Have you heard of rail biking*? It’s a specially-designed bike that you pedal along abandoned railroad tracks. I first saw it on Instagram, then a local morning show. I was intrigued, taking to Google, no wheels required, searching for scenic opportunities near home to give it a try. I discovered Pennsylania Rail Bike (Soarin’ Eagle Rail Tours, at the time) in Hawley, Pennsylvania, located in the Poconos. You know the place? Giant champagne glasses in which you can bathe bubbled a deux? Round beds? Mirrors on the ceiling?
Hi. It’s Sister Rain. I’m back. Pennsylvania Rail Bike offers 2- and 4-seater bikes. You can choose between 10 mile / 2 hour or 20 mile / 3 1/2 hour rides. Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful guides will be in rail bikes at the front and back of the group.
Mister Rain, myself and my outdoor-, nature-loving sister-from-another-mother, J, went on the adventure on a beautiful June morning. The person in the front left seat of each bike has the brake. At first my fellow bikers wanted me to sit there. Um . . . little sight . . . lot of heart . . . no depth perception. They assured me they would tell me when we needed to stop, but if that’s the process we are going to use, let me drive a car again! J and I sat in the back two seats with my husband in the front on the brake. Such was my adamance that I not be responsible for us dying, I failed to consider the known fact that Mister Rain is often looking out the side window instead of the front windshield while operating our SUV. Also, he must have missed Drivers Ed the day they covered the recommended distance between you and the car in front of you. He hit the rail bike n front of us. Twice. Luckily the people in that bike were understanding. Even more fortunate, they were smaller than him.
We enjoyed the beautiful, peaceful scenery, our escort pointed out a young eagle in a tree close to the tracks. It felt as though we were much further away from civilization than we were, a rare occurrence in this day and age. It’s always a privilege to be in a place untouched by man (the Pennsylvania Railroad aside). The tracks ran along the Lackawaxen River, the foliage was out and proud after a snowy winter and wet spring. It smelled fresh and clean. I hate the heat. In Southeastern Pennsylvania there is a very small window of time between the cold temperatures and the humidity. On this day, we had found the sweet spot.
I am no longer able to safely ride a bicycle but I can most certainly ride a rail bike. So can you. Many rail bike companies now offer electric pedal assist rail bikes, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I encourage you to jump on the information superhighway, then all aboard a rail bike close to home. Or, when you travel, keep it in mind; it’s a unique way to experience part of an area you may not ever see otherwise. It’s also the best kind of exercise: it doesn’t feel like the drudgery of a workout. So get yourself on track. And choose your brake person wisely.
* Some places use “rail bike”, others “railbike.”
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