Dr. Naomi Lin
Leland McKeeman, a passionate biking enthusiast and art lover, has combined his two interests to create Freewheel Tours, a unique tour company in Anchorage. Unlike traditional city tours, Freewheel Tours focuses on showcasing the vibrant public art scene in the city.
McKeeman, the owner of Freewheel Tours, provides e-bikes for an 18-mile, three-hour tour that takes visitors through Anchorage’s murals and sculptures. With in-depth knowledge of the art and artists, McKeeman brings these often overlooked pieces to life by sharing their backstories and deeper meanings.
“I bring people to see and experience the art, and get the history behind it and the deeper story behind the things we walk by every day,” McKeeman explains.
Among McKeeman’s favorite artworks is the tall, red Crystal Lattice sculpture outside the Anchorage Museum, and the Lunch Break sculpture featuring a bear, a man, and a sandwich, located off a Campbell Creek trail.
The tours start at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Tudor Elementary in the Campbell Park neighborhood. The route includes a circuit around downtown Anchorage, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, as well as the greenbelts along the Campbell and Chester creeks. This allows for the opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy breathtaking mountain views while visiting the various art stops.
For visitors looking for a unique and artistic way to explore Anchorage, Freewheel Tours offers a memorable experience that goes beyond the typical city tour. It’s a chance to appreciate the vibrant artistic side of Anchorage and gain a deeper understanding of the local art scene.
The tour industry in Anchorage is a significant part of the city’s economy. According to market forecasts, the global tour and travel industry is expected to grow at a steady pace in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the increasing desire for unique and immersive experiences among travelers.
Freewheel Tours taps into this growing trend by offering visitors a unique and artistic way to explore Anchorage. By focusing on the vibrant public art scene in the city, the company provides a niche experience that appeals to art lovers and biking enthusiasts alike.
The e-bike aspect of the tours adds another dimension to the experience. E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use and ability to cover longer distances without exhaustion. This allows participants to comfortably explore the city’s various art stops while enjoying the scenic beauty of Anchorage.
One of the issues related to the tour industry, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Anchorage, is the need for sustainable practices. However, Freewheel Tours addresses this concern by using e-bikes, which are considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation compared to traditional bikes or motorized vehicles.
For those interested in learning more about Anchorage’s art scene and public art installations, the Anchorage Museum is a valuable resource. The museum’s website offers a comprehensive guide to the city’s public art, including information about the artists and the stories behind the artworks. More information can be found on the Anchorage Museum website.
Overall, Freewheel Tours offers an innovative and engaging way to explore Anchorage’s artistic side. With its focus on public art and the use of e-bikes, the company provides a memorable experience for visitors while contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
