Sarah Freeman watched Florida Fun Bikes come to life from her job across the street.
“I saw this place being constructed, so I’m interested to see how it is,” the 21-year-old UF elementary education senior said.
Today is the company’s grand opening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 530 W. University Ave.
Co-owner Amber Shelton said the event includes free food, drinks and music, along with sample tours on the bike.
About 200 people RSVP’d on the event’s Facebook page as of press time.
Shelton said the 16-person bike arrived from the Netherlands and allows riders to pedal in unison.
“It’s 100-percent human-powered,” Shelton said.
She said the typical bar tour includes 20-minute pedaling sessions with drinking breaks in between. Other tours include coffee, food or mural sighting.
Her fiancé and fellow co-owner, Derrick Robinson, is a Gainesville native who saw potential in bringing the bike to Gainesville.
“Our bike is one of those things you just have to see to know how awesome it is,” Shelton said.
Along with light strands and a sound system, Shelton said a disco ball is in the bike’s future.
“It lights up like a Christmas tree,” she said.
Drew Hacker, a 21-year-old UF finance senior, said he first heard about the concept from a friend who toured in Fort Lauderdale.
“I’m a large fan of alcohol and so is my friend, so I’ll definitely try this out,” he said.
Pictured above is a fun bike, a 16-person pedal bar that allows people to pedal together to get to bars. Florida Fun Bikes, located at 530 W. University Ave., will have its grand opening on Feb. 11, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
