Schedule of Activities

Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18, 2008

Drink Plenty of Plain Water

Optional Bike Inspections--Choose a Reputable, Reliable Shop in Your Area

Friday, April 18, 2008
Drink Plenty of Plain Water

Optional Packet Pickup --4 p.m. to 8 p.m. New Roads, City Governmental Building, 211 West Main Street, 225/638-5360

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Packet Pickup & Late Registration 6 to 7:30 a.m.
(Absolutely No Packet Pickup After 7:30 a.m.!)

Drink Plenty of Plain Water

No Parking on Main Street, New Roads
6 a.m. Transition Area Opens at Morrison's Parkway Public Boat Launch

Bike Racking Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis

7 a.m. Body Markings
Make sure volunteers can read and know your race number.

7:30 a.m. Water open for swim warmups

7:50 a.m. Last Announcements from Race Start at Pier

7:59 a.m. Invocation

8 a.m. Race Starts

Drink Plenty of Plain Water Throughout the Event

8:10 a.m. First Swimmer Exits False River

8:45 a.m. First Cyclist Returns to Morrison's Parkway

9:15 a.m. Winner Expected to Finish

Post-Race Refreshments to All Participants & Volunteers
Awards & Door Prizes Presented 30 Minutes After Last Triathlete Finishes

Sponsors: We Couldn't Do It Without Them
Corporate and civic sponsors make events like the Louisiana Triathlon at New Roads possible; that's why we say we can't do it without them!

Key sponsors have given life to the Louisiana Triathlon. For their help and financial aid, we thank them and you should, too. Take a moment to note your sponsors and tell them thanks or better yet write your appreciation.

Thanks to sponsors, plenty of law enforcement personnel will be protecting the roads and waters. Helping in the task of protecting participants will be the New Roads Police Department; the Pointe Coupée Parish Sheriff's Department, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries , and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Thanks to sponsors and civic-minded citizens, there will be certified lifeguards, kyackers, and area boaters on patrol while swimmers complete the first leg of the event. Thanks to sponsors there will be good, visible markings throughout all three sections of the race. Thanks to sponsors, there will be a safe and functional transition area where athletes can park their bikes and prepare for the swim-to-bike changes and bike-to-run changes.

Thanks to sponsors there will be safe surface coverings for smooth False River entry and exit for the swim. Thanks to sponsors there will be adequate toilet facilities and a super post-race party. And of course, what would a race be without awards?

Your entry helps lots, but not nearly enough to stage a major event like the Louisiana Triathlon.

2008 Louisiana Triathlon Sponsors Make It Happen
Major sponsors for the triathlon include:
Keans, the Cleaners

EMCO Technologies

Associate sponsors include:
Dunaway Realty Company, Inc.,
Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Blue Cliff College
Mockler Beverages,
BR Tri Multisport Club
Louisiana Wired
The Multisport Report
Pointe Coupée Parish Office of Tourism

Thanks to Foxy's Health Club of Baton Rouge for allowing us to use extra swim buoys so you can see through the thrashing arms as you do the open-water swim.

Notes on the Race Course for 2008
The course used this year will be the exact course used the last year, including the point-to-point run route used for the first time in 2004. A map of each segment of the event can be found in website. In addition, there will be enlarged maps of the course on display at the Friday packet pick up and at the Saturday morning transition area. Triathletes are encouraged to review map details before arriving at the site so they can orient themselves on race weekend.

The roads used on the bike course have been resurfaced at last! Hallelujah! Still make sure your tires are checked and your spokes are properly tightened since there may be obstacles in the road we may not know about until race day. As always, we strongly encourage folks to have their bike thoroughly inspected and checked before racing. Bring fluids on your bike for the 30km (18.6-mile) course since there will be no water handups provided.

Runners are exposed to a good bit of sun on the course used in the triathlon. It might be a good idea to hydrate a bit more on the final miles of the bike ride as you prepare for the final run segment of the race. There will be water at the half-way mark (near False River Academy High School), but if it's hot you'll pay if you have not hydrated well enough.

