The river road north provides a nice curvy road that I take on most rides to the Baton Rouge area. I have expanded this route to include both the east and west banks of the river. There is very little traffic along most of this route. I decided to start and end this route in Vacherie heading south until Veterans Bridge, crossing the river near Gramercy. From there the route heads north to Baton Rouge where it takes the I-10 Bridge to get back on the west side to Port Allen. From there it heads south back to Vacherie.

Along the route are numerous industrial plants mostly on the east side. Riding along the industrial sections would not be advised in late afternoon when the shift workers would be getting off of work.

There are a number of Plantation Homes along this route. Among those are: Laura Plantation on the west bank near Vacherie, Poche Plantation near Convent, the remains of Tezuco Plantation which burned down years ago, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, Bocage Plantation, Hermitage Plantation. After crossing the I-10 Bridge and heading south are: Nottoway Plantation near White Castle, Oak Alley Plantation and St. Joseph Plantation near Vacherie.

Some of the country restaurants visited by members of the Bayou Bikers include: Hymels Seafood north of Convent, Latil's Landing Restaurant at Houmas House, Roberto's River Road Restaurant, Nottoway Plantation Restaurant, Grapvine Cafe on Railroad Ave. just off of LA 18 in Donaldsonville, and Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant near Vacherie.

Garmin GPX file.

Garmain PDF map and route directions.

As an alternative to following LA 20 to Vacherie, this route provides lots of curves and not much traffic with the exception of LA 20.

Garmin GPX file.

Garmain PDF map and route directions.

This route is a nice ride on backroads from the BMW dealership in Baton Rouge to Labadieville via Montpelier and Springfield. Once the rider works his or her way through the traffic of Baton Rouge through Denham Springs, there will be a lot less traffic.

Montpelier is the home of the Bear Creek Western Store, just a short distance west of the route on LA 16. From Montpelier, the route follows portions of the Louisiana Scenic Bayou Byway which includes LA 43 and LA 22.

LA 22 is widely know among the motorcycling community as a great ride. Running from Springfield down to the river road near Darrow, this road features lots of curves and bayou scenery. LA 22 has a number of sharp curves, so ride with caution. The same goes for LA 937 and 936.

There are a number of restaurants along this stretch of road where the Bayou Bikers have eaten. These include Lagniappe near Springfield, Charlie's not far from Lagniappe, Kevin's Seafood near Maurepas, and Swamp Pop Cafe, also near Maurepas.

Garmin GPX file.

Garmain PDF map and route directions.