Ride For Rox: A St. Landry Parish Bike Ride

The Ride for Rox is coming up on Saturday, March 27, 2021. It’s an all-road bike ride through St. Landry Parish held every year at this time in memory of Roxanne Richard. Sign up now!

The ride starts and finishes at Bayou Teche Brewing. Food and drinks will be served after the ride. You can ride as far as you want. There are several distances to choose from. Ride as little as 9 miles or as far as 73. The scenery is beautiful and there are lots of rest stops within the route. These rest stops offer snacks and refreshments. And if you don’t have a bike, that’s okay! Bike rentals are available through the TRAIL office.

The first time I rode in the Ride for Rox, I didn’t own a road bike. I borrowed one from the TRAIL office. The prices are affordable. The bikes are available anytime. (Not just for the events. So if there is ever an exceptionally beautiful day and you want to cruise in the sunshine, rent one)

A year ago, I was new to long distancing bike riding and was a little nervous about cycling 30 something miles, but it’s actually easier than you think. The ride goes by fast. The fields, birds, and fresh air distract you. It is relaxing to pedal miles and miles down a country road. There is something fun about taking in Louisiana’s beautiful rural communities.

I recommend gathering up some friends and participating together. The last time, I did this event alone. A slight incline by I-49 and breeze had slowed me down quite a bit. I was on the verge of stopping on the shoulder. But a car appeared over the hill and was traveling toward me in the opposite lane. The lady in the driver’s seat was smiling and waving at me. I waved back. Her smiled gave me the energy to push faster over the hill. When I reached the rest stop at Lastrapes Nursey the guy offering me Gatorade told me that I just missed Roxanne Richard’s sister. He said, she likes to see the cyclists riding in her sister’s memory.

TRAIL is the nonprofit group organizing this event. The money from registration goes right back into community projects. TRAIL is dedicated to creating outdoor recreation. They are helping build more parks, trails, walking paths, bike lanes, and places to paddle. When you support TRAIL you are helping build something that you will probably utilize down the road.

TRAIL is always looking for help to run these events. If you are available to volunteer, please contact the TRAIL office. Volunteers have a great time. They get free food and drinks and a free shirt.

Sign up here: laTRAIL.org