12 Jun Date Ideas on Wheels: Pedaling Indy with Bae

There comes a time in every romantic relationship when the simple, but effective “Netflix and Chill” gets old. Sure, we all love the night-in with sweatpants and our guy or gal, but as the weather preps for a major upswing in temps and sunshine, it’s time to shed those elastic waistband pantaloons and get some fresh air. You know, maybe get those legs moving and heart pumping? And lucky for us folks in and around Indy, the options for outdoor entertainment are many—especially when it comes to pedaling the old bicycle.

Here are three bicycle-themed fun and romantic date ideas for you and your lovely significant other. They’re affordable, active, and full of the freshest springtime air you can find.

Biking The Historic Monon Trail

The great thing about the Monon is that you can spend as much time as you want on the trail. The paved trail begins (or ends if you’re a north-sider) at 10th St. and ~Mass Ave and will take you all the way to Westfield if that’s your fancy. Along the 16.1 mile trail, you’ll have ample opportunities to hop off and explore some homegrown Indiana staples at Locally Grown Gardens, grab a coffee at The Monon Coffee Co, a beer and burger at Bub’s Burgers, and top it off with some hand-churned cream of the ice at Handel’s Ice Cream and Yogurt.

Pros: Flat, paved, clean trail lends to easy riding for any level — a hop-on and hop-off atmosphere with TONS of options for food and drink

Who would love it: Anyone with a love of bar/coffee/ice cream hopping on a dope two-wheel ride and with their honey-bunny

Slow-Pedaling the Canal Walk

One of the most unique aspects of Indy is our beloved Canal, dreamed up and built in the 1800s and now perfectly maintained to host thousands of visitors on any given day. Whether you’ve run it in the early hours, walked it with your family on a Sunday afternoon, or accidentally swam in it after a night of revelry, it’s one of those spots in Indy that all visitors should take some time to explore. With sights such as The Eiteljorg, the NCAA Hall of Champions, and the White River State Park, you’ll stay busy—in easygoing fashion—for hours. Plus, with the four-wheel pedal cruisers available for rent, you can glide along the Canal Walk in style.

Pros: Not super aerobic, so any attire will work — Options for food and drink along the way — Summer concert series at White River State Park brings us some of the best music out there.

Who would love it: Couples not wanting the semi-workout of the Monon, but still hoping to find some wheels for transportation and airflow.

Book Seats to Pedal on Indy’s Greatest Downtown Tour

We’re the HandleBar, and we’ve just entered into our 8th year as Indy’s original and premier pedal bar. AND we now offer Individual Seat Tours for folks who just want to take their sweetheart out for a night on the town. You’ll get the chance to meet other couples and small groups on the public pedal bar tour, and you won’t have the hassle of herding—errr organizing—a group of 16. The HandleBar is seriously the most exciting night-life activity in the city, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy pedaling through our streets with a little help from our new electric-assist motors. What more could you want?

Pros: BYOB (save some cheddar!) — the greatest personalities in tourism (drivers) — barstool/bicycle seat far more comfortable than your road-bike (or any bike) — Uhhh pedaling downtown, woo-ing, drinking beer — duh.

Who would love it: Any adult couple looking for some (pedal) action with a bunch of other folks 😉

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Let’s be real for a moment. We know you want to impress your lad or lassie with an enjoyable and fresh night out in Indianapolis. And sometimes that can be difficult when you live smack-dab in the middle of the country. Creativity abounds in instances like these, and that’s where using pedal power comes into play. At The HandleBar, all we want is for people to be happy and appreciate the great options for out-of-doors pedaling activities.

Spring is coming. Yes, it is. Pedal the mean streets and rock on with your bad dude or dudette.