You Can Now Pedal Along the Railroad Tracks Through the Adirondacks

You can take the train from Saratoga Springs to North Creek, and now you can pedal your way farther into the Adirondacks, thanks to a startup company that offers so-called rail bike tours.

Revolution Rail Co. is offering excursions on a stretch of track several miles north of the North Creek rail station, on a line that linked to Tahawus, where iron ore and later titanium dioxide were mined. The vehicles are similar to paddle boats on rail wheels, with passengers sitting upright as they pedal themselves north about three miles, then turn around and pedal back south.

En route, they cross a trestle bridge spanning the Hudson River.

The vehicles come with two or four seats. The two-seaters cost $70, and the four-seaters $130. The trip takes about two hours.

"We are really excited to launch this fun family activity and open up a stretch of track that has never been open for passenger service," said Robert Harte, who with Michael Dupee launched Revolution Rail.

While passengers can drive to the North Creek station, off Route 28 in the town, they can also take the Saratoga and North Creek Railway train. The train will run Thursdays through Sundays for much of the summer, starting in late July, departing from Saratoga Springs' Amtrak station at 10 a.m., arriving in time to connect with the 12:30 p.m. rail bike tour, then returning on the 3 p.m. departure to Saratoga.

At one time, the train, operated by Iowa Pacific Holdings, served hot meals prepared on board in its full-length dome cars and even offered cocktails on the return trips. It couldn't be determined Tuesday what services are available. Calls to the railroad weren't returned.

Trains will continue to operate through Columbus Day weekend, though not on Columbus Day itself.

The rail bike tours, meanwhile, are scheduled to continue through Oct. 31. More details: www.revrail.com and www.sncrr.com.

From: Times Union

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