(Things Inquiring Minds Want to Know)

What is a railbike?

What is a railbike? A railbike is like the quirky lovechild of a bicycle and a train - originally built for track maintenance crews. Picture a 4-wheeled, pedal-powered cart designed specifically to glide along the railroad tracks. You pedal to set it in motion, and when you’re ready to pause the adventure, just pull the brake lever. The best part? The railroad tracks handle the steering, so you can focus on the clickety-clack soundtrack and savor the fresh air. Our trusty railbikes hail from Colorado Springs, CO, and they’re built for up to four people (we call them quads). Plus, we’ve got a limited number of family bikes with an additional seat for kids 5 and under with no pedals. (Just a heads-up: fifth riders must be under 48”.)

Who Can Ride a Railbike?

Almost everyone can hop aboard for a railbike adventure! Here’s the scoop:

Sizing Matters: Our adjustable seats cater to a wide range of riders. Most kids aged 6 and up can reach the pedals and lend a helping foot. For the littlest adventurers under 6, they get to kick back and enjoy the view from either a standard seat or the extra non-pedaling seat on our family bike.

Weight Limits: To keep things comfy, each rider must be under 300 lbs. Our seats have their limits, after all.

Safety First: Seatbelts are non-negotiable—everyone wears them. And our smallest guests? They can ride securely in a car seat or one of our nifty 5-point harnesses. Safety chic, anyone?

Brake Boss: At least one rider on each railbike (the designated brake maestro) must be 16 years or older. But hey, if you’re rolling with a crew of younger riders, we’ve got special arrangements. Just chat with our Group Sales wizard for the deets.

Family Fun: Families of five, rejoice! We see you and feel your struggle (we have three kids) which is why we’ve added an extra seat for your favorite #5. Just snag a family bike when you make your reservation—they’re hot commodities. And remember, the little rider must be under 48”.

Harness Happiness: Need a little extra snugness? Our 5-point harnesses are available for any seat. Reserve yours along with your railbike booking. These are a limited resource and required for kids under five.

Do I have to be in great shape?

Railbiking can be the ultimate laid-back adventure or a heart-pounding exercise. Most of our rides/riders take the laid-back approach pedaling through scenic landscapes, soaking up the views, and feeling the wind in their hair. It’s like a leisurely bike ride with a side of railroad magic. So, no need to be an Olympic athlete—just bring your sense of wonder and a smile! You are going to be pedaling for over an hour, but your trip has a rest break in the middle! You don’t have to pedal all the time if others in your party can carry the load. You should be aware of environmental conditions that make railbiking more physically demanding. Erie is at 5,130’ elevation and first-time visitors might have less stamina. Summertime heat and low humidity can also tax your body—be prepared to stay hydrated and wear your sun protection. If you have any concerns prior to riding, please consult your medical provider.

Can I Get Run Over By a Train?

Absolutely not! Let’s break it down:

Ghost Tracks: These rails haven’t seen a train in over 20 years. They’re like the ghost towns of the railroad world—quiet, serene, and devoid of locomotives. So, rest assured, you won’t be sharing the tracks with any speeding trains.

Disconnected Delight: Picture this: The tracks are like a jigsaw puzzle missing a few pieces. They’re disconnected from the mainline on both ends. No through traffic, no surprise encounters. It’s just you, the railbike, and the open path.

Street Smarts: When our tracks cross a street, our trusty tour guides step in. They’re like traffic wizards, managing the road like pros. They’ll give you the green light when it’s safe to cross. No need to channel your inner Frogger.

Federal Railroad Rules: We play by the book. The Federal Railroad Administration sets the rules, and we follow them diligently. Stop-and-flag operation at grade crossings? Check. Safety first, always.

So, hop on that railbike, pedal away, and enjoy the clickety-clack without a care in the world.

What If it Rains (or snows)?

We ride rain or shine except for hazardous weather conditions. Passing showers, light snow flurries, breezy afternoons won’t stop the railbikes. Dress appropriately for the day’s weather forecast. We have shelters at the Station and the turnarounds where you can get out of the weather if you need to. Check out our suggestions to Plan Your Trip.

If weather conditions are severe we will monitor warnings and we may delay the tour time slightly or cancel the tour. See our Terms and Conditions for cancellation policies.

Can I Bring Food and Drink?

Absolutely! The railbikes have a basket and room for a daypack or soft cooler. Railbikes are a hands-free activity so you can snack and sip along the way or unwind at the turnaround spots. The only exception is we don’t allow alcoholic beverages on our ride. Please leave the beer and wine at home.

Can I Bring My Dog (or other furry friend)?

Sorry, No, there really isn’t any space for your pets to safely ride along on our bikes.

How Long Does a Trip Take?

Our basic tours take about 2 hours. You will pedal for about 20-30 minutes to the turnaround camp. Then our team will turn the bikes while you enjoy some camp activities for about 30 minutes. Everybody gets back on the bikes for the trip back to the Station. Remember you need to plan to arrive at the Station 15-20 minutes early so plan accordingly.

Special events; like sunset rides, foodie combos, and holiday rides have their own schedules so check the information for the particular ride you have booked.

What Should I Wear?

Dress comfortably for the weather. Think about temperature and being outdoors (sun). Hats are a good idea. Wear comfortable secure footwear. Closed toe shoes are recommended. If you lose your flip-flop while pedaling you can’t stop to pick it up. If you are booking a cool season or evening trip you might want to bring a jacket or something warmer for the turnaround time.