Come explore Bologna by bike with a professional tour guide and fun group of tourists just like you!
Bikes in Bologna
They say that you never forget how to ride a bike. I must be the exception to that rule. At 34, the last time I got on a bicycle that wasn’t nailed down to a gym floor was exactly 10 years ago to the month. Therefore, my biking experience the day I went on this biking tour of the city was a bit nerve wracking for me. But I’m adventurous, and oh the things I will do for you people…my beloved public.
Quindi... before I get too ahead of myself, I should tell you what this great company BikeinBO is, if it’s not already obvious. In 2015, BikeinBO started out as a bike rental shop for tourists wanting to explore Bologna by bike. After some time, they came up with the idea that they should be touring people around. And in fact, that’s what they do now. But by bike. And it’s a genius idea, if I might offer as a personal opinion.
Getting to see Bologna in a tour is already a neat experience, learning the history and seeing the sites firsthand. But being able to feel the wind in your hair on a clear, sunny day while you absorb Bologna, is all that much more glorious.
The Tour…
But let’s get back to how “it’s just like riding a bike” is the most misused expression of all time in the English langauge. Because, at least for me that day, riding a bike, wasn’t at all like riding a bike. Setting aside for a moment that I felt like a granny getting on and off the darn thing, it took me about half the tour to finally realize you put your foot on the pedal closest to the ground to start your ride. If this weren’t embarrassing enough, I was in a group of Dutch women. Yeah. They might as well have stuck me with the Tour de France. It was just as comical. And shameful.
Did I fall down? Yes. Did I hurt myself? Luckily, no. Did I hurt the bike? I’m sure it’s fine now. You can see the video below of all the wonderful places we visited, and take a look at our expert tour guide who showed us around the city which is knee-deep in history and culture.
What is most interesting to note about BikeinBO, is that they don’t just organize bike tours. They also organize walking tours as well, for those out there who are unable to ride a bike (eh-hem, maybe like me). They also offer tours to neighboring villages and towns like Ferrara. You might want to look into that because…it sounds amazing.
And while the other tours are ones that people do request, their most popular is the classic bike tour of Bologna’s historical center, which is what I chose.
But no matter which tour you choose, or who you have as a guide, the staff is more than pleased to answer questions and give you a better understanding of the city you’re exploring. I personally loved the tour, and as we all know now…bikes are not my thing.
Why did I love it? You get to ride freely through the city center, traffic of cars and buses by your side, feeling the sensation of Europe all around you. Almost as though you can hear Vivaldi playing in your mind as you pedal along the ancient streets of Bologna. Your tour guide informs you via a mic and earpiece when to turn left or right, and the group shifts like a flock of birds in the air. The whole experience was unique and most definitely fun!
Just make sure that when you pop into see them, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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