Taking a ride with Colorado Railbike Adventures was an incredibly unique and inspiring experience. You get a bit of everything…time with family and friends, mountain views, exercise and some local history too! Continue reading to learn more about who will love this experience, what “railbiking” entails and additional fun details…
This article is sponsored by Colorado Railbike Adventures, your destination for historic, outdoor family adventures. Bring the family, throw a party, host a team building or plan a date night to enjoy time on the tracks and fun at the depot! Everyone from our youngest littles to our older generation gets to join the fun and pedal along on our four seat railbikes along the 4.2 mile Boulder Valley Mine route. Spectacular views are found throughout the ride.
Address: 4121 Co Rd 3, Erie, CO 80516
Website: https://www.coloradorailbikeadventures.com/
Found in Erie, you couldn’t ask for a more peaceful location to enjoy the Colorado landscapes.
I love the way Colorado Railbike Adventures phrased this: “A railbike is like the quirky lovechild of a bicycle and a train – originally built for track maintenance crews.” Each railbike has four pedal seats and, for those of us with a family of five, there are a few cars with an additional seat up front for a child under 50 lbs. The railbikes are human-powered, meaning you have to put in some work on this adventure!
Your railbike trip follows 150 years of Erie Coal Train history down the hill past a historic farm property and historic Old Town Erie. After passing the original Erie Depot site, riders cross the trestle at Coal Creek, Briggs Street and end at County Line Road.
There are times where you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere and times you’ll spot bustling Erie landmarks, like Coal Creek Park and Splash Pad, local businesses such as Cristos Coffee, and maybe even some wildlife along the way! Similar to riding on a bike trail but with the benefits of not having anyone trying to pass you and having your head up to observe your surroundings.
You are the motor! I was a bit naive going in thinking it would be a completely relaxing trip…then I remembered that I haven’t ridden a bike in years. Ha! A good portion of the ride is easy pedaling, however, there are times where the grass and weeds underneath offer some resistance as well as the return ride demands a little extra effort to climb back up the grade to the depot.
You can bring along water and snacks (no alcohol) or they have some available for purchase at the starting point. Know that you are gone for about two hours, working along the way, so water is a must. There is a basket in each railbike to keep your belongings and water bottles.
Each railbike has seats for four pedalers and I’d recommend you fill them! A fun family outing or a double date with friends, your ride will be easier with some help 😉 .
Just like when riding a bike, you will want to wear closed toe shoes and clothing that allows for movement. Taking along a windbreaker or sweatshirt if the wind comes up or it is a “buggy” time of year is a good idea as well.
To help with additional questions, visit Colorado Railbike Adventures FAQ page or ask a question in the comments below.
Before, after, and at the midpoint of the ride, you will learn about the town of Erie, coal mining, and the railroad history. These tracks date back to 1871 and were key to Erie becoming one of the major coal mining towns of the West.
Make sure to ask how Erie had a hand in the pickle industry too!
Our kids had a great time as well! I was pleasantly surprised at how interested they became in the town history and they were amazed as they realized where we were in respect to some of their favorite Erie spots.
The Depot has lawn activities to enjoy before or after your ride, a concession stand and covered tables. Colorado Railbike Adventures offers a perfect activity for a multi-generational family gathering, a friend/ neighbor group, adult birthday party, or team building event!
Thanks for joining us at Slides and Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and play!
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