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The Texas 4000 for Cancer Ozarks Route passed through Louisiana last week, riding over 316 miles during their four-day journey in LA.

The Ozarks Route is one of 4 routes in the longest annual charity bike ride in the world, the Texas 4000, riding for cancer on a 70-day journey across the country.

I happened to spot a group of bikers riding through Arnaudville last week donning attire with the phrase “Fighting Cancer Every Mile.” I’m familiar with several local charities in our area and this wasn’t one of them I recognized. I wanted to learn more about this group visiting our state and their mission. I didn’t get the chance to stop and chat as they were just passing through, but I was able to reach out to Angel, one of the development directors at Texas 4000.

The mission of Texas 4000 is to cultivate student leaders and engage communities in the fight against cancer. Each year, students from the University of Texas are competitively selected into the program. Through the 18-month program they participate in fundraisers for cancer research, volunteer in their community and train and plan for their mission before taking on the 4,000-mile bike ride.

On their journey through Louisiana, the Ozarks were generously hosted through donated hotels, churches in Lake Charles, the Mast family in Lafayette, a rider’s friend in Baton Rouge, and Brent House Hotel in the Oschner Medical Center in New Orleans.

Texas 4000 Ozark Route riders

Louisiana was absolutely amazing, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to pass through such a culturally rich and plentifully kind community during our journey. Also thank you to Rich who donated Cajun seasoning, it was delicious!

Angel shared that one of the riders’ favorite memories in Louisiana was the kindness and generosity shown by strangers, including the restaurant Zeus To Go, which provided them all dinner during their night in Lake Charles. The riders also had the opportunity to learn more about the impact of environmental factors on health disparities firsthand, in relation to cancer risk factors and treatment. Much of their bike route passed through Cancer Alley and the Mississippi River Trail.

During their journey the Ozarks will travel through East Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and into British Columbia and Yukon Territory before finally reaching Alaska.

Author

  • Courtney Jennings is a contributing writer with St. Landry Now since 2023 covering local events throughout the parish. She also runs the local publication MacaroniKID Acadia-St. Landry, an online publication and weekly e-newsletter on family friendly activities, local events, and community resources for parents.

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