Chances are good if you’ve visited Seaside you’ve seen a surrey cruising the downtown streets. It’s possible you’ve even ridden one of these popular bikes – also referenced as a quadricycle. Designed after classic automobile cars, the surrey bike is about as synonymous with Seaside as salt-water taffy and sand dollars. They’re also lots of fun and a great way to get some exercise.
My most recent excursion wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be (the bikes require some good pedal power) but with a good partner or two, the ride takes teamwork to a whole new level. Add a couple of energetic kids to the mix (most surreys have baskets in the front of the bike) and the ride often turns into an hour of laughter.
The surrey comes in three sizes (two, four and six-person bikes) and with that extra basket, your ride could include up to eight people.
Seaside has a few locations for surrey rentals. The Prom Bike & Hobby Shop has been serving bicyclists since the 1930s and is one of the oldest shops in Oregon. Wheel Fun Rentals has three locations in Seaside. Hours vary throughout the year but locations are open daily during summer months.
Editor’s note: Broadway is one of the most popular streets to cruise on these four-wheeled bikes, but for a more scenic and casual ride be sure and explore the many downtown streets.
