If there was a list of universal employee loved jobs, being a Captain for a party bike would be among the top. Seriously, you show up in summer swag, shades on, tunes bumpin’, to a group of strangers that are there for the sole purpose of a good time. Any introduction that begins with an ear-to-ear smile is generally considered a great start.
But oh how horrible things can go…
Just kidding.
In all seriousness, it is one knee slappin’ good time, but occasionally there are speed bumps. We call these “party fouls” a.k.a. “what not to do (as a rider).” Every party bike captain has dealt with ’em, so we wanted to share some of our favorites stories that everyone can learn from.
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Not Tipping The Bartenders
Think about it. We roll up with energy levels full throttle. The tour has just been singing, dancing, and pedaling their way over and then bop right into the joint with a crew of their closest 16 pals. The bar is busy and that’s a win-win. Service staff sees dollar signs, riders see stiff drinks, and I see a 30-minute break 😉
BUT this all comes crashing down when the bar patrons leave a next-to-nothing tip. These poor bartenders may have just dealt with various individual drink orders, an equal amount of separate tabs, a brow full of sweat, and barely any coin to show for it. The patrons then finish their one or two beverages before moving on to the next location while the bartenders look on, deflated.
Now I’m not saying that ya gotta leave your paycheck, but consider the effort to appease your squad of beautiful lunatics put in by the local watering hole staff. It will be appreciated and a round on-the-house might be in your future.
2. Wear Your Freaking Seatbelt (That Means Your Blowup Doll Too)
Our number two party foul/moral of the story comes with a funny little tale to go with it. Once upon a time, a group of party-ready pedalers brought a blow-up doll along for their tour. Now, we have no issue with this! We are always happy to accommodate our riders and their friends. But everyone should buckle up (dolls included), or you risk having a big gust of wind blow your blow-up doll into oncoming traffic and cause reduced visibility and car accidents. Yes, this actually happened, so we’ll just politely remind you to please wear your seat belt, for your safety and those around you.
3. Wear Shoes, Please.
Southern California is laid back, we definitely know that. If you’re lucky, you’re spending a good portion of your time on the beach, sand between your toes and no shoes to be found. However, since our party bike tours don’t take place on the beach, we’ve gotta request that you wear shoes on our tours. Not only is it safer for your feet (and way more sanitary), you won’t get to go inside any of our partner bars on the tour if you’re barefoot (it’s the whole “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule).
4. Starting Your Tour Wasted
You paid to hop on a party bike – you know you’re gonna have to pedal! We know you’ll have some fun throughout the tour and that your pedaling performance might decrease along the way, but don’t ruin the fun by drinking too much before you even get here!
5. Bring Your Real ID – A Picture Doesn’t Count
It’s pretty common knowledge that most bars are going to ID (take it as a compliment, you’re looking young today). So please, pack your ID! Stick it in your friend’s purse, your boyfriend’s wallet, inside your shoe…just make sure it’s with you. Bartenders are busy people and they don’t have time to explain why a photo of your ID doesn’t pass for the real thing. Save yourself some time and headache and triple check that you have your ID before you hop on the bike!