Just like Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth, Dallas now has its very own bicycle pub. If you haven’t seen the 16-person, pedal-powered vehicle—dubbed The Buzz Bike—roaming the streets of Dallas, you will soon.
D Magazine editor Cristina Daglas, who has taken a similar ride in Milwaukee, volunteered to be my partner in crime for the tour this past Sunday. During our two-hour ride, we biked four miles, took two stops for libations, and raced (and lost to) the Uptown trolley. I also burned 467 calories, according to my Fit Bit.
Full discretion: I am out of shape. Not horribly, but enough that I broke a sweat during the ride and was winded during our uphill climb. But I found the rewards of the Buzz Bike (a boozey popsicle at The Quarter Bar or a lemon drop shot at The Loon) a million times more motivating than spin class at Equinox.
How it works: There are two ways to grab a seat on the Buzz Bike: get together 10 to 16 of your closest, most athletic friends and charter the bike for a private event, or sign up for the Social Buzz, a two-hour tour of Uptown, where you bond with strangers while trying to propel that dang pedal pub up a hill.
The bike is BYO-beer, wine, or non-liquor beverage that’s in a plastic container. You can carry it aboard in a cooler and refill at stops along the way. There’s also a keg-tap, if that’s more your style.
The atmosphere: There are four routes available: the Arts District, Downtown, Victory Plaza, and Uptown. We tried the Uptown route, which we highly recommend, because of the bar stops, Quarter Bar and The Loon.
Where to sit: Obviously, grab a seat on the bike. Not interested in pedaling? There are 10 spots for pedalers, and six spots (including a bench and bartender space) for those who just want to enjoy the ride. Also, for all you shorties out there: seats are adjustable.
What to wear: We know you like to look good, but remember you’re about to pedal your way around Dallas. Cute exercise clothing or something you can easily move in is ideal.
The service: Founders Gloria and Maribel will be your tour guides. They steer, ring the bell, and wave at onlookers while you pedal on.
The Buzz Bike Do’s:
- Give high-fives to the trolley patrons as you cruise next to them. Just make sure you’re holding on tightly to your seat first.
- Smile for photos. People are excited to see the Buzz Bike. Get ready to wave and feel like a celebrity while on board. If you’re taking the Uptown tour, tell your friends to grab a seat on the porch of a McKinney Avenue bar, so they can snap a pic as you cruise by.
- Make a playlist to rock out to. The Buzz Bike is fully equipped with a stereo, and your ride will be more enjoyable with some pump-up jams. If you’re on the ride with Cristina, she requests Rihanna.
The Buzz Bike Don’ts:
- Don’t pregame. There are no seat belts or helmets, and the ride gets bumpy at times. We wouldn’t want you falling off into traffic mid-ride.
- Drink too much during your ride. This should be self-explanatory, but let me repeat: we wouldn’t want you falling off into traffic mid-ride.
- Come if you aren’t ready to have a good time. Sitting on your phone throughout the ride, or wearing the improper footwear, can be a downer for the whole crew.
The verdict: Will I take another booze cruise with the Buzz Bike? You bet. I would definitely recommend getting a group of your friends together for it. So who’s with me?
