There are many places along Alki Beach to have fun. But if you want to have "wheel fun," you can rent a surrey bicycle at Wheel Fun Rentals, 2530 Alki Avenue SW, located on an outdoor gravel lot between Coastal" and Pioneer Coffee. If you drive by the lot quickly, it may resemble a large carnival ride.

But look closer, and you will see a "fleet" of 60-70 brightly colored two, three, and four-wheel bicycles in a variety of shapes and styles. There is the "single surrey," built for two, and the "double-surrey," built for four, that look like shopping carts on steroids that you peddle.

There is the slightly hipper, and more wind resistant "deuce coupe," a three-wheel, low-to-the-ground contraption for two, and the basic one-speed utility bicycle, the "beach cruiser."

The West Seattle Herald happened to run into Wheel Fun Founder, Brian McInerney at his Alki location. He has over 80 franchised locations nationwide. Most are in California, but there are several in Florida, Oregon, and still others sprinkled around the country.

"This was a 'hobby career' for me," said McInerney, a Santa Barbara resident. "I started the business in 1987. I bought 24 surreys from Italy, handmade by two guys, and shipped them over. I started in Ventura and then in Solvang, the charming Danish town in (central) California. We have locations in Portland, Bend, and Seaside."

"We got very lucky to have this lot on Alki," said Tim Sharman, who was manning the booth. "It's a perfect fit."

Added McInerney, "There are a lot of beautiful places in America, and wherever there's a beautiful place, there should be 'wheel fun.'"

For more information, call Wheel Fun Rentals at (206) 932-2035. They are open weekends only, weather-permitting, 10:00 a.m. to dusk, then June 12, they will open seven days a week through summer.

Also, check out www.wheelfunrentals.com for their history and other locations.