Southern Tier, post Katrina

[tofubicycle]

I have yet to do specific research on my own (and I do plan to) --  I wonder if anyone here has ridden any of the effected areas of Souther Tier since Katrina? Is the route still as mapped?

[cyclesafe]

Adventure Cycling has a tour leaving from San Diego Saturday so you should get some detailed info by the end of April.  You should call Guy at Adventure Cycling for some info in the interim.

Last year I still saw the devastation from 2004's hurricane season in the Gulf Coast, so I imagine that after Katrina and the rest the few campgrounds and motels that remain are now full of refugees.

Last year the RV parks were full of people living there full time and working in the area, either in construction or because they were otherwise homeless.  The situation now is far worse.  I'd avoid the Southern tier east of Texas.

[Trebek]

Hi, I have an informal bike hostel on the Southern Tier Route.  A cyclist named Karen stayed last night who went through the Katrina/Rita areas a week ago.  Her pictures of the devastation are truly amazing.  There are enough places to stay and she didn't have any problems.  She stayed in rv parks because she was cautioned against staying on the side of the road, under bridges, ect..In other words..Go for it!
My hostel is in Bastrop Texas and will be open until June 1st, its free and open to long distance cyclists only.