If you are not familiar with the Segway, it is that crazy contraption with two wheels that you stand straight up on while driving.
Making it up some of the steep vertical inclines on Angel Island is a breeze on the Segway. Photo by Joel Williams
By Joel Williams
Published: September, 2008
Marketed as an electric, self-balancing, personal-transportation device, I’ve always wondered what a Segway was like to drive, although I sympathized with the people who say it’s a lazy way to avoid moving your feet. After recently taking a two-hour tour of Angel Island on one, however, I think they are fantastic. Don’t get me wrong—if you have the time and are healthy enough to do so, it would probably be better to hike around the Island. But there is no way I would have been able to do and see as much as I did in two hours without being on a Segway. And the lazy people are actually the ones who took the tram ride on the island, because they got to sit down the whole time!
I must say it was a very weird and slightly uncomfortable feeling when I first stepped onto the Segway. But after a brief training session provided by the Angel Island Segway expert, Saris Mercanti, I easily got the hang of it. You basically lean forward to start moving and lean back to slow down, stop, or go in reverse, and you steer by moving the handle bars to the left or right. By the end of my tour, I felt I had mastered the Segway and was making rapid left and right turns in a serpentine motion. It really is quite fun after you get the hang of it.
I had been to Angel Island previously and had begun hiking the Perimeter Road, but with a constant eye on my watch because I had a limited time on the island. My party and I were able to hike up to the beautiful viewing area that overlooks the City and Alcatraz, but that was it. We had to turn around to make sure we didn’t miss our return ferryboat, because Angel Island is only accessible by boat.
This time, however, I was determined to make it all the way around the island, and I figured the Segway would be a great way to do it. I was right! We were able to cover the entire five miles of Perimeter Road around the island with several stops along the way, including a stop to check out the old U.S. Army barracks and a visit inside the Chapel.
The Segway program, started in March 2007 in conjunction with Angel Island Tram Tours and Events, was the first of its kind in a California State Park. There are several guided tours offered each day and all riders must be at least 16 years old to participate. The cost is $65 and includes a training session. For more information on the tours available as well as the times and reservations, visit www.angelisland.com. If you are still on the fence, grab a friend and take advantage of the two-for-one deal on Tuesday, but plan in advance because these special deals sell out quickly.
