In September 2012, co-founder of Rail Explorers Mary Joy Lu was watching one of her favorite Korean soap operas when she noticed an unusual pedal-powered apparatus traveling along a set of railroad tracks. Ten days later, she was on a flight to South Korea to meet the designer and manufacturer of the rail bikes that would become the foundation of her business, Rail Explorers USA. From there, the rest, as they say, was history. 

Based in Portsmouth, Rail Explorers offers you the chance to ride tandem or quad, custom-built, pedal-powered rail bikes along railroad tracks journeying alongside Narragansett Bay.

Nervous about what to expect? Rail Explorers are easy to pedal, the terrain is mostly flat and the ride is relaxing and enjoyable. From couples young and old and groups of friends, to families of all ages and abilities, the pedal-powered explorers provide a smooth and comfortable adventure suitable for everyone (including your pup — Rail Explorers are dog-friendly.)

Choose between various different tours: the Northern Ramble, a six-mile exploration of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River (a one-way tour), or the Southern Circuit, a six-mile round-trip tour (three miles out, three miles back) down towards Newport and back and many more! All tours begin at 1 Alexander Road at Melville in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and last approximately 90 minutes.

Rail bike tours return for the 2024 season on Saturday, April 27th, book your pedal-powered tour here.

tour options

Fireside Tour

Enjoy our Southern Circuit on a round trip to Bayside Station featuring small campfires to spread…

 

ABOUT THE BIKES

Explorer rail bikes have four steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride. Although the rail explorers require pedaling, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. Tandem Rail Explorer (2 seats) or Quad Rail Explorer (4 seats) are available.

 

Visit railexplorers.net for more information

 

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