Goodness gracious, I had never so much as stepped foot on a Segway before accepting a call to join a test run of brand new enterprise Segway Tours of Petaluma. Neither, apparently, had fellow adventurer, Linda, pictured above at the start of our intructory session with entrepreneur Jeff Maine of Petaluma Historical and Educational Tours, LLC.
Segway Tours of Petaluma currently offers three tour options in addition to private party events and corporate team building:
Historic Downtown Tour
Historic Downtown & Heritage Home Tour
Shollenberger Nature Tour
I took the Historic Downtown & Heritage Home Tour, starting off and finishing up at the Vistors Center/Arts Center parking lot. A nice, reassuringly flat blacktop allows for beginners to find their feet and figure out the balance and (surprisingly simple) operations of the Segway before setting off across the river into bustling downtown.
Jeff and partner Sean Payne have put months of work into detailed audio packed with informative facts for tour guests to explore the rich and interesting history of the area.
My 15 minutes of fame! Downtown's audio includes background on photo-journalist Frank Simpson and my uncovering of the history of the mystery murals in American Alley.
In order to ride a Segway:
- You must be 14 years or older, weigh at least 100 pounds, but not more than 260, be in general good health and utlize your best common sense.
I wondered what the reaction of downtown shoppers would be as we passed by? Sharing the sidewalk didn't seem to bother anyone and was cause for frequent comment, car horn tooting and waves!
Tour goers scope out shops, services and eateries for later on...
One day in the not too distant future, downtown Petaluma will boast a fine looking and fully functioning riverfront promenade. I hope.
While there were opportunities to take photos, cell phones and cameras should be securely tucked away while in motion. I didn't capture any of the heritage homes along B Street and D Street as the tour was fairly rigorous at this stage and with a lot more traffic in the area, having constant control over the Segway was non-negotiable.
Layered clothing is advisable given the frequent temperature changes over a period of a few hours, in Petaluma (sunglasses, sunscreen in warmer weather) and flat, comfortable shoes. I was surprised to feel the impact of negotiating multiple curbs (and a few potholes) in my calves, after the almost three hour tour.
I'd expected to feel a little dorky in my helmet and neon vest, traversing my home town's most populated sidewalks and streets on one of these peculiar machines, yet, once in motion, it proved a positive, enlightening and fun afternoon out with a great group of Petalumans equally familiar with our route. Although these new tours will undoubtedly attract new visitors to the area, there's a lot to be learned by locals looking for an envigorating activity right here in the hood.
For those who'd prefer to escape an urban setting, the option of exploring the Marina District of Petaluma and Shollenberger Park will be of appeal. This tour includes audio info about the history of the park and its wildlife habitat. After this specific tour, participants enjoy a complimentary draft beer or glass of house wine at Sheraton’s Hotel Bar.
For more info on this fun new activity in the heart of Southern SoCo, call 707-799-6049 or email tours@segwayofpetaluma.com.
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