Embarking on a Triangle Adventures e-bike tour makes uncovering hidden gems and local charm an absolute breeze.
Owners David and Marlo Harrington kick-started the new business — which observed its grand opening May 18 after a soft open in early March — to “highlight some of the lesser-known hotspots” in town and “share our passion of biking, nature, local history, local food, and local drinks with everyone.”
The duo “had very different backgrounds,” according to David — him from New York, her from Southern California — but soon found common ground. “We met in Raleigh through a mutual friend and bonded through a passion for biking and hiking out in nature.”
They now share that passion with the local community through a range of guided e-bike tours departing from Deep River Brewing in Clayton and other areas of the Triangle. What is an e-bike, you ask? I strapped on a helmet to give you the scoop.
Options Abound
Having never ridden an e-bike before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at the flexibility they offer in choosing your own exertion level.
“We have state-of-the-art e-bikes, and they make it easy. You don’t even have to pedal if you choose not to,” David said. “These bikes have a throttle, like an electric moped, so you can choose to pedal and get some exercise, or you can let the battery do all the work. It makes it effortless for anyone at any fitness level. Sit back and enjoy the ride!”
I loved turbo mode — the highest level of pedal assist — which allowed me to enjoy the views without breaking a sweat.
As for the tour selection, I had a tough time choosing between Burgers, Brews, and History Too; Tacos, Taps, and Local Facts; and the Scenery Tour. A new option, The Raleigh Experience: Ghosts, Mystery, and Unique History, will debut June 22, starting and ending at the NC Museum of Art and taking riders through Dorothea Dix Park, the NC State Campus, and beyond — learning mysterious and creepy facts along the way.
Ultimately, my love for tacos and margaritas guided my choice: Tacos, Taps, and Local Facts. I met David and Marlo, who served as my fearless guides, in Clayton and set off on a journey filled with stunning views and delicious Mexican cuisine, all while sharpening my street smarts.
Hitting the Trail
We set out on a leisurely bike ride through the quaint historic town nestled along the banks of the Neuse River, winding through picturesque scenery and greeted by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and the invigorating scent of fresh air. The expedition left me feeling one with nature and piqued my interest in local history.
David and Marlo are walking (and pedaling) encyclopedias of historical knowledge, providing fascinating tidbits throughout the approximately 13-mile tour.
For example, we learned that North Carolina became a dry state years before the Prohibition era started in 1920, making it the state with the longest absence from alcohol. But fear not! After your enlightening journey, you’ll receive a ticket to enjoy a refreshing beer at Deep River. Cheers to history and hops!
Marlo Harrington is the facts guru.
“Clayton has some fascinating history, and few people know about it,” David said. “Some key moments of the Civil War happened right here in our backyard, among many other things, and we thought it would be fun to throw some fun facts in with the food and drinks.”
In addition to historical facts, the tour highlights signs of growth and development, hinting at Clayton’s exciting future.
“Although Clayton is growing, it often gets overshadowed by Raleigh, and people overlook it,” David said. “Clayton has a lot of new elements to it, but you can feel it is a bit of an ‘old soul,’ and we love that — gives it a unique charm that you can only appreciate by visiting and immersing yourself in the local hot spots.”
Taco Time
Halfway through our ride, it was time to refuel with a stop at El Patron 323. Manager Simon Sanchez served up a fun atmosphere and excellent service!
“We include a margarita and a big fat taco of their choice,” David explained. “Substitutions can always be made if needed (especially for vegetarians and non-drinkers).” Want more? You’re welcome to purchase additonal food and beverages during your stop.
I opted for a delicious tinga taco. Paired with a refreshing margarita, it provided the perfect combination that energized me for the rest of the journey.
Incorporating food and drink stops into the tours came naturally to the Harringtons. They have an impeccable knack for selecting delicious and fun spots, and of course they know all the best restaurants in town like the backs of their hands!
“To be honest, we love burgers and tacos, so we wanted to do something we love,” David said. “We knew of some really great restaurants we wanted to highlight and partner with, so we began building the tours around those partnerships.”
As Johnston County’s oldest legal brewery. Deep River Brewing “was a natural stop as well,” according to David. “They have been an amazing partner, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”
With a complimentary beer ticket, cap off the experience with a brew.
Ready to Try?
E-bike tours are perfect for bonding with friends, family, or colleagues as team-building exercises. Plus, with each pedal and pit stop, there’s always something new to learn, making every moment on the e-bike entertaining and enriching.
“Marlo and I have worked hard to put together these engaging tours and show everyone a great time,” David said. “The tours are a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors, learn new things, laugh with friends, and meet new people while enjoying amazing food and drink. We want to encourage everyone to come try something new and exciting!”
Most tours last between 3 and 4 hours, and food and drinks are included in the price of the tour. Group rates are available.
Whether you’re zooming through trails or coasting along scenic routes, Triangle Adventures delivers a dose of joy that’s hard to beat. Hop on, hold tight, and get ready for the ride of your life.
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