History of Race

There have been other triathlons held in the New Roads area in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but they were produced by Jungle Productions based in Thibodaux. An early spring triathlon raced distances similar what the Louisiana Triathlon does now and a fall half Ironman-distance race was offered as a qualifier to the Canadian Ironman. Before the Louisiana Triathlon resurrected multisporting in Pointe Coupée Parish nine years ago, the last triathlon held in the area was in 1991.

Course Officials to be Stationed Throughout Course
Course officials and volunteers experienced in multisporting will be stationed at various points along the swim, bike, and run sections of the course. Rule violations will be assessed according to USA Triathlon rules for 2008. Participants within the parameters set forth by USA Triathlon may report rule infractions.

Top Prizes, Gifts Being Offered
In addition to age group and overall awards, there are a growing number of door prizes being offered to participants in the triathlon.

Several area restaurants and pubs will be giving away gift certificates and discounts to participants.

Award Categories Consistent with Other Events in the State
As of this date, awards for age group competition will be given in the following categories:
Overall male, female;
overall masters male, female;
under 14 (three deep male/female);
15-19 (three deep male/female);
20-24 (three deep male/female);
25-29 (three deep male/female);
30-34 (three deep male/female);
35-39 (three deep male/female);
40-44 (three deep male/female);
45-49 (three deep male/female);
50-54 (three deep male/female);
55-59 (three deep male/female);
60+ (three deep male/female).
Awards for relay competition are contingent on participation.

Law Enforcement Key to Safe Racing
New Roads Chief of Police Kevin McDonald and Pointe Coupée Parish Sheriff Paul Smith have once again teamed up to make sure that triathletes and spectators have a safe and fun weekend on False River.
Key assistants Robert Parrot of the Police Department and Clarence Thibodeaux of the Sheriff's Department have been meeting with their respective staffs to review details of all the courses where triathletes will be competing.
Lieutenant Ronald Morris of the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Department has been pivotal in providing a protected swimming area in False River and will have officers from his department protecting participants from water traffic not involved in the event. Tom A. McKinstry of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary will be helping with water safety this year.
Questions concerning roads or waterways should be directed as follows:
New Roads Police -- 225/638-9808;
Pointe Coupée Sheriff's Department -- 225/638-5400;
Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Department -- 225/765-2982; and
U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary -- tmckin1211@cox.net -- 225/603-1551

About Our Sponsors for 2008

Kean's the Cleaners

Dunaway Realty, Inc.
Dunaway Realty, Inc., based in Baton Rouge, was created by Z.C. "Zeke" Dunaway in 1969. At the time, the company was among four real estate firms operating in the capital city. It is one of the oldest continually operating real estate firms in the Baton Rouge area. The company works with 13 of its own sales agents in both commercial and residential real estate, serving customers in about five parishes. The company also works heavily with the Multiple Listing Service of the Baton Rouge area and through real estate web sites on the internet to serve customers wherever they are looking for real estate. Owner Dunaway is committed to community activities and has long been involved in numerous activities through service in the Lions Clubs of Louisiana.

Places to Stay in Pointe Coupée Parish
Lodging in Pointe Coupée Parish is limited and subject to change, so early reservations are encouraged.
Bergeron's on the Bayou, 225/627-9292;
Cotten Cottage 504-858-3062
Dunkin Inn, 225/627-6953 or Mary Denny 225/627-7155
Fishful Thinking, 888/248-5888
Neal's Cypress Inn, 225/638-8084;
Oak Tree Inn, 225/637-2590;
Jubilee Bed & Breakfast, 225/638-8333;
Pointe Coupée Bed & Breakfast, 800/832-7412 or 225-638-6254;
Sun Rise on the River Bed & Breakfast, 800/644-3642 or 225-638-3642;
Morel's Motel, 225/638-7177;
Pointe Breeze Motel, 225/638-3414;
Jim's R.V. Campground and Cabins, 225/638-6286
False River R.V. Campground, 225/627-4450.
There are also a limited number of private "camps" for rent. Call Ken Major Realty at 225/638-3310
For more information, call the Pointe Coupée Parish Office of Tourism, 800/259-2468 or 225/638-3998 or email TaraToney@pctourism.org

