Louisiana Outback Trail

[LaOutbackTrail]

For those of you who remember, I "ceased to spend my resources to continue the trail"... well, I'm back at it...
This time, I am trying to route up to Arkansas and the Trans America Trail. This information, instead of being the stingey bastige like I used to be, will be posted on ADVrider.

For those of you who are new to ADVrider, check this out. I have assembled a route that I orignally planned to circle Louisiana. I gave up on it for a little while, but have decided to continue working on it. The route extends (so far) from Leesville, La to Shreveport, La. Covering some 170 miles of dirt roads, trails. I will include in the route info different loops which are interesting, bypasses, POIs, campgrounds, and the things mentioned below.

I will post the routes in .gpx and .gdp formats. I will try to include gas and food waypoints. On here, I will also include the better restaurants to visit, as well as locations of motorcycle shops just in case.

All I ask in return for posting the routes, is that if you do ride the route, to post pictures here or a link to your ride report. Does this seem fair?

FOR SOME REASON, I have lost all of my route info, except the northern portion which I just rode.

Here is a pic to wet your appettite

[Dukeryder]

Keep up the good work man Keep us in the loop with maps and what not too!

[sixer]

Looks good so far, keep up the good work.

[Metal Doc]

[dutch peter]

Well it has been two years or so since I have been down that way, however this seems like an excellent reason to come back.

[Teeds]

I love LaLa Land.

Love NOLA too ... spent a week there one night.

Closest 3rd world country to us and they "almost" speak English.

I was married to a girl from Jeanerette for a while and always enjoyed the back roads there, alas, never on a bike.

Spent a two week honeymoon rambling about the state with another X, but that is a different story.

Please, please continue and be sure and post your "route". I have a buddy in the Raceland area with a DS bike that I need to con out onto the open road.

[GB]

Lookin' good.. for a minute I thought you were referring the Australian outback and thought maybe Katrina had blown it there!

[I.P. Freely]

Keep the pics coming, and post up the routes that you take. I use to live in Lafayette and would ride dirtbikes in Forest Hills, Red Dirt, and Cravens. I've recently switched to dual sporting and would love to ride down there if I ever move back or visit family.

[blackbirdzach]

I'm continually amazed by the quality of these Louisiana ride reports. My only exposure to LA was driving through it on the way to Houston. I'll add it to my list of places to ride!

Thanks for taking the time to share!

[onesaintsfan]

Man I am going to save this thread and give you a bump next time I am over that way. My In-Laws live in Anacoco, and I am always looking for some riding when over there.

[Adh007]

I like the new update format. It Looks great.
It makes me want to get out and start on the piece up here around Shreveport.

To those watching this project, we have routes up into Shreveport via Frierson, but the specifics are still being honed.

Also, we're working on a suitable route around Shreveport that showcases this corner of the state and then connects through the swamp trails of Bodcau and the piney hills of Claiborne and into Ruston. That's next on the to-explore list anyway.

I'm thinking the route should bypass in-town Shreveport, but have a spur that goes into town for those that want to use it as a stop. Maybe do a bit of a where to eat and stay in Shreveport if one is so inclined.

If it were me.. I'd keep riding and go camp at the Bodcau WMA or Lincoln Parish park.. But we've got to find you a route to get there first.. now don't we?

Stay tuned.

Also stay tuned for a possible website that updates progress and eventually has a way for folks to order maps and GPS info, if they're so inclined!

[badgerx]

Man I'm here in Lafayette, LA and have been doing a little exploring around here, but would love to venture out more. Can you post a couple of maps here?

[BDR1]

this looks like a fun summer trip.....

[LaOutbackTrail]

Originally Posted by badgerx

Man I'm here in Lafayette, LA and have been doing a little exploring around here, but would love to venture out more. Can you post a couple of maps here?

Originally Posted by adh007

Also stay tuned for a possible website that updates progress and eventually has a way for folks to order maps and GPS info, if they're so inclined!

I will be working on it during my coming spring break. Should be able to get North Louisiana and most of East La. My problem is going to be the eastern portion from the Jonesville area south.... a bunch of long straight flat roads....

[Adh007]

Originally Posted by LaOutbackTrail

My problem is going to be the eastern portion from the Jonesville area south.... a bunch of long straight flat roads....

I'm thinking that it's Louisiana... it is what it is, and that this trail should capture that, and if you're in the Mississippi Valley Alluvial plain and on into the Delta, then you're in the flat, fertile, rural heart of Louisiana. The home of the delta blues and all that famous food. It might be long and flat, but it has it's own scenic character and beauty.

Sometimes there's something very "Huck Finn Zen" about a long, straight, lonely, stretch of gravel or dirt that meanders along the Mighty Mississippi. While it may not be as exciting as clipping apexes along the old moonshine routes found in the north. If that's what touring the eastern portion of the state has to offer then that's what the trail should be.

34. Western Gulf Coastal Plain 35. South Central Plains 65. Southeastern Plains 73. Mississippi Alluvail Plains 74. Mississippi Valley Loess Plains 75. Southern Coastal Plain

Thoughts?

My first thought is I just started teaching 8th grade Louisiana history yesterday and It's already getting to me.