Central Louisiana gears up for Le Tour de Bayou cycling event

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WTNZ) – Cyclists and families from across Central Louisiana are gearing up for the 14th Annual Le Tour de Bayou, set for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Kent Plantation House.

The community cycling event features routes for all skill levels, from a 2-mile fun ride to a challenging 101-mile course. Organized by Kent Plantation House, the ride begins at 3601 Bayou Rapides Road in Alexandria and winds through some of the most scenic areas of Rapides Parish.

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“Le Tour de Bayou is the primary fundraising event for Kent House,” said Director Alice Scarborough. “Each year we’ve seen more and more people register, and we’d love to see 500 participants this year.”

The event also includes a post-ride celebration with Cajun food, beer, live music, and family-friendly fun. All proceeds support preservation and programming efforts at Kent Plantation House, one of the state’s oldest standing structures.

This year’s event is sponsored in part by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority (GAEDA), with additional sponsorship opportunities still available.

Registration is open at BikeReg.com and will close at midnight on Sept. 19. Participants who wish to receive an official event T-shirt must register by Aug. 22.

Entry fees are $60 for the 101-, 69-, 40-, and 25-mile rides; $40 for the 10-mile ride; and $20 for the 2-mile Family Fun Run/Walk/Ride, which covers a family of four. Each additional family member is $5. All registration packages include a T-shirt, food, drinks, and access to the after-party.

Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kent Plantation House. Riders will receive a Blessing of the Bikes at 6:45 a.m. before the first ride departs at 7 a.m.

For more information, call Kent Plantation House at (318) 487-5998 or visit the Le Tour de Bayou Facebook page.