In a matter of weeks, Historic Downtown Sanford’s residents and visitors will spot something new maneuvering on the waters of scenic Lake Monroe. Even better, they will be able to pedal themselves around the lake on this new attraction! Pedalcruise.com has secured a slip at the Sanford Marina and expects delivery of their 24-person party boat ‘Pier Pressure’ shortly after the new year, with operations to begin in April of 2021 and available for booking now. At 35’ long and replete with a humongous human-powered hot pink paddle wheel and graphics from renowned Sanford design company Media 1 / Wrap This, Pedal Cruise is sure to catch eyes and make memories along Sanford’s signature waterfront!
Pier Pressure and Pedal Cruise is the brainchild of Sanford local Rob Paul, the Operations Manager/Owner of Sanford’s ‘Limo Cycle.’ Paul’s Limo Cycle partners are Colin Caplin and Chris Bruckhart, who own Elm City Party Bike in New Haven, Connecticut. “My wife Dawn and I were looking to relocate somewhere warm and with palm trees, and we are water people. We had been looking at Party Bike expansion possibilities in Key West, and when the opportunity to buy the Limo Cycle business came up, we had only 18 days to decide whether or not to buy the business and move our entire lives.” Party Bike expanded into Sanford under Paul’s direction, and now the partners are preparing for the imminent launch of the water-based adventure Pedal Cruise.
It’s funny how little things make such a huge difference in a small town like Sanford, Florida. The weekend of the Paul’s visit to vette the Limo Cycle business was the weekend of the inaugural “Sanford Porchfest” event. “We have a Porchfest back home in Connecticut,” said Dawn Paul, “so we had to check it out.” At Porchfest, the Paul’s met locals, made new friends, had a great time, and basically fell in love with Historic Downtown Sanford. Even better, the business checked out, and the Party Bike group purchased the existing Limo Cycle business to expand their tourism operations in early 2018. The Paul’s packed up and made the plunge, bringing their lives and their livelihoods to Sanford. In just over two years, they have become homeowners in Sanford, made quite an impact with their current ventures, and are now poised to deliver even more.
In 2019, the Limo Cycle had 10,000 bookings. In a tourism-based business where the majority of guests are out-of-towners, Paul has invigorated Sanford’s economy in a significant way. “And Pedal Cruise is the next evolution of what we do on the Limo Cycle,” said Paul, “and we expect 15,000-20,000 guests to book on Pedal Cruise annually.”
So, what can guests expect when they set sail aboard ‘Pier Pressure’ with Captain Rob on a 90-minute tour? The boat will take guests by motor out to the middle of the lake, whereupon the engine goes off, the huge pink paddle wheel goes into the water, and the music goes up. Pier Pressure holds 24 people, allowing 12 to pedal and turn the paddle wheel and thus control the boat, while 12 bystanders enjoy the ride. At a price point of $45/person, you will want to get out on this boat! Even better, a group of 24 can reserve the entire boat for $750, which breaks down to $31.25/person. There is an onboard bathroom and no shortage of fun to be had; Pedal Cruise is the water based, family fun, birthday celebrating, team-building, bachelorette partying 15-passenger, pedal powered, new way to have fun in Historic Downtown Sanford. This unique attraction is the only one of its kind in Central Florida.
Sanford is poised to complete the expanded Riverwalk around Lake Monroe and has recently begun to utilize the lakefront for events such as the Get Hook’d on Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament. Pedal Cruise continues Historic Downtown Sanford’s growth along the waterfront, and this growth will almost certainly connect with the existing culinary, art, and retail scene along our brick lined streets only 2 blocks to the south. There, you might catch Paul hosting one of his tour groups on Sanford Food Tours, where he recently hosted an event with Match.com, bringing together singles ready to mingle in our wonderful restaurants and gastropubs. “There has been no shortage of support and positive feedback from both the City of Sanford and our fellow business owners in launching all our tourism-based events and attractions,’ said Paul.
That makes sense. Beyond bringing literally thousands of guests into the city, the Paul’s have been great community partners, recently partnering with the Park Dive to hold a holiday toy drive that collected over $450 and 200 toys for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Christmas Village. Sanford is fortunate to have residents who have bought in to our community and are committed to making it even better. “We love it here. We plan on taking all the local business owners out on Lake Monroe in the coming months to show them what we do.” I can’t wait! Make your booking on PedalCruise.com and your way to Historic Downtown Sanford this spring and get a view of the city from Pier Pressure, a one of a kind attraction sure to be a memorable experience.
