Bike Healdsburg Pedal Trolley Lets You Roll in Style

It’s a party in the streets of Healdsburg year-round, with the new Bike Healdsburg, a fun, dynamic alternative to walking or driving-based tours. The idea is great: a rolling cabana with bar stools and pedals, where up to 14 passengers at a time must use their foot power in order to get around. Guests can enjoy wine tours, bar crawls, history tours and exercise tours, or all-in-one adventures.

Go with a communal group and make new friends, or you can also rent the bike for private excursions, as a great way to admire special events like Healdsburg’s annual Turkey Trot 5K race, and the Plaza Tree Lighting party (St. Joseph Hospice Light Up A Life).

Owner Jessica Bangs custom ordered the novel bike from Spain, then added lights to the rim of the roof top, for an extra festive mood at night.

“We bought in Europe because beer bikes originated over there, and are very common and popular,” she said. “Having lived in Europe for a number of years, I wanted to bring some of its flair to Healdsburg.”

The most popular jaunt is the Wine Tasting and Nibbles tour, including three tastings paired with small bites ($99, all inclusive). Itineraries change, but the two-and-a-half hour ride usually features a visit to an gallery, stops at three wineries, and a tasting at Young & Yonder distillery and spirits tasting room, plus snacks like charcuterie, cheese and cookies.

“The bike is great, because everyone can be involved at all times, and it’s really interactive,” Bangs said. “It not only serves as transportation, but allows people to spend time outside enjoying the wonderful weather, being connected with each other and the community. Everyone loves it when you ride by, plus you get a little exercise.”

The bar crawl is another best seller, with three stops over one-and-a-half hours. Joints might include John & Zeke’s , Duke’s Spirited Cocktails , and Young & Yonder ($35, drinks sold separately). Like all the rides, the itinerary is flexible, since the company partners with more than 30 local businesses.

While all tours include narration of town highlights, the History and Architecture Tour focuses on the town’s many-storied homes and structures, ending at the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society  ($39, with 10% donated to the museum).

And for those wanting a bit of gentle burn, the Morning Exercise is an hours-worth of faster pedaling ($20). No worries, though, this isn’t speed racing, at about 5 mph, and with a motor to kick in when needed.

Keep in mind that drinking is not allowed, per city regulations, while on the bike (a difference from the European model). But that means the History and Exercise journeys are suitable for all ages, and Bangs recommends them for birthday parties, family reunions, and corporate retreats. Bring your own banners, balloons, and fun décor, too.

There are even four non-pedal seats on the bus, for folks who simply want to ride.

Details: 707-385-1477, bikehealdsburg.com.