Last Monday we went Upstate NY with our friend Kiara and she had us experiencing the Rail Explorers… a rail adventure on board of special rail-bikes 🚲🚂
It was such an amazing experience; I highly recommend it to anyone!
We took off from the historic Phenicia railway – an abandoned railroad track in the Catskills since the 50s.
Riding the rails on pedal-powered bikes is super fun and suitable for everyone. Only the person who operates the breaks will have to workout a little in order to activate the pedal assist motor, everyone else can just have fun… Luca was our designated breaks operator and he also took pics and videos for us from the back seat 😎
Traveling through the Catskills wood alongside the Esopus Creek, while riding the historic Ulster and Delaware Railroad is simply SPECTACULAR.
Before starting our trip, each rail-bike had to do a breaks test – better safe than sorry – in front of the Empire State Railway Museum.
You can’t pass another rider, so all bikes are kept about 500ft apart to allow everyone riding at their own pace.
Two people from the staff are in front and two are in the back of each group to make sure everything goes smoothly… shout out to them: they were AMAZING!
Full capacity is 7 quads (4 seats), 5 tandem (2 seats), plus 2 other tandem – one in front and one in the back – for the 4 staff members.
The first 2 miles are a little downhill: you’ll ride fast without even touching the pedals.
Once at the picnic area, next to the river, you’ll be asked to get off your wagon so that the staff can lift and turn the bikes around to head back. We left all our personal objects on board.
I really enjoy the greenery scene all around while enjoying a snack and drinking some water. I still can’t get over the incredible wood smell 🥰
A young staff member – she has been working at the Rail Explorers since its opening and she claims ” it has been the best summer job ever” – got a toad on her hand… it was so cute!!!
If you’re looking for a real workout you might get disappointed: it’s so easy to ride uphill as well, thanks to the pedal assist motor! 🤪
The tour is about two and a half hours and I would book a ride ASAP… it quickly gets fully booked.
– How many tour a day do they offer?
Five. The first one starts at 8:30am (we booked it at this time and it was perfect),the second is at 11am, then at 1pm, 4pm and 6:30pm. I believe the last one could be magical because of the sunset, we have to go again 🤩.
– How much does it cost?
- Tandem Explorer: from $85 (two riders @ $42.50pp)
- Quad Explorer: from $150 (up to four riders @ $37.50pp)
– Enjoy a special 10% thanks to VivereNewYork and NewYorkCity4All
Make a reservation before 7/31/2020 and you can book for future dates 😉 You must book by phone, by calling (887)833-8588 from 9am to 8pm (EST), daily. Use the code “NYCALL” to get 10% off.
This promotion is only valid for Weekdays tours, with the exclusion of special tours, and holiday weekend days.
– Giveaway!!!
On Thursday July 2nd, at 9am EST, both Kiara and I will choose two lucky winners (one each).
Prize: a Rail Explorers- Catskills Division tour for 2 or 4 persons… make sure to follow the instructions below!
– Who can ride the rail explorers?
Everyone! Young and old, couple, friends or family, more or less in shape: it will be a BLAST!
Children must be accompanied by a rider at least 16 years of age to operate the brakes and they must be secured in their own seat.
Infants must be secured in a chest harness to an adult rider and you can ask for a toddler harnesses for additional security.
Dogs are permitted and their safety is your responsibility. Dogs must be restrained with a leash or harness.
– What should you bring?
Water, snack, bug spray, camera, sunscreen and a hat – well, as for now you should also bring with you your face mask as you will have to wear it at the beginning, in the picnic area and at the end or the tour.
You’ll definitively enjoy the breeze and the tree shadow in the wood and you’ll also be provided with an umbrella.
Rail Explorers operates rain or shine, provided it is safe to do so. Umbrellas and ponchos are provided and in case of heavy rain that is unlikely to stop, they’ll cancel (and you’ll be fully reimbursed) or delay departure until the weather passes.
– Where is it located?
Rail Explorers- Catskills Division is at 70 Lower High St, Phoenicia, NY.
Phoenicia it’s about 90 miles from New York City and it takes about two hours by car. I’d highly recommend you to plan for a two days trip to fully enjoy your Upstate experience… stay tuned for more tips in the areal
Make sure to also follow my friend Kiara on NewYorkCity4All and KiariLadyBoss 🙌
