Cycle Zydeco Countdown

[Aint Doody]

Whoa!!! After a few glitches on their website I finally got in! I think so anyway. Hope KB & Tulip have good luck.

[kaybee]

Congratulations! No such luck for me -- the website appeared to have crashed, and now it says it's full. I may try again Friday, but I'm beginning to think this ride is just too much trouble.

KB

[Aint Doody]

KB! I'm so disappointed. Please try again. I know they said they would only take the 1st 150 today. So there are more slots available for Fri. Should you try again on Thurs. morning? They definitely had problems with the website. When it was stuck after entering V/MC info, I called the 800 number. The line was busy and they have an auto-answering system. At least this year you can register 2 at a time. Tulip, don't hesitate.

Susan

[tulip]

I don't see where to register. I clicked on Registration, and all I get is the dates of registration--nowhere to actually register? Can y'all help me figure this out?

I emailed the Chamber of Commerce (Lafayette) for registration advice. I have a local last name from down there (my father's from Crowley), so maybe that'll help (!?)

[kaybee]

Here's the latest: I emailed and called; Nancy called me back, so I explained what happened, and she said she would see if anything could be done and call me back later. I just got home and had an email from Simone stating that they realize I tried to register, and that I would be sent a link later today, or tomorrow at the latest, that would allow me to complete my registration. Yay!!

If we get in the real challenge will be to find hotel rooms in Breaux Bridge and Eunice; Breaux Bridge sustained some damage from Hurricane Gustav and none of the hotels were taking reservations when I called last week, and the B&Bs are full. All the hotels in Eunice (all three of them) are also full. So, we may get to try Padre's Cycle Inn. I've never been camping!

Tulip, try again Friday, when they open it up to the public. They only take 350 riders, so it fills up really fast.

[tulip]

[snip]

Tulip, try again Friday, when they open it up to the public. They only take 350 riders, so it fills up really fast.

I will try on Friday. I have family down there so perhaps I can bother them for accommodations, maybe, although they would not be so keen on me and my SO sharing a bed (we're not married, although we are middle age, already-been-married folks!)

[Aint Doody]

KB, I'm so glad they're going to let you all register. Camping isn't so bad. With Padre all you have to do is show up. He pitches the tent and puts a completely blown up airmattress in. And he takes it all down. I just cannot justify his prices when I have my own tent and can do all that.

Tulip, KB is right. Be totally ready when they open the registration on Fri. Have your credit card in hand. Decide in advance if you want a jersey. I can't find a picture of it anywhere for this year, but they're always really different. They are designed by Vergie Banks, an artist from Lafayette. I ordered one sight unseen. If you want an idea of her style, google her and look at some of her artwork. She was influenced by Picasso. I love her Little Red Tricycle Series.

On Fri. when you hit "registration" all the info will be there. Good luck. Don't hesitate for one minute!!!

Ooh! We'll all have fun. I'll have to hang out with y'all, as I'm coming by myself this year.

[tulip]

I got an email from Simone (she seems very nice). She said the public registration begins tomorrow (Friday) at 10 central/11 eastern. She said she expects it to fill up in minutes. I'll give it a try!

If I don't get in, I'll just have to create my own tour down there.

[bmccasland]

If y'all fly into New Orleans - give me a call! I'm only a few miles from the airport.

And if you're driving through... not far off I-10 either.

[Aint Doody]

I'm planning to fly into Lafayette and staying in New Iberia with my wonderful friend Hazel Dupre Delahoussaye. She's a genuine "coonie." Her fabulous cajun accent puts my southern drawl to shame. Her voice is like a symphony from the swamp.

And, Tulip, Simone is really very nice. Even if you don't get in and are on the waiting list, contact her every week or so. She'll get to know you and may capitulate near the end. That's how we got my sister in last year when she was #7 on the waiting list. Good luck!!!!

[tulip]

I postponed my errands this morning to be here at 11 eastern time. I have Delahoussayes in my family, but they are everywhere down there. Thanks for the advice about keeping in touch with Simone. I'll give that a try if I don't get in.

[tulip]

I GOT IN!! Whoo-hoo! My house has no heat (renovation) and it's cold and I kept messing up with my typing because of cold fingers, but it appears that I made it. Thanks for all the good advice. I got jerseys for me and my pal, too!

My registration clocked in at 10:06 central. I just checked again (10:17 central) and it's already closed. Whew!

[kaybee]

Her fabulous cajun accent puts my southern drawl to shame. Her voice is like a symphony from the swamp.

That's exactly what I think about the accent -- I keep telling people it's like music to my ears! Of course, I've lost mine after being in Georgia for over 22 years, but when I retire and move back, I'm sure it will come back quickly!

By the way, we're in! We'll be driving; since I'm from the area, and we go home several times a year, we can do the drive in our sleep (and I think we have a few times!). We'll spend some time with the family in Jeanerette (only a few miles from New Iberia, "Queen City of the Teche").

KB

[Aint Doody]

I am so excited that we're all going to be there! I almost feel like this is sorority rush or something, and we all pledged the same sorority! I'd also been communicating with a lady from TX who chose my name at random to find out about CZ, and she got in, too. The stressful part is over, and we can now relax and plan to have a "bon temps!" Look out, crawfish, here I come!!

[tulip]

Is the route the same every year? Will the towns be different next year?