Nate Wilson is storing his cycle boat at a storage facility in Cleveland, Tenn., Wednesday, January 13, 2016.All about it
The cycle boat is comprised of 10 pedal stations and a bench for 4-6 more. Individually, one-hour rides cost $20 per pedaler and $10 for bench seat boat riders.For more information, visit chattanoogacycleboats.com.
Outdoor recreation is a trend that never ends in our fair Scenic City. With each passing season comes a new opportunity to enjoy the best of Chattanooga's landscape.
And what's new this season is group-pedaled cycle boats.
If you've been downtown any evening, you've probably seen the land version of this concept. Maybe you've taken one of the raucous cycle crafts on a bar crawl; maybe you've slowed down as you passed one, the riders' giddy grins erupting into laughter that matched their frenzied pedaling as you passed.
Owner Nate Wilson has something different in mind for his aquatic version. He sees sunrise spin classes, moonlit date nights, company bonding outings, family activities and more taking place on the Tennessee River.
"The river is the new bike lane, and it's one we can all agree on," Wilson says.
And, he adds, with a solar powered electric motor to assist in case ridership isn't at capacity (14-16 people), patrons can still take the cycle boat for a spin without a negative environmental impact. The motor also means cycling across the river can be as relaxing or active as riders want it to be.
"People love the water," says Wilson. "If you talk to a boater they will say 'There is nothing else like being on the river.' But not everyone can have a boat, and not everyone wants to jump in or get wet and risk falling in on a paddleboard. People are looking for opportunities to do something different with each other, and that's what I want to provide: an opportunity to do that."
Although the cycle boating company only opened at the end of March, Wilson says he sees the addition of a boat on Lake Chickamauga coming soon.
Beyond that? Who knows, he says. Perhaps Nashville, Knoxville or farther.
But for now, you can find Wilson and his boat paddling around the bend. So take a class, take a ride or simply take a look at the view from the Tennessee River.