BELOW BEFORE JOINING.
See you on the trails!
° The group leaders and organizers are not responsible for participant/member safety before, during, or after the events.
° When you arrive at the trailhead before the hike, please find the hike leader and check in. This will be very helpful to the leaders as that pre-hike time is busy for them as they prepare for the outing. Chasing each person down to take attendance, as everyone mingles and moves, is sometimes frustrating. So by finding them and checking in it will help them know who is there, who is late, and if there are any of the dreaded No-Shows.
For the Apres events, you will not need to check in. The leader will still be noting attendance, but it's much easier with everyone seated and not moving.
° The group leaders and organizers will do their best to post applicable park/trail information such as but not limited to: park address, parking or any entrance fees, trail conditions, link to park map, etc. It is each members' responsibility to obtain trail/park information before each event independent of the group organizer.
• Our leaders and organizers are volunteers and fellow participants, not guides. You need to come fully prepared with all your own gear, maps, etc. as if you are going out on the trail alone. Don't forget to bring water for all outdoor events. If it's HOT or we're doing a longer event you might need extra. Be sure to bring safety supplies and a trail map.
• You are responsible for your own cost related to any meetup activity. (Meals, travel, park entry fees, etc.)
• You are responsible for travel to and from our meetup events. The group organizer does not coordinate carpools. However, individuals are welcome to arrange carpooling as desired.
° Everyone hikes at different paces. Please know your limits. Everyone is at free will to start, stop, and turn around when they would like. If you're a couch potato that's new to hiking, perhaps you should start with our short, easy walks, and avoid the "moderate" or "challenging" hikes, lest you find yourself falling behind the others.
° Please bring your pals but have them sign up on this Meetup group first. This insures that all participants receive accurate information about our group and our events.
° We usually hike in the morning starting between 8am-9am, or in the evenings around 5:30 pm. Please be punctual as we will start on time.
° To join our group you must complete the member profile questions and include a current photo of yourself that clearly shows your face. We want to see you, so we can recognize you at our events!
° Outdoor activities can be dangerous and may result in injury or worse. You agree by joining to hold harmless all members of the Central Illinois Walking and Hiking Meetup Group to include our members, group organizers, and event leaders. By joining our events you assume all risk and are responsible for your own physical safety and your property before, during, and after the events.
• If you have any medical condition or limitation choose events that suit your abilities. Please insure you have your physician's clearance to participate in outdoor fitness activities.
• Always have I.D. and emergency contact info available. This should be on your person (in your pocket or a pack) during all activities.
• Meetups may be canceled in inclement weather, closed trails, poor trail conditions, insufficient participation, and a variety of additional circumstances. Please sign up if you plan to attend, and always check for updates before leaving home.
• You must RSVP for a hike or Apres Hike event you plan to attend. Be sure to change your RSVP if you find you cannot attend. RSVP's are important as they help the group organizer make plans and reservations based on the group size. Each time you RSVP for an event but don't show up, you will be flagged as a "NO SHOW". After three NO SHOWs you will be dropped from the group.
• Do not attempt to promote your own events, other groups, or sale of any type of product or service through our group events or online resources. Our meetup pages and additional web resources are available strictly to disseminate information about our group and our scheduled events.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS:
DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY WAIVER
Outdoor activities (walking, hiking, biking, running, camping, and additional activities) are understood to involve inherent risks. It is your responsibility to understand risk and take appropriate safety measures during all activities. By participating in this voluntary group, you expressly waive any and all claims that may arise from any of the activities planned, to include travel to and from and during the activity, and to understand the organizer, assistants, and group members do not assume liability for personal injuries, death, or destruction or loss of personal property. By participating in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer, assistant organizers, or group sponsors.
