Cycle Zydeco is an event organized by the nonprofit group TRAIL. This 5-day cycling festival usually happens in the spring but due to the pandemic, the festival was pushed to October. Many of us had been patiently waiting since April to ride our bikes around the countryside. I especially was excited. My sister and her husband drove down from Iowa. We had our camping and biking gear ready.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Delta appeared in the gulf and dominated the headlines causing fear, panic, and evacuations. We were quite disappointed. But then the storm was not scheduled to make landfall until Friday evening. The forecast predicted blue clear skies for the early portion of the week. Organizers decided to create a mini-event, calling it Cyclone Zydeco.
Riders met up at the TRAIL office to check-in, pick up matching jerseys, and dine on muffins. After everyone checked in, the group met up at Cafe 20.3 and took off on bicycles in the Lafayette great wide open. This group included people from New Jersey, Montana, Ohio, West Texas, and Iowa.
The course weaved down Evangeline Throughway, into Broussard and then St. Martinville. The curly road weaved through sugar cane fields, cattle pastures, and a bayou. The hot air was refreshing. After miles and miles in the sunshine, riders returned to the TRAIL office for beer, gumbo, and cupcakes.
Since forecasters predicted a slight shimmer of rain and cloud cover for the next day, a second ride was planned for Thursday in Arnaudville. Riders took off from Bayou Teche Brewing just after 8:00 am. The Cyclone Zydeco riders pedaled all the way to Leonville and back. The smooth wide road followed Bayou Teche. We passed a huge church, farm fields, stray dogs, and picked up boudin from Champagnes.
After the ride, and a few craft beers at Bayou Teche Brewery, the group had a late lunch at The Little Big Cup in Arnaudville. The portions were huge. I almost ordered a salad but then realized that I just biked 28 miles and needed Chicken and Waffles to regain energy. The crispy chicken breasts were served on top of a large Belgian waffle with a drizzle of caramel glaze sprinkled with pecans.
The Cyclone Zydeco participants ended the evening at Tante Marie Restaurant with supper and live music.
Although I only got to experience the mini-version of Cycle Zydeco, it was so fun. Everyone participating became an instant friend. I look forward to the main event scheduled for April.
Find out more and register for the next Cycle Zydeco event! Click here.