How to Get to New Roads
New Roads is located on Louisiana Highway 1 and 415. From Baton Rouge travel via U.S. Highway 190 west (Airline Highway), cross either of the Mississippi River Bridges out of the capital city and drive to Louisiana Highway 1, following signs to New Roads and Marksville.
From the northwest, travel via Interstate 49 to Opelousas and exit on U.S. Highway 190 east, following signs to Baton Rouge and then to Louisiana 1 to New Roads or Marksville. Racers from other points west can take Interstate 10 to Interstate 49 north and also exit at U.S. 190 east. Racers can drive to Louisiana Highway 78 at Livonia or drive on eastward to easy-to-miss Louisiana Highway 1.
From central Louisiana travel south on Louisiana Highway 1 via Marksville. From the northeast, drive via Baton Rouge or consider crossing the Mississippi River via ferry at St. Francisville (for $1 per vehicle). Ferry users should be sure to confirm ferry schedules at 225/231-4131. See area map.

Area Ham Radio Operators Helping
A number of Ham Radio Operators will be on hand for the Louisiana Triathlon in New Roads to keep racers safe and spectators apprised of the progression of the event.
There will be radio communication throughout the race to track the progress of racers and thoroughly communicate with all the law enforcement personnel working on the triathlon. Special thanks to the many HAM radio operators who have worked on all seven years of the triathlon. This year's key HAM radio contact will be André Legendre of Baton Rouge. If you know a Ham radio operator interested in helping, call them at 225/296-1750 x5310.

Fire Chief Helping Clean Underwater For Triathletes' Safe Lake Entry
New Roads Fire Chief Greg Johnson is joining the effort to make the event even better and safer this year. His crew of fire fighters are taking powerful fire hoses and cleaning the boat launch area Friday evening before the event.
By getting hoses underwater and blowing debris from the boat launch area, triathletes can be assured of a safe entry into False River. Last year there were a few incidents of cut feet from old cans and broken bottles.

2008 Logo - Being designed.

Massage Therapists to be at Race
Kathie Lea and her band of massage therapsists will be on hand to give triathletes short (but powerfully substantive) massages after the race. The massages are free of charge, but some of the therapists may be allowed to take tips.

Please Don't Park on Main Street
There will be plenty of parking available to participants and spectators, but race directors are not allowing parking on Main Street on the morning of the event. New Roads policemen will be enforcing parking arrangements and directing traffic.

Awards Must be Claimed Race Day
Any awards presented to participants must be claimed on race day. Awards not claimed on race day will be forfeited.

Late Entrants Pick Up T-Shirts
After May 29 in Baton Rouge
Participants who register on or after Wednesday, April 16, 2008, may claim their t-shirts at Dunaway Realty at 2325 Weymouth Drive near Hammond Aire Mall in Baton Rouge after May 29, 2008 and through June 30, 2008. No t-shirt mailings will be made to late entrants.

Plenty Places to Dine in New Roads
Bank's Seafood & Fried Chicken, 225/638-3666;
Best Burger's, 225/637-2174;
Big Boy's Drive-In, 225/638-8025;
Burger King, 225/638-5141;
Dairy Queen, 225/638-4707;
False River Seafood,225/638-7511;
Island Landing, 225/627-6881
Joe's Dreyfus Restaurant, 225/637-2625;
Magnolia Grill, 225/638-9064;
MaMama's, 225/618-2424;
McDonald's, 225/638-3877;
Morel's Restaurant, 225/638-4057;
Not your Mama's, 225/694-2110;
Papa's Chicken, 225/638-8270;
Paw & Paw's Cafe, 225/637-3716;
Pizza Hut, 225/638-9900;
Satterfield's, 225/638-5027;
Sonny's Pizza, 225/638-3333;
Subway, 225/638-6996;
The Diner,225/625-3663;
Tiger Drive In, 225/638-8501;

Notify Officials If You Drop Out
If for whatever reason you have to drop out of the race, please notify officials for safety reasons. All entrants who begin the contest must be accounted for after the event. Medical professionals and Acadian Ambulance will be on-site for any services participants may need.

