About Rail Riders
Bring your family and friends to a relaxing, breezy ride along the tracks of Yates County!
Enjoy the experience of rail biking at any age and with any ability! You don’t have to be an athlete to ride a rail bike. If you need a break from pedaling, everyone has a freewheel and can coast.
From your bike, you will experience working farms and see picturesque scenery. See relics that remain from the railroad communications. There is even a one-room Mennonite schoolhouse along our rail. Take this opportunity to show your family where their food comes from. Be sure to ask your guide about the crops along the rails! We are the ONLY rail bike company in the country that provides a history narration while we are rolling.
How It Works
Take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
The track is approximately 5 miles round trip and we allow 2 hours to complete the course.
Each trip is accompanied by a guide trained in safety and first aid. The guide is equipped to communicate with the Welcome Center in the event of an emergency. Your safety is our number 1 priority.
PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME.
Our crew will check you in upon arrival. When your ride is ready, we will call you up to select your own rail bike.
Our Crew will adjust your seats and get you comfortable for your ride. Your Guide will give a short safety talk. Water is provided and there are bathrooms at each end of the track. You will then ride, following your guide’s bike, while listening to a narration about the history of rail roads and transportation in Yates County! You are welcome to stop and take pictures or take in the scenery along the way, but riders are not allowed off the bikes except at the Welcome Center and Turn-Around Point. At the Turn Around, you will have the opportunity to walk around and stretch your legs while the guide turns all of the bikes around. You will return to your bike and proceed back to the Welcome Center. Your guide will ride “sweep” as the last rider.
What People Are Saying
“We had a blast doing this! Fun, relaxing ride. Almost completely level and the bikes are easy to pedal (so even older folks like me me can do this). During the ride the tour guide provided lots of interesting and fun information on the railroad and the surrounding area. Staff was friendly and upbeat. Highly recommend!!!”
— Jeff D.
“It was a super fun experience! I would recommend it to everyone. The pedaling was very easy. It was very scenic and Kathy, who is a stitch, gave an historical narrative along the way. Without a doubt, it’s at the top of the list of cool and fun things to do while in the Penn Yan area. I wish it could have been longer! I get now why the owners/proprietors said they have repeat customers. I will do it again in a heartbeat!”
— Sue J.
Our Bikes
We offer 2-seat recumbent-style bikes.
Each rider has a freewheel which allows them to coast while the other person is pedaling. Each rider is also provided with a water bottle rack, and a basket to take along personal items. Each tour has nine 2-seat bikes, plus one seat with the Guide.
You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks! However, alcohol is not allowed on the tours. Please do not discard rubbish along the route. Trash barrels are available at the Turn Around Point and the Welcome Center.
If you have a child in your party, bike seats can be fitted to take your toddler or baby safely along in their booster chair or car seat. Please see our FAQ page for more information.