Wonder South River Riders will be holding a “Levee Top Bike ride” at Tin Roof Brewery on Jan. 22.

Wonder South, created by University alumnus Jeffrey Roedel and his partner Jeff Beck, is a brand promoting Southern outdoor culture. Roedel and Beck also created a printed periodical journal that includes pieces by Louisiana writers. The pair partners with local craftsmen and artists to offer locally made handcrafted goods and products.

The brand also encompasses a makers space studio, outdoor adventures, events and educational programming.

As stated on its website, Wonder South’s mission is “to foster creative community, inspire bold stewardship of our environment and culture and to encourage daily adventure,” ultimately aiming to “[raise] awareness of conservation issues, such as our coastal land loss here in Louisiana.”

Wonder South tells its story through the viewpoint of nature. Last fall, Beck and Roedel published the journal’s first issue. They have plans for an upcoming issue to be released in the spring.

Until then, they urge everyone to come and enjoy live music, delicious food from City Pork Brasserie & Bar and Barbosa’s Barbecue and much more.

“The biggest thing we’ve done to plan is to communicate early and often with our partners on this to zero in on what people want and what’s maybe a fresh take on events in Baton Rouge,” Roedel said. “Reaching out to our friends at Bike Baton Rouge and talking directly to their great community of bike enthusiasts in the city has been really special, too.”

Beck said he believes that this event isn’t just one activity, but rather a “combination” of many things. One of his goals for the project is to bring the community together.

“First, Wonder South wants to always foster our great community and continue to develop relationships with people doing great things in the city,” he said. “We wanted to get the community together to experience some local makers and artists in an arts market.”

A few of the makers who will be included in the market include Agenda Trading Company, Damien Mitchell Design Co. and Hands Producing Hope, a nonprofit that helps fight and prevent poverty by creating jewelry and clothes.

The event is expected to be “a laid-back bike ride and casual Sunday afternoon gathering for Baton Rouge,” Roedel said.

Tin Roof is a “stand out [location] in Baton Rouge in wanting and implementing community events to gather the community together,” Beck said. “To partner with them is perfect in that we share similar desires for the community. People will feel that the event was a multi-level experience.”

Several bands and acts will be performing, including The Widowers and Peyton McMahon.

Beck said he believes the ride is special because “the patrons will have a strong sense of community and a noticeable effort to collaborate in multiple types of entertainment and fun. The gathering of local businesses and artists will go a long way in impressing upon the patrons that our great city is moving forward, doing great things, and fostering a great connected community.”
The event will be held from 2-5 p.m., with the bike ride beginning and ending at Tin Roof Brewery.