Bayou Haystackers Kayackers Helping
The Bayou Haystackers Kayackers will be on hand helping during the swim portion of the race. Among club leaders is Mike Murphy of Kenner. Bayou Haystackers, including members from throughout South Louisiana, has contributed members' time and energy for all three Louisiana Triathlons.

Swim Caps Made Available by Pedal Play Bicycles
Pedal Play Bicycles of Baton Rouge will be providing this years swim caps. Pedal Play is a fitness retailer owned and operated by Scott Mackey.

Bike Checkups Strongly Encouraged
A good, thorough bicycle check up is a good idea before racing. Limited mechanical help, will be on hand for some on-site inspections and adjustments.
But a real inspection needs to be done at least a week before the April 21st event. Bicycle inspections are optional, but participants should take advantage of area bike shops for help.
Some of the other bike shops experienced in such inspections include:
-- Pedal Play in Baton Rouge
-- Bicycle Shop in Baton Rouge
-- Capitol Cylery in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles;
-- GNO Cyclery in New Orleans;
-- Red River Cyclery on Jackson Street in Alexandria;
-- Joe's Bicycles on Tulane in New Orleans;
-- Bicycle Connection in Jefferson Parish;
-- The Spokesman in Mandeville;
-- Babib Tri-Sports in Kenner;
-- Precision Bikes in Lafayette;
-- Johnson's Bicycle Shop in Lafayette.

Make Sure to Have I.D. When Registering !!!
When you check in at the on-site registration area to pick up your race packet, make sure you have current, photo identification with you. USA Triathlon insurance is getting stricter and stricter and requires that events organizers confirm that triathletes are indeed whom they say they are when they participate.
Those who are already USA Triathlon members should have their USA Triathlon membership cards with them also and must present them when checking in to pick up their race packets.

Basic Triathlon Rules Listed
While we are not going to split hairs so to speak in applying all kinds of rules and regulations, we do have important rules, which we emphatically intend for all participants to rigidly follow. All rules will be final and officially decided upon by a designated official who will be named at the beginning of the race.
If you have any questions about the rules which The Louisiana Triathlon employs, consult a USA Triathlon rulebook (which will be available at packet pickup and throughout the morning of the contest) and read this flyer before contacting a race official.

The following are some of the major rules which triathletes should know:
1) Race numbers must be worn during the Louisiana Triathlon, including marks-a-lot body markings. Relay members must pass race numbers to members of their respective teams in the transition area. The exchange area is where the relay member's bike is parked.
2) All participants must wear ANSI-approved cycling helmets.
3) Helmets must be buckled before mounting bicycles and must not be unbuckled until riders dismount in the transition area.
4) Participants are responsible for the safety of their own bicycle. There will be no bike inspections at the race site, though riders are strongly urged to have their bike checked the week before the race.
5) If you choose to drop out of the race for any reason let race officials know as soon as possible.
6) Drafting during the bicycle portion of the race is not allowed. Numerous volunteers who will be located all along the course, both on motorized vehicles and elsewhere will closely monitor the course.
7) Bike rack availability will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no assigned positions on the bike racks for participants.
8) Know the course on both the run and bicycle portions of the race. It is the racer's responsibility to follow the course, despite what volunteers and law enforcement officials may say or instruct.
The course is always subject to change depending upon local officials and weather conditions. Race officials will do everything possible to direct participants on the proper course.
9) Properly rack your bike in the place where you originally racked it after the bike portion of the race. Please respect others' equipment in the transition area.
10) Have fun! If you're not feeling well along the way, stop, take a break. There will always be another triathlon in which to participate. Listen to the signals your body sends you and act accordingly. USA Triathlon rule books will be available at the registration desk on race day. USA Triathlon can be contacted at 719/597-9090. Participants are responsible for knowing the rules to triathloning.
11) Say thanks to the volunteers. Volunteers are becoming fewer and fewer; they need a little expression of your thanks to keep them going, too.

