Hadn’t heard of this hobby til today, but it makes sense that it would exist. I saw web sites for organized tourist railbiking trips, using specially-made 4-wheel / 2-person bikes. They look pretty cool; anyone done that?
The following is on the rougher DIY side though. And other than all the near-death experiences involved, it looks like a lot of fun. 
Nothing like having your heart in your throat while watching. I expanded to full screen and invited the wife to watch. I’d be turning back at all the tall bridges over water.
Mike, that was my reaction too, glad I’m not the only one. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)
That looks like a lot of fun, except for the tunnels. Don’t sweat the trestles, but I ain’t going in those holes in the ground (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif). Thanks for sharing, Cliff.
Cliff Jennings said:
Hadn’t heard of this hobby til today, but it makes sense that it would exist. I saw web sites for organized tourist railbiking trips, using specially-made 4-wheel / 2-person bikes. They look pretty cool; anyone done that?
I’ve done this one in Rhode Island https://www.railexplorers.net/ It’s quite tame. I was surprised how little effort got us going quite fast and seemed like you could coast forever.
Be aware, that TRESPASSING on railroad tracks, even if they seem inactive, is not allowed.
It’s fine to build, or own one of these “Railbikes”, but where can you legally use it ?
There are so few railroads in North America, that will even consider allowing you to run on their tracks, no-matter how much insurance you care to pay for.
Sorry to deflate your thoughts of a fun ride…
Fred Mills
Do you know that or are you just assuming?
There are organizations that secure permission for day rides on embargoed track and private roads. I’v e seen videos of such fun.
It’s done the same ways those guys with their own speeders, they get permission.
I would guess organized trips would have secured the rights, as opposed to exposing themselves to liability.
Of course that is more positive thinking, my mistake. I thought the opening of the video mentioned they were on abandoned railways.
Greg
I wasn’t defending that video, just Fred’s General statement needed exceptions.
I’ve seen pics of bikes on Corrizo (sp?) bridges, but I doubt they got permission either.
Man, another thing on my bucket list. I get one item scratched off and 4 added. Oh well, “die while your living or live while your dead”! (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Dan Gilchrist said:
Cliff Jennings said:
Hadn’t heard of this hobby til today, but it makes sense that it would exist. I saw web sites for organized tourist railbiking trips, using specially-made 4-wheel / 2-person bikes. They look pretty cool; anyone done that?
I’ve done this one in Rhode Island https://www.railexplorers.net/ It’s quite tame. I was surprised how little effort got us going quite fast and seemed like you could coast forever.
Dan, yeah, I saw that site yesterday, and they look really fun. Nice to hear it’s not too difficult.
The railbiking permission statement is as the end pf the first video, in anyone’s interested. I agree, it would be stupid to attempt such things without securing proper permissions… and safety gear for that matter. Which they were lacking, in my opinion. I’d expect the landowners would want a signed release of liability statement! (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)Still, fun videos.
And I’d like to do one of the organized rides with my wife someday, she’d love it.
Noticed that Rail Explorers has 3 locations.
Cheers,
Cliff
Heights like that trestle compelled me to join the submarine force…
I can understand that
Rail biking, as well as speeder running occurs infrequently on the Washington and Idaho RR, formerly the WI&M. With permission, of course.
