-Photo by CONOR CHRISTOFFERSON

Craig Skerston and Linda Patalono

Whizzer bikes cruise into Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — While in Southern California, Sandpoint residents Linda Patalono and Craig Skerston saw several people riding retro, 1950s mopeds called Whizzers.

The pair thought the little bikes looked fun and were interested in buying a pair, but when they realized there were no distributors in the Inland Northwest, the couple decided to start their own business selling the bikes.

Now, with its first full summer as a business just ahead, Whizzer of Sandpoint wants to turn Bonner County residents on to the fun and freedom of riding a Whizzer motorbike.

Besides being stylish, the bikes reach speeds of 25 mph and get an astounding 125 miles per gallon, which makes them cheaper and more energy efficient than almost any other motorized transportation.

The Whizzer style of moped originated in the 1950s, so Patalono and Skerston thought it would be fitting to donate a bike to raffle during Sandpoint’s Lost in the ‘50s celebration.

The raffle will offset some of the out-of-pocket expenses that event organizer Carolyn Gleason puts toward the event.

Raffle tickets cost $5 for one, or three for $10 and are available at Second Avenue Pizza, Monarch Mountain Coffee, Eve’s Leaves, Petal Talk and Eichardt’s

Patalono will also sell tickets at Yoke’s on Saturday from 2-6 p.m.

For more information on how to purchase a Whizzer, call (208) 946-9812 or visit www.whizzerofsandpoint.com.