False River's Good Chemistry Seems to Surprise Experts (reprinted from The Advocate Newspaper of Baton Rouge)
Although False River is not the pristine oxbow it may have once been, a few state biologists and chemists seem surprised at how clean the lake is.
In an Advocate article published in Baton Rouge several years ago, a number of biologists and chemists said usual contaminants plaguing Louisiana lakes and streams don't seem to have the long-term negative effects on False River.
Two bass, for example, were tested by the Advocate and showed less than the .001 part per million detection limit for mercury in their flesh. Most fish, particularly bass, tested from other waterbodies in the area showed many times that level of mercury in their tissue. Tests were conducted at a Northeastern Louisiana University laboratory.
Air pollution is probably the main source of mercury in contaminated streams in Louisiana, said Dugan Sabins, a biologist with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The mercury in the air dissolves in rainwater and enters streams.
Why then doesn't this mercury appear to be collecting in the tissues of the fish in False River?
A major factor is probably the lake's alkalinity, said Sabins and Emelise Cormier, another DEQ biologist. In waterbodies that are more acidic, mercury is far quicker to break down into methyl mercury, the form that can accumulate in fish, said Cormier and Sabins.
Whether a lake is acidic or alkaline depends greatly on the type of soil surrounding it and the amount and type of leaves that blow into it. The amount of sulfates and the hardness of water also make a difference in how well mercury is broken down by microorganisms to a form in which the mercury can be accumulated in fish and animal tissue, Cormier said.
Sulfate-reducing bacteria add carbon to the mercury turning it to methyl mercury, said Kevin Baer, an aquatic toxicologist with the Northeastern Louisiana Univeristy School of Pharmacy and Health Science.
While the nutrients that enter False River and create its occasional turbidity cause other environmental concerns, these nutrients may keep mercury out of fish tissue, since the mercury tends to bind to other substances in the water, the DEQ biologists said. The waterbodies that have the biggest mercury problems are often the ones with the prettiest, clearest water, Cormier said.

Help Keep New Roads Clean
Triathletes should remember they are guests to New Roads as are race organizers. The city of New Roads and the citizens of Pointe Coupée Parish would appreciate your help in keeping their area cleaner than it was when you arrived. Take a second to pick up an extra piece of trash after the race and certainly make sure you take care of your own trash as well.

Beneficiaaries from the Louisiana Triathlon at New Roads
The race is put on to help the Pointe Coupée Chamber of Commerce showcase the community and show folks from all over the country the best of the area.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds go to support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Medical Centers of West Africa, both Christian ministries.

Race organizers and city/parish officials are working hard to welcome you and make your event positively memorable.

Pointe Coupée Parish officials and citizens are once again rolling out the red carpet for athletes coming for the triathlon. Every effort has been made to accommodate participants and spectators. Please be equally considerate and thank area citizens for their hospitality. After all, we are guests in their town!

Don't forget to prepare for all kinds of weather. It can be moderate or it can be very hot in mid-April -- you can never really predict spring weather in South Louisiana. Be well hydrated, making sure you're steadily drinking increasing amounts of water and healthy fluids the week before the event. Get a good and secure bicycle helmet to use, keep your swim workouts steady, and don't neglect your running. Have a safe trip to New Roads and be careful in the race. Accidents can happen to anyone! Best of luck and God bless!

Sincerely,

Kenny Dunaway , Race Director
225-296-7490

Results of Triathlon to be Included In Louisiana Multisport Report

Results of the Louisiana Triathlon will be used in the compilation of age group awards in the next edition of the Louisiana Multisport Report. It is a once-a-year publication distributed free throughout the state to multisporters.
The focus of the publication is on statewide rankings of Louisiana triathletes, duathletes, RRCA runners, USCF competitive cyclists, and masters swimmers. Distribution is in late December or early January.

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