LEXINGTON, Kentucky—Kentuckians can explore Thoroughbred horse farms, see limestone hills, and enjoy views of the Kentucky River from a new perspective: while pedaling on the rails.
Rail Explorers in Versailles offers the chance to pedal a rail bike for the 10-mile round trip on the Louisville Southern Railroad rail line that dates to the 1880s. The two-hour trip takes you from Versailles to a scenic overlook at Young’s High Bridge, 283 feet above the river.
The length of the ride may seem a bit daunting, but each rail car is equipped with electric pedal assist. There is a two-person Tandem Explorer and a four-person Quad Explorer.
What Is Riding the Rail Bike Like?
Donna Sue Rowden of Shelbyville recently took a rail bike for a spin with her friend Cheri Newell.“There was only one time (Cheri) got a little bit excited because they asked the responsible one to do the brake, and I am the responsible one, and she’s taking our picture, so I’m looking at her, smiling, and almost hit the car in front of us, and she’s going ‘Brake! Brake!’” Ms. Rowden said.
She and her friends said they saw the newest attraction on their local news station and wasted no time reserving their Quad Explorer.
Although they were some of the oldest women on the morning ride, they may have been some of the most youthful-in-spirit riders of the trip. The group shared plenty of laughs and sang songs on their way back into the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum.
During the first five miles heading to the turnaround point, you’ll be soothed by breathtaking views of rolling hills and captivating greenery.
Who Can Ride on the Rail Bike?
All ages are welcome. There are about a dozen cars that can be reserved, so you can go in a small or large group.Younger children and newborns also were seen on the morning ride. It’s a great opportunity for families to spend time together and see all sorts of wildlife, including horses, and old rail cars on the tracks, according to Heather Abel, a Rail Explorers regional manager.
For those under 50 pounds, a child safety harness is provided, although the rider’s feet still may not reach the pedals even after adjusting the seat. Babies should be safely strapped to a parent.
Ms. Abel said pets also are welcome, with restrictions: They must be strapped to a person or leashed, dogs must be under 40 pounds, and there’s a limit of one per car.
“We actually had a dragon lizard here on Saturday—it was hilarious,” Ms. Abel said. “We’ve had parakeets, parrots—as long as everybody’s safely strapped to a person then we encourage it all.”
So no matter whom you’d like to experience the ride with, all of your options are open. And you can bring snacks and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy.
Rail Explorers Bluegrass Division
Where: Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum, at 175 Beasley Road in Versailles, KentuckyWhen: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. (Many spots are already sold out.)
Tickets: The Tandem Explorer seats two people and is $45 per person. For larger groups, the Quad Explorer seats up to four people at $40 per person. Groups of 10 or more may receive a 10 percent discount on their booking. Visit railexplorers.net.
