Tired of lugging coolers, blankets and folding chairs from your car to Monteith Riverpark in Albany for the Thursday River Rhythms Concert Series?

There is an alternative.

Dan Crall and his pedicab provide rides for each concert from about 5 to 10 p.m. He can carry up to 600 pounds and usually can be found pedaling around the downtown area.

The cab is a two-seater and can hold two adults or an adult and two small children.

"I try not to stay in one place too long," he said. "I ask people if they want a ride or people can hail me."

He will take people from their homes to the park, if they "live within reason of the park" and back again after the concert.

To prearrange a ride, call Crall of Corvallis at (541) 609-8949.

He said he averages between 30 and 50 rides at each concert.

Calapooia Brewing Co. is underwriting Crall's business on Thursday nights, but Crall also accepts donations for his services.

"Even if I didn't find any fares on Thursdays, Calapooia still makes it worth my time," he said.

In May, Crall took city officials for rides in downtown Albany to acquaint them with his business and the pedicab he purchased for $2,000. He then put another $1,500 worth of improvements into his vehicle, including a new top.

Crall offers tours, taxi and chauffeur services and transportation to and from events.

"My business is going really well," he said. "There is a wide range of people using the pedicab."

Sometimes it is parents and children, and middle-age couples also like to go for rides.

Crall says he is doing so well that he relies only on phone calls or e-mails for his fares, and does not have to drive around looking for people to take rides.

"I thought I would be doing more for the elderly and handicapped, but there are not as many as I expected," Crall said.

He believes his business will continue during the winter as he is considering water-proofing the pedicab.

For information about Crall's business, go to corvallispedicab.com.

River Rhythms

Chuck Wicks will take the Monteith Riverpark stage at 7 p.m. Thursday for this week's River Rhythms concert. The country singer grew up on a family farm in Delaware, and says he was influenced by Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers and Brian McKnight.

Prior to the show, young children can gather by the senior center to make zipper pulls, cell phone charms, buttons, puzzle piece frames and a coloring table. Preschoolers will make hats.

Concertgoers can begin setting up chairs behind the blanket area at any time Thursday. The blanket run begins at 5:30 p.m. Food vendors will start selling at 5 p.m.

Next up, The Coats will be in town on July 30.