13 Jun 2025
I’ve joined over 80+ local experiences around the world, and this was by far the most dangerous and poorly handled one — solely due to the guide, Shauna.
From the start, I informed her it was my first time riding an electric bike. Instead of offering basic safety instruction or ensuring beginners were supported, she gave a rushed introduction of under 2 minutes and immediately took off — weaving through narrow, steep city-center roads shared by cars and pedestrians. I was left 3rd to last in a group of 10, unable to even see her tail light.
Within the first minute, I encountered a tourist who pretended to jump in front of my bike as a joke. I had to stop abruptly, unsure how to react. When I caught up, instead of asking if I was okay or what happened, Shauna loudly and sarcastically scolded me in front of the group: “You need to stay really close, okay? R-E-A-L-L-Y close.” — speaking to me like I didn’t understand English. Her lack of care or curiosity about a first-time rider’s safety was shocking.
But it got worse.
Mid-ride, my straight-leg pants got caught in the exposed bike chain. I nearly toppled sideways into a car lane — a life-threatening moment. Thankfully, two other participants saved me from falling under the wheels of a passing car. Shauna, who was 8 riders ahead, came back after the fact and simply said, “Oh, I didn’t see your pants! You should’ve tied them up. These bikes catch stuff easily.”
No warning. No pre-checks. No emergency training. Just a flimsy excuse.
This wasn’t just a bad experience — it was dangerous and deeply unprofessional.
To make matters worse, the tour overran by a full hour, ending at 7:55pm, mostly because Shauna wouldn’t stop talking about herself and her second master’s degree in sociology. Her self-absorption, lack of leadership, and disregard for safety protocols made the entire tour feel like a liability waiting to happen.
The bikes and the route were great. I have no issue with the company or its equipment. But Shauna should not be leading any tour involving traffic, equipment, or group coordination. She is inattentive, unsafe, and unfit for this role.
Avoid Shauna at all costs.