Mastering The HandleBar Party Bike

Now you can tour downtown Indy with a drink in hand and never leave your barstool. Just belly up to the HandleBar (317-620-1448, handlebarindy.com; $300 to $400 per group), a new pedal-powered watering hole on wheels complete with a driver and a DJ. Hop off at downtown pubs, or just roam the streets and let the good times roll.

1. Find 15 friends. The 16-seat HandleBar rents as a unit. You don’t have to fill every stool, but it takes at least eight pedalers to keep the party moving. Include designated drivers and a couple of assertive types to deal with any hop-ons.

2. Bring some hooch. You can drink beer, wine, or malted beverages on the bike, but the HandleBar doesn’t serve it. The cup holders are huge and bottomless—too big for a red Solo cup—so bring non-glass, wide-rim containers.

3. Skip the skinny jeans. Tight, constricting pants aren’t the best choice for sitting on a wide bicycle seat for two hours. We speak from experience. Dress comfortably, but keep in mind that lots of people will be staring at you.

Photo by Tony Valainis

This article appeared in the July 2013 issue.