8th annual Cycle Zydeco starts in Acadiana

OPELOUSAS, La. – About 375 bicyclists from 37 states will be pedaling the back roads of Acadiana this week in the eighth annual Cycle Zydeco, a 200-mile sightseeing ride.

Tourism officials are asking motorists to be looking out for the riders.

"These cyclists will be traveling along our back roads at a leisurely pace so they can enjoy the beauty of our countryside. Please show our visitors respect and our famous Southern hospitality," said Celeste Gomez of the St. Landry Parish Tourism Office.

She said this year's riders range from 18 to 80 years old, with most from their 40s through 60s.

Riders return for Mardi Gras, the Zydeco Festival and other events, she said.

Gomez said about 200 riders participated in the first year, and it has become more popular every year. The tours include Cajun dinners, zydeco music and dance lessons, and a swamp tour.

"While it once took months to get 325 participants to register, it now takes just minutes for the maximum number of riders to register," she said.

Most of the publicity is word of mouth, and on bicycling Web sites and blogs, Gomez said.

The kickoff party, with a Cajun dinner and zydeco dance, is Wednesday night in Lafayette's Vermilionville tourist village.

Thursday, they go to Breaux Bridge, with a lunch stop in St. Martinville. They ride through St. Landry Parish on Friday, with a 10 a.m. zydeco dance stop in Arnaudville, a later stop in Port Barre and the last stop of the day in Washington.

Saturday's tour goes through Grand Prairie and into Evangeline Parish, with a stop at Fred's Lounge in Mamou, finishing up at Eunice and the live Cajun music variety show at the Liberty Theatre.

The final leg of the tour goes through Acadia Parish and back into St. Landry Parish, ending with lunch and a party at the Academy of Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau.

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Information from: The Daily World, http://www.dailyworld.com