Spring is back, baby! Get ready to ride!

With the exception of a little cold front pushing through later this week, the weather couldn’t be more perfect right now. This is truly the perfect time of year to get on a bike and ride. Thankfully, you’ll have a lot of opportunities. 

Daylight Saving will start on March 13, which means we can begin the story rides! We will alternate weeks with stops to local businesses in the area. And there’s no lack of new ones to check out. We’ll be going to the Hostel, Spoke ‘N’ Hub and BR.cade, to name a few. 

Our homebase also has some exciting news - the main building is now going to be open 7 days a week! Monday night will soon be Red Beans and Rice Monday with the Michael Foster Project. 

Lundi Gras served as the official announcement for the weekly event. The Michael Foster Project marked the occasion with a second-line parade that started at the Shiloh Baptist Church on Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive, went down 14th Street, and ended at the Electric Depot. They graciously invited our group to be part of the ride and share in the moment. 

Starting in April, you can catch the Michael Foster Project every Monday (sans the parade) at Red Stick Social (the main building at the Depot). The performance is set to begin at 6 p.m., so we will get the chance to catch a song or two before we roll out! You can also grab a plate of free red beans and rice. That’s why they call it Red Beans and Rice Monday! 

This event, though new to Red Stick Social, is not new for the band. They started this back in 2014 at the Roux House downtown, but that establishment has since shuttered its doors. The night moved a couple more times over the years and will soon become a regular feature in Downtown East, aka Old South Baton Rouge, which feels right. 

The area where the Electric Depot is located was once filled with music. In the early 1900s when that part of town was known as the Restricted District, musicians would travel by train from city to city and perform at the brothels along the way. Baton Rouge was no different and much of that happened on what is now 15th, 16th, and 17th streets - all within walking distance of the railroad track.

Then, in the 30s through the 50s, the rooftop garden at the Prince Masonic Hall bellowed out tunes from some of the greatest Black performers of our time. Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong were just a couple who graced the stage. People said the music could be heard for blocks (because there was no interstate back then, you see). 

Then in the 70s through the 90s, the block was in no short supply of tunes. There were plenty of clubs in the area, but one stood out among the rest, Tabby’s Blues Box! The iconic club moved downtown for several years after the building it had previously occupied was torn down to make way for the North Blvd. Bridge. 

And here we are, bringing brass back to the neighborhood. And did I mention the red beans? Yeah, it’s going to be a good time! 

Yellow Book Bike Tour

This ride is officially cursed. Twice I have been forced to cancel due to freezing temperatures. And now, it’s all warm and toasty outside, beautiful weather. It should be perfect for our ride on Saturday, March 12, right? 

WRONG! 

Remember that cold front I mentioned earlier? Well, it’s supposed to freeze this weekend. If you planted anything recently, go dig it back up.  

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a marathon this weekend! But runners and cold weather be damned, this ride is happening no matter what. But it’s going to happen at 11 a.m. rather than 9:30 a.m., because let’s face it, that’s just too many obstacles.  

So, come join me for a little education and perhaps a bite to eat when it’s all said and done. The meeting location is the Capitol Park Museum. 

News from Bike Baton Rouge

On Tuesday , March 8, Bike Baton Rouge is hosting another “Gears On Tap.” This is a monthly public gathering of bike folks to talk about… bikes! 

For those of you interested in learning how to lead a group social ride of your own, come join us on Sunday, March 13 at City Park. Meet outside the Baton Rouge Gallery at 10 a.m. 

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YEAH BIKE!