Loyola’s athletic department and the Department of Student Involvement have teamed up and planned a series of excursions available to the Loyola community in a program called Get to NOLA.

Get to NOLA events this semester will occur monthly, and will include kayaking, movie night, horseback riding, haunted houses, ghost tours and more. On Saturday, Sept. 5, a group of Loyola community members gathered for the Get to NOLA event called the Original Creole Biking Tour and hosted by Confederacy of Cruisers.

The tour started down-river from the French Quarter and made its way through the streets touring the early 19th century New Orleans suburbs of Faubourg Marigny and the Bywater. Participants rode along Esplanade Avenue by antebellum mansions toward Treme, the residence of many popular traditional brass bands and social clubs.

Jeff Shyman, founder of Confederacy of Cruisers, was the tour guide. Shyman said he loves his job because of his passion for the city.

“There really is no place like New Orleans, and sharing it is what we love to do,” Shyman said.

Destiny Karash-Givens, environmental science senior, helped lead the bike tour, a first time experience for her. Karash-Givens said participating in the tour was one of the best experiences she has had during her time at Loyola.

“It was great to see so many students wanting to get involved in extra activities as well as learn about the city they’re going to be in for four years,” Karash-Givens said.

Courtney Williams, the associate director of Co-Curricular Programs, said this event and the whole Get to NOLA program was designed to benefit students through fun and educational experiences.

“The goals of Get to NOLA are to allow students to experience the culture and history of the city and to engage in alcohol-free, educational outings with Loyola faculty, staff and fellow students, and to help students explore the city safely,” Williams said.

Students interested in participating in upcoming Get to NOLA events can contact Courtney Williams at [email protected]. The next excursion will be kayaking on Bayou St. John on Oct. 3 from 4-7 p.m.