Ever since the Segway was unveiled in 2001, I have wanted to experience riding one. To me it seemed like the perfect marriage of a bike and an electric scooter, which is a great combination because you can take it places that cars and motorcycles can’t go. Plus it’s electric so you don’t have to work as hard as on a bike. I love any kind of transportation where I have the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, and not having to work real hard sounds good too!
Since its increase in popularity, I’ve watched policemen on their Segways zip in and out at outdoor events, security at Walt Disney World touring on theirs, and even my home-town Target security uses one to canvas the parking lot. So I wondered when the day would come that I’d get the opportunity to experience the ride.
Well today was the day. I got to ride my first Segway. And it was all I hoped it would be. Four of us from the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau had the opportunity to meet one of Bureau’s newest industry partners, Z E Tours, Inc., who gives Segway tours in Celebration, Florida (the Disney-planned community). We met our instructor, Dale, at Marker 10 on West Hwy. 192. After brief instructions on the balancing act it requires to manuveur the Segway, (the machine is a technological wizard of computers, gyroscopes and proprietary software – click here for details), we were let loose to practice around an empty parking lot. Other than trying to steer it like a bike – WRONG – I did pretty well.
We then headed to Celebration on the widely-paved sidewalks which run parallel to Hwy. 192, known as the “tourist corridor.” Celebration is a town where bike paths, electric cars and nature are a priority. A large Oktoperfest sign greeted us as we arrived. This quaint village town is always celebrating festivals or special events (hence the name Celebration). The streets are lined with beautiful homes and meticulous landscaping but a sense of family-living is ever present. People waved as they passed on the road, and one driver even slowed down to take a picture (not recommended). We rode across a wooden bridge onto the nature path which circles the town. We were surrounded by Florida’s natural flora and wildlife. That is, until we found ourselves immersed in the Halloween decorations being set up for the LaVene Family Halloween Trail of Nightmares at Lakeside Park. It was enough of a teaser that I’m sure I’ll be going back in a couple weeks.
After a good hour’s ride, my feet were hurting from the front and back motion of balancing the Segway (I had on sandles with heels – not recommended either, but I could have riden all day with the proper shoes). With speeds up to 20 mph, there were times I definitely felt the wind in my hair (even with the required helmet), and I certainly felt the sun on my face. It was delightful. Dale was a great tour guide, informative, funny and adorable. The Segway tour is the perfect way to see Celebration, enjoy a new experience, take in nature, and without a doubt, something I’m going to brag about on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. Next…hot air ballooning.
Click here to check out my pictures from the event on Flickr.
- Chelsea Recicar
For a birthday I organised this trip for my son. At 26 years of age he is hard to surprise but this did the trick. We combined a Segway tour of Celebration along with a meal at Thai Thani. We have been on Segways all over the world but this has to be the best tour ever.He was very happy and that evening told my wife and I this was his best birthday ever.
[...] – Explore Celebration on a Segway ~ Chelsea [...]