Louisiana's Cajun and Creole Cycling Festival
Schedule:
Breaux Bridge - Henderson - Catahoula - Lake Fausee Point
The Routes Are 100% Paved Roads. However, You Can Ride The Tops Of The Levee If You Want Some Gravel/Lime Stone Riding In Your Day.
Main Route: 40mile /64 km
Long Route: 66 miles /106 km
SHORTEST ROUTE (W/ SWAMP TOUR): 22 miles /36 km
Shuttle services: Between hotels, Poche's RV and St. Bernard School. There are no luggage trucks today since we will be returning to St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge.
7:00 PM -9:00 PM - Microtel, Bayou Wilderness RV Campground, and Lafayette hotels to St. Bernard School
3:00 PM -11:00 PM - St. Bernard School to Microtel, Bayou Wilderness RV Campground, and Lafayette hotels
Ride overview:
Today you will be spending your time in America's largest wetland on your bike and by boat (McGee's Swamp Tours and Adventures). Lots of small narrow roads with varying traffic will bring you to the edge of the Atchafalaya River. If the mighty Mississippi River was allowed to meander then you would be sitting on the banks of the largest river in North America (2nd longest). If you want to do some gravel riding, you can jump atop the levees for outstanding views. We will be riding along the levees on the Atchafalaya Basin today. Some facts:
It is larger than the Florida Everglades
It's five times more productive than any other river basin in North America
About 65 species of reptiles and amphibians inhabit the Basin
Over 250 known species of birds fly in the Basin
Other species of animals found in the area include black bear, nutria, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter and raccoon
The Basin is home to the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south central United States
There are more than 100 different species of fish and aquatic life in the Basin
The Basin has an estimated average annual commercial harvest of nearly 22 million pounds of crawfish
The Basin contains the largest contiguous bottomland hardwood forest in North America and is the largest overflow alluvial hardwood swamp in the United States
Long Route: Continues South from Catahoula (Red's Levee Bar) to Lake Fausse Point State Park
Breakfast
Use Zydeco Buck$ to eat in downtown Breaux Bridge: Tante Marie, Cafe Syndie Mae, and Chez Jacqueline.
Also check out Cajun Market Donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth, they also ship King Cakes
On site is complimentary Starbucks coffee, Coca-Cola, water and Powerade for everyone starting at 7:00am.
THE CZ BAR IS OPEN 7-9 WITH BLOODY MARIES, MIMOSAS, and POINSETTIAS
Swamp Tours
8:00A - 3:00P: SWAMP TOUR IN HENDERSON BY MCGEE'S SWAMP TOURS and ADVENTURES. LIVE MUSIC BY HUNTER COURVILLE 10:30 - 1:30
Lunch
There will be a few options for lunch and snacks along the ride.
McGee's Swamp Tours and Adventures (ZB$) LIVE MUSIC from Hunter Courville
Food Trucks at McGee's - Cafe 20.3 on the bayou (ZB$) and …
Red's Levee Bar in Catahoula (ZB$) (Opening at 9a for us) with LIVE MUSIC from Forest Huval (11a-2p) -ON THE MENU - TBD
Pat's Fisherman's Wharf in Henderson
Rest Stops (Sag Stations):
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM: McGee's Swamp Tours and Adventures (All routes)
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Red's Levee Bar (All routes)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lake Fausse Point State Park (Long route)
Friday Destination: Returning To Breaux Bridge, La
2:00 PM: Shuttles start running between St. Bernard School, Lafayette hotels, Poche's RV, and Microtel Inn.
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Cycle Zydeco Bar is open at St. Bernard School.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Live music at St Bernard School Curly Taylor
11:00p: Shuttle service ends for the day. Consider LYFT or UBER for late night service.
Part Time Partier / Weekend Warrior Check-In
3:00p - 7:30p check-in for weekend riders at St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge. You can drop off your bike at St. Bernard School and Check-in, then drive and park your car at your Lafayette hotel and catch our shuttle back to downtown Breaux Bridge. For route options, lodging, and parking info, please see the FAQ page "What is Weekend Warrior?”
Dinner (Breaux Bridge):
Tante Marie Restaurant-Cafe-Bar (ZB$)
Cafe Sydnie Mae's (ZB$)
Buck and Johnny's (ZB$)
Moo Cow Moo (ZB$)
Chez Jacqueline (ZB$)
Once Upon a Wing (ZB$) - ice cream, candy, olde tyme drinks and boutique
