Feature
September
23
Green Team
by Brittany Hebert
In a world full of chaos, turmoil and tragedy, it is refreshing to hear about people doing their part to make a difference in the world. The Green Team of the Bayou Country Cyclists ride extreme lengths to make south Louisiana aware of the importance of the environment. The team’s sole mission is not to hold titles or to win trophies, but to give back to the community and encourage others to become active members of society.
“Everything the Green Team does is for a cause,” says Cristiano Raffignone, creator of the cycling group.
The Green Team was initially started to give members of the Bayou Country Cyclists more time to ride. “The group wasn’t riding as often as we wanted to, so that’s when we started the Green Team,” Cristiano says. The team is divided into different classes according to the cycler’s maximum speed to suit various groups of people. The team welcomes anyone from beginners to advanced riders.
The most advanced class is Group A, which cycles at 20 mph or more on flat terrain and must be able to reach speeds up to 30 mph. Group B, the intermediate group, cycles between 15 and 20 mph, while the beginner group, Group C, cycles between 10 and 14 mph.
Members from many different lifestyles participate on the team, and all ages are encouraged to begin cycling. The majority of riders are male, but the team hopes to increase its count of female riders. Two of the female riders, Danica Breaux and Natalie Lindsay, ride among the elite riders in Group A.
2nd Annual Acadian “Courir-Velo-Courir”
Duathlon and 2-mile Run
Presented by Bayou Country Cyclists and
Bayou Runners Association, the duathlon is a
2-mile run followed by a 10-mile bike ride
followed by a 2-mile run. The event is being
held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The
individual 2-mile run is part of the first
duathlon leg (out & back). Register on the web
at www.active.com. Fees vary depending on which
events you choose to participate in. For more
information visit www.bccbike.org.
The Green Team rides every day beginning at daybreak, no matter the season. They have even ventured out in 32 degree weather. The main route the team travels is Bull Run Road, which connects to Highway 311. The route totals approximately 11 miles one way, and the team rides the road back and forth to create a 22-mile ride. On average, the cyclists ride 22 miles on weekdays and between 35 and 65 miles on the weekend, mostly along Highway 311. If they are training for a race, the team can be spotted riding around Lafayette, Madisonville or Mandeville.
The riders travel in large groups and wear bright colors to make sure drivers are aware of their presence. Many drivers do not realize that bikers have the same rights to be on the roads as they do. The fear of riding along with the traffic is one concern for riders, but the team typically rides on the side of the road to be safe.
The public should become aware of the Green Team not only for the sake of safety, but also because the team is focused on making a difference in the world any way they can. The team chose its name based on its riders’ desire to create an environment for Houma. The team’s main focus is helping the community and being the healthiest people they can be.
To learn more about the Green Team or the Bayou Country Cyclists, check out the organization’s Web site at www.bccbike.org.
