Riding The Rails: Train Journeys Around The World – You’ve never experienced the railway like this before! Rail Explorers puts guests on the tracks and in the driver’s seat – controlling AMAZING pedal bikes that explore the railways. These epic tracks take you under a canopy of lush forests and trees, alongside a rushing river and alongside blooming wildflowers – all from the comfort of a bike seat. It’s a thrilling tour like no other, and it’s the perfect activity for families, as the train carriages are kid-friendly (and even the furry four-legged members of the family can ride too!).
The best part – these nature tours take place outside in open nature and are the perfect activity in these Covid times. We absolutely fell in love with this fun activity – it’s an epic experience that everyone MUST put on their bucket list. Read on to discover the best way to adventure in the Catskills!
Riding The Rails: Train Journeys Around The World
Rail Explorers only work on tracks that have no train traffic. Staff work closely with rail managers and dispatchers to ensure there are no other vehicles on the tracks during our operations. Rail Explorers currently operates in the Catskills, Rhode Island and Las Vegas! We visited the Catskill location for our experience, which allowed us to experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad.
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Everyone can ride Rail Explorers! Friends, families, children of all ages, even four-legged friends. For safety, all riders must be secured in their own position. The only exception is infants, who must be secured in a chest belt on an adult rider. Infants with a chest strap travel for free. Children must be accompanied by a rider at least 16 years of age to operate the brakes. Smaller children may not be able to reach the pedals, but they can safely clip in to enjoy the ride.
Tickets can be purchased online and often sell out in advance – be sure to book in advance! There are two bike options for riders to choose from. The Tandem Explorer allows two riders at a time to ride the tracks. These explorers cost $42.50 per person, a total of $85 to fill the bike. The Quad Explorer, otherwise known as the ‘Cadillac’ of their bikes, seats up to 4 riders. This Explorer costs $37.50 per person, adding up to $150 for the entire bike. All riders must wear a seat belt for safety. It is possible to connect rail bikes for groups larger than four – which is a great option for larger families with 4+ children, large families or small group tours.
The Catskill Experience lets you experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside Esopus Creek through the beautiful forests of the Catskill Mountains. The ride is 8 miles round trip and takes about 2.5 hours. The bikes used on the River Run offer pedal assist, which means they have electric assist to help you pedal the bike. There is a break halfway through where the staff turn around the carriages to return to the station.
This tipping point is creekside and GORGEOUS. Be sure to bring a snack and your camera. The recovery process itself is an epic experience involving cool plumbing. Watching these cars go around was our son’s favorite – he still talks about it. Tip: Staff allow children to help tip – be sure to stick around.
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In the age of coronavirus, Rail Explorers is the perfect social distancing activity. In addition to the physical distance of the tour, the Rail Explorers team has taken extra precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy. All railcars now have a “rolling” departure. Each group boards the bikes and departs the station at 3-5 minute intervals.
Railbikes are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned between tours. During our visit, we saw the staff wipe down the equipment several times and felt safe throughout the procedures. There is always something new happening here in Lexington. Stay up to date with the latest news from our press team.
VERSAILLES, Ky., (July 26, 2023) – The beauty of the Commonwealth’s horse farms, limestone cliffs and river views are on full display during a tour with the nation’s premier rail motorcycle company, Rail Explorers. The Bluegrass Kentucky Division offers riders a unique experience along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad in Versailles, Ky., through the Horse Capital of the World and the heart of Bourbon Country to perfectly cut cliffs above the Kentucky River overlooking the Wild Turkey Distillery , as well as Young’s High Bridge, built in 1889. Public tours begin July 28.
“Central Kentucky offers a scenic splendor and rich history that we are proud to showcase,” said Mary Joy Lu, CEO of Rail Explorers. “We are thrilled to call Woodford County our new home, partnering with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum to offer a truly unique railroad experience. Where else can you pedal through two thoroughbred farms, see mares and foals in the fields, and then see great views of rocks, water, and a bourbon distillery? It’s magical!”
All Aboard For Train Travel
The 10-mile round-trip tour offers Quad Railbike (up to four riders) and Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) options. After a 5-mile ride west of the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes enjoying views of the Kentucky River from about 100 feet above, while drivers use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railroad bikes, before making pedal back along the gently curved path to the starting point. In total, visitors can expect an experience of about two hours.
“Kentucky’s natural beauty and tourism opportunities attract visitors from near and far, and Rail Explorers is an innovative way to enjoy scenic views while exploring an area steeped in history,” said Lindy Casebier, Secretary of the Cabinet for Tourism, Arts & Heritage. “As the first attraction of its kind in the Commonwealth, Rail Explorers is a great addition to the tourism community, not only in Woodford County but for the entire state.”
Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division is the company’s first Southeast location. It is built in four sister locations: Boone, Iowa; The Catskills and Cooperstown, NY; and, Rhode Island. The company began operations in 2015 and has since hosted more than 500,000 riders.
The founders of the rail bike industry in America, Rail Explorers custom-built railbikes are pedal powered, feature hydraulic disc brakes and feature a purpose-built electric motor – the REX propulsion system. Technology leads the world in safety, design and ease of operation. The combination creates a truly effortless journey for visitors of all ages and abilities – including those who are visually or hearing impaired or differently abled. Rail Explorers’ commitment to inclusion has driven custom electric pedal assist to overcome the difficulty of pedaling uphill, as well as an all-steel construction that’s strong enough to have no weight limit.
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“The Woodford County Tourist Train is rolling and we are excited to welcome the Rail Explorers to our community,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay. “Rail Explorers enhances our rail tourism experiences located at our amazing Bluegrass Railroad Museum to provide a world-class experience with scenic views of our scenic Bluegrass from Woodford County Park to the beautiful Kentucky River.”
The Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division will create at least 17 jobs, including two full-time management positions and 15 – 20 seasonal guides.
“This new opportunity to showcase the beauty of Woodford County in the most unique way is a great addition to Versailles,” said Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott. “This is the type of new business that can serve locals as well as attract tourists to our community.”
The Versailles location is approximately 15 miles from Lexington and Frankfort, off Highway 62 at 175 Beasley Road, Versailles, Ky. 40383. Tickets for a 2-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a 4-person Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person). Tours are open to the public.
Ride The Rails For Relay For Life
Tours are pet friendly. Pets travel free, but are limited to 40 pounds. or less, one pet per bike. Previous pets included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, and even ducks.
The inspiration for Rail Explorers came from a scene in a Korean soap opera. In 2012, company co-founder Mary Joy Lu was watching one of her favorite K-Dramas and was intrigued when she saw a strange contraption flying along the train tracks. Mary Joy was so excited about this great looking rail bike that within 10 days she was on a plane to South Korea to meet with the vehicle’s designer and manufacturer. Mary Joy, husband and co-founder Alex Catchpoole, and other Rail Explorers employees traveled to Korea in 2015 to learn more about the unique business. Rail Explorers brought a fleet of explorers to the US and began operations in the Adirondacks in 2015. This was the first time these railbikes were outside of South Korea.
Rail Explorers is committed to socially and environmentally responsible operations and management. Rail bikes produce zero emissions and tours have little to no impact
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