Tourists and locals alike will be gliding around downtown this summer on personal transporters, taking in the historical sites.
Kirstine Carll and Lisa Farless opened Glide Durango, a seasonal business, in June, and they plan to offer tours through about Labor Day, depending on the weather.
Personal transporters, often called by the brand name Segways, are used for tours across the U.S.
The owners have a background in the tourism industry and were inspired to start the business after enjoying tours in other cities.
“We just thought it would be a fun town to start the business in,” Carll said.
They expect the hour and half tours will fit nicely into an itinerary and help those from lower elevations see Durango and conquer the altitude, Farless said.
The reception from business people and locals as been warm.
“We have really good local response (with) people saying ‘Finally, there is a tour in Durango,’” Carll said.
The sightseeing tours start at the Main Mall, and the route includes Main, Second and Third avenues, some of the historical landmarks will include the Strater Hotel and homes on Third Avenue.
The tours will conclude at Schneider park near West Ninth Street.
Personal transport riders follow the rules of traffic and always give pedestrians the right of way, Farless said.
At some point, the company would like to offer tours on the south end of the Animas River Trail, Carll said.
“We know that is a big issue, so we are not pursing that right now,” she said.
Guides spend about 30 minutes training riders how to operate the personal transporters and allowing them to get comfortable on the machines, in the parking garage of the Main Mall.
The company selected the PT Gliders, instead of Segways, because of their safety features, Farless said. The personal transporters stop if the rider steps off, they have a brake lights and turning lights and they have a longer battery life, she said.
The company offers four tour times per day to a maximum of six people at a time.
Riders have to be at least 14 years old and teens need a parent to sign a release form to participate.
Tours are $55 per person.
More information can be found at www.glidedurango.com.
