By Michael L. Whiteley
Business Editor
    
    There is no better way to enjoy the 100-degree temperatures than getting wet in the many local waterways. However, one local couple has brought something new to water recreation with "Pedal-Paddle," a unique invention that makes a mountain bike into a boat that can actually ride on water.
    Advertised as "The Ultimate in Cool!" one cannot argue that the Pedal-Paddle looks like a lot of fun. It is also, according to a promotional flier, "The world's first practical amphibious bicycle to hit the open market this summer!" The flier goes on to state that Pedal-Paddle makes for a fun way to both get to the water and then onto it with the same vehicle.
    Pedal-Paddle is made of three basic components:
    First, the bike and the framework. The mountain-style bike is a 12 to 15 speeder that comes with fully adjustable seat and handle bars, a solid steel framework triangulated and fitted with special "quick position change cog joints" to make the transformation from land to water and back again.
    Secondly, there are two pontoons that are engineered of high strength plastic with construction foam core stiffeners for added strength and safety. There are two different size pontoons. The 6.5 ft. set is recommended for persons weighing from 100 to 225 lbs. While the Pedal-Paddle "Grande" comes equipped with 8 ft. pontoons that are recommended for persons weighing from 150 to 300 lbs. The manufacturer has also indicated that they will soon be releasing a Pedal-Paddle Jr.
    Lastly, the third essential element in the Pedal-Paddle is the fun. The invention is a stable water platform that goes together in seconds, creating a highly maneuverable land vehicle that is easy to launch and to ride.
    Jay Perdue is the inventor of the Pedal-Paddle. He has written a book called "Crossing America; Like No One Ever Has Before," that chronicles

Tonya Paul/Mercury-Register

Pedal Paddle is a unique invention that transforms a mountain bike into a ride on the water vehicle that can safely support hundreds of pounds as is here demonstrated by Gridley-based distributors Penny and Ray Whiteside.

a cross-country adventure on his invention, which he specially equipped with a motor to assist with the long distance he would travel. His adventures took him through level three rapids, the locks of the Mississippi River, and all the way from Seaside, Oregon to the landing at the 79th Street Boat Basin at Manhattan Island, New York. While taking the trip as a personal challenge and for the pure enjoyment of the trip, Perdue's journey surely demonstrates that the Pedal-Paddle is fit for any form of outdoor fun.
    Distributors of Pedal-Paddle, Penny and Ray Whiteside are both residents of near-by Gridley. Penny graduated
from Gridley High School in 1981, while Ray graduated from Las

Plumas High School, in Oroville, in 1983. They are licensed distributors of the product here in the North State.
    The couple came to meet a relative of the inventor through their church. "We immediately saw the potential for a ground-up business opportunity," said Penny. "I was amazed that they had come up with this idea for a vehicle that could be ridden on land or on water."
    "With all of the waterways, bike trails, and other potentials for recreational purposes here locally, we thought it was a great opportunity," said Ray.
    "You can take the Pedal-Paddle with your family on camping trips and even ride out on a lake to fish from

 
it," Penny added.
    Already, the invention has been featured on television and is beginning to become a popular alternatives to other water recreation devices. There are sets of Pedal-Paddles at Bucks Lake, Clear Lake, and other local water recreation locations in the North State. Currently, the couple is promoting the idea of using these in Oroville area recreation destinations like the Aquatic Center and the marinas.
    "Oroville has awesome bike trails from the dam to the Forebay and along the Feather River. On hot days, people with a Pedal-Paddle can get off the hot trail and ride on the water. The bike is very sturdy on the water and the pontoons are so well balanced that they are virtually undetectable when they are on the land," Penny said.
    "I see this as an opportunity for families to have two different activities that are both fun," said Ray. "Because of this, they are great for families, and they are environmentally friendly, too."
    Yet, if one should like, the Pedal-Paddle may also be equipped with a four-stroke motor for those who really want to get out there and go the extra mile. Or, if you are the sailing type, Pedal-Paddle also has a "Sail Bike" version, which would be great for trips out on the Forebay or even Lake Oroville.
    Penny and Ray sell their Pedal-Paddles at $599 for the regular (6.5 ft. pontoons) size, and $699 for the Grande version. A life vest is provided with the purchase, and delivery is free in the local area.
    Penny and Ray also welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how the Pedal-Paddle works, and with an appointment can meet area residents at local waterways. Or, a demonstration video may be purchased for $10.
    For more information on Pedal-Paddle, to set up an appointment for a demo or to purchase one, call Penny or Ray at: (530) 846-9575. Or, e-mail them at: Whitesideenterprises@ccxn.com.