Southern Breeze 2007 Summer Issue - (Page 51) Stopping for a breather at Olivier’s Grocery (opposite, left) outside Prairie Ronde. Scenes from Cycle Zydeco 2006 (left and above). Revelers dance to Cajun music every Saturday morning at Fred’s Lounge (right). Washington’s historic Camellia Cove routinely hosts cycling enthusiasts (right, bottom). THIS PAGE CYCLIST IMAGE COURTESY OF THE LAFAYETTE CVB Theater in downtown Eunice. This friendly little farming community in Acadia Parish is de rigueur among fans of zydeco and Cajun music, a heritage that’s preserved and interpreted at the town’s impressive Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. Other towns along the route fete the cyclists with special concerts and parties. “St. Martinville and Arnaudville provide zydeco dance lessons and bands during the lunch stops,” Joan says. And the event continues to improve—in 2007, organizers added a 30-minute Atchafalaya Basin swamp tour at McGee’s Landing in Henderson. If Cycle Zydeco has one drawback, it’s that it’s held just once a year and is limited to about 350 participants. People often ask why more riders aren’t permitted, but the logistics, especially concerning available accommodations, limit how many can attend. Participants may camp, either inside or on the grounds, at several public schools along the route (hot showers are available); this option is included in the registration fee. Or, at their own cost, they can book a room at an area hotel or inn. Cycle Zydeco blocks specially priced rooms at about 20 properties during the event and also provides free shuttle service to and from them. The options range from modern chains like Best Western and Days Inn to a handful of charming, historic B&Bs, including Maison des Amis and Bayou Cabins in Breaux Bridge, Potier’s Prairie Cajun Inn in Eunice, and Camellia Cove and the Country House B&B in Washington. “And remember,” Joan says, “Cycle Zydeco is not just about riding your bike. Bring a sense of adventure, a big appetite, and a desire to learn about Creole and Cajun culture. As we say in here Louisiana, Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” New Mexico-based writer Andrew Collins has been covering Louisiana for more than 15 years and is the author of Moon Handbooks New Orleans, the fully updated 2nd edition of which came out in March. create your own cycle route You don’t have to participate in the official Cycle Zydeco event to experience Acadiana’s top venues on two wheels. The Louisiana Office of Tourism operates a Web site, www.bikelouisiana.com, geared toward cycling enthusiasts. It provides amazingly detailed and helpful bike itineraries all around the state—including a four-part Cajun Country tour that closely replicates the route used for Cycle Zydeco—and links to cycling clubs, such as Acadiana’s own Cajun Cyclists (www.cajuncyclists.org). The one caveat is that there are no bike rental facilities in the region. This may change as biking popularity continues to grow rapidly in Acadiana, but for now, you need to bring your own bike with you before setting out on a tour of the countryside. Here are just a few of the most highly recommended attractions and businesses along the route: Bayou Cabins - 100 Mills Ave., Breaux Bridge, 337-332-6158 Bourque’s Supermarket - 581 Saizon St., Port Barre, 337-585-6261 Cafe Des Amis - 140 E. Bridge St., Breaux Bridge, 337-332-5273 Camellia Cove B&B - 211 W. Hill St., Washington, 337-826-7362 Country House B&B - 608 Carriere St., Washington, 337-826-3052 or 877-862-8038 Fred’s Lounge - 420 6th St., Mamou, 337-468-5411 (open only Sat., 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.) If you’re interested in signing up for the seventh annual Cycle Zydeco, slated for April 2008, log on to www.cyclezydeco.com or contact the LVCC at 337-232-3737 or 800-346-1958. Registration starts in November (exact dates will be announced in a few months), and it typically sells out within 24 hours. The cost per rider is $295, which includes tent or gym camping, meals, maps, nightly music, baggage transportation, and rider support. Liberty Theater - S. 2nd St. and Park Ave., Eunice, 337-457-7389 Maison Des Amis - 140 Bridge St., Breaux Bridge, 337-507-3399 Potier’s Prairie Cajun - 110 W. Park Ave., Eunice, 337-457-0440 Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - 250 W. Park Ave., Eunice, 337-262-2862 Steamboat Warehouse - 525 N. Main St. Washington, 337-826-7227 Summer 2007 51 http://www.bikelouisiana.com http://www.cajuncyclists.org http://www.cyclezydeco.com
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