Easy Rider
by Savas Abadsidis on 2012-07-23

Biking has soared in popularity over the past few years. Fusing his passion for biking with the growing interest in eco-tourism, entrepeneur Danny Roman has established a thriving business in the car capitol of the world: Los Angeles.

What's your favorite getaway destination?

Croatia

Why?

I am first generation American, both parents were born and raised on the Dalmatian coast. I spent my summers there as a kid/teenager parents would ship us off (bro and sis) after school finished to be with our grandparents There is nothing more amazing than the Adriatic Sea. My best memories are from spending time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and cousins there.

How did you start Bike & Hikes LA?

I saw a need for a bike touring company in LA, there weren’t any and having seen the explosion in Europe, Canada and Australia I jumped at the chance to start on here in LA. I spent a lot of free time biking around LA so I had an idea of what I wanted to show people. I then built a website, designed a few biking tours “LA IN A DAY, LEGENDARY HOMES & the HOLLYWOOD BIKE TOUR and launched it out of my apt in West Hollywood. Shortly after, clients were calling to book tours. After about 8 months of operating out of my high rise apt building the doormen, managers and neighbors started to complain, at that time I was already looking for a store front and managed to open just in time for summer 2011 and the rest is history.

What's the advantage to biking around a city?

Biking around a city has so many advantages. First off, it’s the absolute best way to get a feel for a city, up close and personal. You feel connected to its people, culture, etc. - something you will never gain from sitting on a bus or in a car. You are never at the mercy of traffic. You are being eco-friendly and health conscious and dealing with jet lag when trying to enjoy your vacation can be a total drag. The best ways to overcome jet lag is sun exposure, fresh air and exercise – this will readjust your body’s internal clock quickly and naturally so getting on a bike to explore a city incorporates all of the above and

What's the best city in the world to see by bike?

Los Angeles. Our year round perfect weather makes it the most ideal city for biking. There is so much to do and see and the traffic is horrendous which makes getting around by bike one of the best ways to navigate the city and take in all the glory LA has to offer.

Do you have plans to expand? Where?

Yes, we have already expanded to the walk-of-fame on Hollywood Boulevard and next up is the beach. The idea is to make Bikes and Hikes – America’s biking and hiking eco-friendly tour company.

What's the best kind of bike for exploring a city?

A hybrid road bike. It’s suited for street riding and off road riding. It’s a comfortable and easy ride.

Be sure to checkout Danny's site at www.bikesandhikesla.com