Rail Biking for First-Timers: What to Expect on Your First Ride
Cape May Run in Cape May, NJ
If you’ve never been rail biking before, you probably have a few questions.
Is it difficult? What exactly is a rail bike? What does the ride feel like? And what happens once you actually arrive?
That’s part of what makes rail biking different. For many people, it’s something completely new. It’s not quite biking, not quite a train ride, and not quite a traditional outdoor tour. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make that first ride feel a little easier. Here’s a look at what your first rail biking adventure with Revolution Rail is really like.
What Is Rail Biking?
Rio Grande Run - South Fork, CO
Rail biking combines cycling with historic railroad tracks. Riders pedal specially designed rail bikes that sit securely on the rails, allowing you to move through landscapes that are inaccessible by car or traditional hiking trails.
At Revolution Rail, rides take place on scenic rail corridors across New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Maine. Some routes pass through peaceful forests or across towering trestle bridges, while others follow coastal marshes, rivers, or cliffsides. The experience is guided, relaxed, and designed to move at a comfortable pace.
What to Bring (and What You Can Leave Behind)
Thurman Station Run - Thurman, NY
Preparation is simple. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are usually the best choice. Since all rides take place outdoors, it also helps to bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, or an extra layer depending on the weather and location.
Many riders also bring a phone or camera. Between the rivers, bridges, forests, marshes, and mountain views, there’s usually plenty worth photographing while you pedal.
Arriving about 20 minutes before departure gives enough time to check in, get settled, and listen to the pre-ride overview from the Guides before heading onto the tracks.
Your Rail Bike Tour
Your ride begins at the station, where riders check in before heading out onto the tracks. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check-in and browse the station shop for Rev Rail merchandise before the tour begins.
Once it’s time to depart, the Guides gather everyone together for a short safety briefing and overview of the experience. They’ll explain how the rail bikes work, go over a few simple instructions, and help you get comfortably seated before launch.
From there, the tour moves out at a comfortable pace with Guides leading the way. Rail bikes are spaced apart along the tracks, so each group has room to enjoy the scenery and conversation.
You’ll pedal out to a turnaround point where you’ll have a chance to get off and take some time to enjoy your surroundings. Our Guides will give a brief history talk specific to the tour you’re on and instruct you when it’s time to get back on the bikes for the return trip to the Station.
Rio Grande Run - South Fork, CO
One of the best parts of rail biking is that the experience changes from day to day and season to season.
Some rides are filled with wildlife sightings. Depending on the season and location, riders may spot bald eagles, osprey, deer, turtles, herons, or other birds moving through nearby forests and wetlands. In places like Cape May, migration seasons can bring even more activity to the marshes surrounding the tracks.
Other days, it’s the landscape itself that stands out most. Sunlight filtering through the trees, wildflowers sprouting, or reflections on the water beside the rails. Because the ride moves at a leisurely pace, there’s time to notice details that might otherwise pass by unnoticed.
Find Your Ride
Now that you know what to expect, you’re ready for your first tour! Explore all of our tours at revrail.com. We’ll see you out on the rails!
