Railbike tours in Northern Michigan to have enhancements in 2nd year

Last summer, many Michiganders flocked to Traverse City for what was a new experience.

A company called Wheels on Rails offered the state’s first railbike tour trail, and company owner Macie Hefron said it became popular with travelers and nature enthusiasts who wanted to try it out. As it turns out, it was almost too popular.

“A lot of people weren’t able to ride last year because we booked up super fast,” Hefron said.

Railbikes are pedal-power carts that are ridden on railroad tracks and have the same style as recumbent bikes in the way people sit on them and pedal.

When going on a railbike adventure, it’s common to leave in a group with tour leaders at the front and back for safety, with the pace set by the lead guide.

Because of the demand for spots, Hefron said there will be some enhancements made for the second year of the tours this summer and fall, which will begin on May 24.

For starters, there will be two different tours this year, one that will be the full distance of six miles and another tour that will offer a shorter alternative of three miles.

Hefron said there will also be other enhancements such as:

• New bikes. The newer bikes will have more leg length and can accommodate more children for families who want to do a tour together. Hefron said they are more of a recumbent style of bike.
• Theme days. Hefron said days of the week will have certain themes. Thursdays will be “Decade Day” where people can wear clothes from their favorite decade, Fridays will be “Jersey Day,” Saturdays will be “Hat Day,” Sundays will be “Pajama Day” and Mondays will be “Pattern Day,” where people can wear outfits that clash all patterns.
• Special events. Hefron said the company hopes to offer a “Christmas in July” day with Santa Clause visiting, and “Halloween in August” day where people can wear costumes while riding.
• Reservation changes. Hefron said reservations this year will be made per person instead of per bike to help accommodate groups better.

Hefron said up 38 people can be fitted for a tour. She added that a portion of the proceeds this year will be donated to the National Association for Children of Addiction. For more information or to make a booking, click or tap here.