After being forced to suspend operations due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, Tarpon Bay Explorers is thrilled to announce that bike rentals have once again returned to their list of activities, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on two wheels.
“Surprisingly, none of our bikes were physically lost during the hurricane,” said Adam Sauerland, General Manager of TBE. “However, after prolonged exposure to saltwater and sitting idle for weeks, the gears and brakes of the bikes seized up due to corrosion.”
Despite the challenges, there was a silver lining. “Many of our bikes, even though affected by the hurricane, were put to good use by locals and emergency services who needed them for relief efforts,” Sauerland added. “They were scattered across the island, serving a vital role in the aftermath of the storm.”
After patiently waiting for the right moment and sufficient demand, the team is excited to relaunch their fleet of bikes. “We’ve received numerous inquiries about rentals,” Sauerland shared. “As the island continues to recover and grow stronger every day, we’re hopeful for a strong finish to 2024 and look forward to carrying that momentum into 2025.”
TBE’s fleet now includes single-speed beach cruisers for both adults and children. Additionally, they offer options for smaller children, including Weehoos—modified Trail-A-Bikes—bike trailers, and baby seats.
All rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As the official concessionaire for the refuge, TBE not only offers bike rentals but also provides a variety of activities and features a nature-themed gift shop. Their hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals closing at 3 p.m.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900. TBE is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.
