Triathlon Capital of Louisiana
New Roads has been named the 'Triathlon Capital of Louisiana,' as it hosts 5
triathlons annually. False River Paddle Club volunteers water support at all
triathlons and continuously works with the residents, city, and local business owners to increase the number of volunteers at each event. FRPC also works with the City of New Roads to build an area attractive to triathletes, as well as locals for swimming, biking, and running. Below is a list of tritahlons:
RocketKidz Foundation:
Louisiana Triathlon - 800m S, 18.6mi B, 5K R
River Roux - 1.2mi S, 56mi B, 13.1mi R
Contact Susan Hayden to volunteer: info@rocketkidzfoundation.com
Fleet Feet:
Oxbow Triathlon - 800m S, 18mi B, 5K R
Tri New Roads/Du New Roads - 400m S, 12mi B, 2mi R / 2mi R, 12mi B, 2mi R
Big Cajun Tri - 1500m S, 40K B, 10K R
Contact Michelle Leblanc to volunteer: michelle@fleetfeetbatonrouge.com
New Roads Recreational Trailhead
In November of 2013, False River Paddle Club and Muddy Water Paddle Company partnered to create what is currently being referred to as the 'New Roads Recreational Trailhead.'
The proposed trail project will be located at Morrison Parkway, between Satterfield's and Morel's, consisting of a floating dock, trailhead, and bike lanes and/or signage. The City of New Roads has recognized the need for such a trailhead and improvements that they have initiated the project for the summer of 2014. The trail addresses several aspects of fitness and recreation for the community of New Roads, an area that is increasingly becoming a destination for triathletes, paddling, running, cycling, and swimming. In fact, New Roads was declared as the ‘Triathlon Capital’ of the state of Louisiana, as 5 triathlons are held there annually.
The dock being sought exceeds ADA requirements and includes wheelchair access to the entire set-up. Future expansion includes an ADA complaint launch for kayaks. The closest ADA compliant launch of it's kind is in Mississippi, 150 miles west. The current area is already handicap accessible up to the bulkheads, including restrooms in the existing parking lot. This system will include, but not be limited to, an ADA approved aluminum gangway, security wheelchair curbing, canoe/kayak launch with transfer bench and instructional signage, railing system for support and easy transfer from wheelchair, two benches, lighting on the dock, and safety ladders.
In connection with the dock, a trailhead at Morrison Parkway and several other improvements will be part of the New Roads Recreational Trail and Trailhead. The trailhead will include a map of swimming, paddling, running, and cycling routes, with bike lanes and rest/repair stations. Running/cycling stations within New Roads will include smaller trailheads and bike racks.
Bike lanes are a also a primary target for the project. According to frequent cyclists and triathletes of the surrounding area, the lack of bike lanes and signage creates a hazard for cycling. The focus of the bike lanes will include Hospital Road, West Main St., Parent St., New Roads St., and the areas and intersections within the bike route. ​Eager triathletes in the Lafayette and Baton Rouge area have joined forces with FRPC and MWPC in an upcoming event, sponsored by Louisiana Health Care and others, called 'Velo le Poste de Pointe Coupee.'
FRPC and MWPC also hosted 'Southern War of the Oars,' a paddle race for kids, families, and recreational and advanced paddlers and Velo le Poste de Pointe Coupee to raise funds for recreational improvement. The event is open to SUP's, kayaks, and canoes. All proceeds for the bike ride will go towards the implementation of bike lanes and/or signage in the New Roads area.
