different ways to reach your vacation destination

A day spent renting a bicycle and touring a beautiful location is a memorable occasion for adults and children alike. Here are a few considerations when contemplating renting a bicycle:  

• Standard Rental Bicycles - Here are some of the standard rental bikes that are available in local bike rental shops along with other attachments that may be rented in addition to the bikes:
  • Single Speed Cruiser - This is the standard "old school" style bicycle with one single gear that is controlled by the amount of pedaling the rider does on the bike.   
  • Seven Speed Cruiser - This is a faster, more professional model of bicycle that is available for rental. It has seven changeable gears for more or less acceleration when needed on hills and steep roads. 
  • Kid's Bicycle - This is a small single-speed, unisex bicycle with adjustable seats and pedals. 
  • Kid's Trailer Seat -  This is a small riding cabin that is attached to a bicycle to accommodate a small child or dog. They have zippered entrance and exit doors on both sides so that the child or dog is not hit by backsplash that may occur while riding. 
  • Infant Bicycle Seat - This is a standard infant seat much like those that are used in automobiles. The infant bicycle seat is positioned directly in back of the bicycle rider and sits on top of the rear wheel. Full-shoulder seat belts are attached and some infant bicycle seats have a fold-down bar in front of the seat for a child to rest his arms and hands.
  • Kid's Tag Along - This is a one-wheel bicycle for a child that attaches to the seat of a lead bicycle to make a tandem bicycle. A child riding this bike attachment sits on a regular bicycle seat and pushes the pedals to help with acceleration. 
  • Tandem Cruiser - This is a standard tandem bicycle with two sets of pedals that are linked together.  Both sets of pedals connect with the acceleration gears on the rear wheel and have lowered handle bars.
  • Mountain Bike - This is a bicycle built for speed and aerodynamics. The handle bars are lowered to place the bike rider in a racing position to lessen drag. Mountain bikes have standard 10-speed gears. 

• Standard Equipment - When renting a bicycle at a bike shop, the rental bicycles usually come with a small attached front basket in order to carry any items that are purchased while riding. The rental bike also usually comes with a metal locking chain and padlock so that the bike can be safely secured if the rider leaves the bicycle for some activity off the bicycle. Most bicycle rental shops give the renter a local map as a courtesy. Some bike shops offer organized group tours to guide visitors while riding their rental bikes. 

• Bicycle Rental Rates - Usually bicycle rental rates are by the full day and some larger bike shops may offer an hourly rate. Some bike shops in popular recreational areas will have another location where the rental bike can be dropped off instead of having to return it to the original rental location.  

• Insurance Considerations - The bicycle renter is always responsible for the bicycle and any other equipment from the time they are rented until they are returned to the bike shop. The bicycle renter must sign a Waiver, Release & Indemnification form to protect the bicycle shop if the bicycle rider is injured while riding on the rental bike. 

It is wise to carry a cell phone and the phone number of the bicycle rental shop in case the rental bicycle gets a flat tire or if there are any other unforeseen problems that arise. It is also a good idea to wear a hat if you will be in the sun. The most important part of renting a bicycle is to have a good time while riding and to take a few photos to remember how much fun you had.