M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 3 39 since they are not gasoline-engine-operated, but electric. Even as I ride in the vineyards here and look at this season and smell the vines, it’s awesome. It’s a surreal, peaceful feeling to be able to absorb your surroundings, and it heightens all your senses.” The Napa native said he had never seen himself as a tour guide or tour operator, but after being in the food service business, a firefighter and a mortgage broker, Jason said he believes he has found a vocation that matches his personality and passion, and he can do it in a green way. “Seeing you and Tom’s bright smile today, that is what makes me happy,” said Jason. There was no denying that riding a scooter on a beautiful sunny day brought joy to our souls. So how did Jason and Kim come up with the scooter rental business? “I have always ridden something,” said Jason. “First time I got around a fire engine, I wanted to drive it. I love motor sports. I see a three-wheeler and I want to drive it. I have a mountain bike and ride motorcycles. “The idea came to me after I injured my knee and couldn’t do firefighting,” he added. “When Kim and I travel we always want to rent a motorcycle or scooter, and saw a need here in the Valley. “ NVR Adventures offers a variety of touring Harley-Davidson motorcycles plus over a dozen electric scooters and mopeds for tours. The scooters have low impact on the environment. Scooters don’t require a motorcycle license, though Jason and Kim do require a valid driver license to drive a scooter. Other restrictions apply. People can rent the Harleys by half and full days; the scooters are rented by the hour with a three-hour minimum. Top speed on scooters is 25-35 mph. Helmets come with the rentals for safety, and they rent other motorcycle accessories like Go-Pro cameras, coats, and gloves. The business will bring their bikes to home, business or hotel. Though individuals can rent the bikes and take them on their own, Jason said they specialize in tours of wineries, Downtown Napa and things to do in Napa. They now offer group conferences with team building skills and scavenger hunts on scooters. They can also provide motorcycle and scooter awareness and introduction and safety lessons. “We are a small business that wants to integrate within the community and the growing tourism industry of the Napa Valley,” added Jason. “We want people to know all that the Valley has a lot to offer, and see the historical sights that can be seen from the scooters.” I can attest that riding a scooter is a relaxing and stress-relieving way to see the Valley—and a great way to escape and stumble onto new finds and hidden gems. “The best thing to do is just get on the scooter and go without an initial destination. Just explore,” suggested Jason. “We can do package sightseeing tours and lunch. Feel free to go on your own, or I can lead a tour to where you want to go.” Now Tom and I look forward to spring just around the corner, to see what other adventures we can have on a scooter. Weather permitting, NVR Adventures is open seven days a week and accepts reservations. Visit www.nvradventures.com, or call 707.681.5439.
NVLife_MarApr_2013
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