We have spent a lot of time in the area but was not aware of these rail bikes until recently. Thanks for sharing you experience. We will definitely check this out in October when we are staying near Andrews.
It's pretty new (I think it's only been around for two years at this point). October should be perfect, I hope the timing will work out for you and the leaves will be changing colors while you're there!
No, all of them are pretty low and short (you're usually almost over it by the time you realize it's a bridge). The rail is really sturdy because it was built for trains, so the whole thing feels really stable and doesn't move. The last one that is just past the tunnel, you don't actually cross.
Very nice video presentation! I’m not sure if you’ve got the ability to contact the Andrews Rail Bike people. But if you do: It looks like that turn device might be able to be placed slightly closer in (farther from the trestle). If they did this, then each rail bike could be passed over the turn device? And stopped just before the trestle. The last bike could stop ON the turn device. Once all riders are standing clear, then the staff could turn the last Rail Bike first. Then subsequently turn each rail bike after that. This would save the staff having to push these bikes UP that slight incline ONTO the trestle. And each rail bike would only have to be manually handled ONCE (the bikes in this video are turned, pushed up onto the trestle, and THEN- best guess here- pushed off the trestle, back over the turn device, and back into the main section of the tracks, then re-boarded by the riders to go. That is, currently, the staff must TURN the rail bike, push it UP THE LINE, turn each bike and push THOSE up the line, then push all the rail bikes back down off the trestle for riders to reboard. But if the RIDERS pedaled OVER the turn device, the ataff would only have to touch each bike once. This would speed up their work, and make less strenuous work.
What a brilliant suggestion! I'm originally from the area, so I do plan to visit again (hopefully during the Fall) and I'll make sure to give them this suggestion if they're still using the current process. Thanks for sharing the idea!
Great explanation of the process! Making me feel better about going to do this now. Quick clarification question: when you get to the end of the trail, do you then get off the bikes and go sit over by the picnic tables while they turn around all of the bikes? And that takes about 30 to 45 minutes?
I'm glad this was helpful for you. We loved the experience. Yes, at the end of the trail, which is just past the tunnel, you take a break by the picnic tables (remember to bring snacks). The break was about 30-45 minutes, but they turn the bikes around much quicker than that (I think it was probably 5-10 minutes to do that). It's a peaceful area to relax and hang out near the creek.
The historic hand-carved tunnel looks amazing and the rail bike looks like fun! Cool post!
Thanks, Steve!
Thanks for creating this!
You're welcome! We had a great adventure on the rails.
We have spent a lot of time in the area but was not aware of these rail bikes until recently. Thanks for sharing you experience. We will definitely check this out in October when we are staying near Andrews.
It's pretty new (I think it's only been around for two years at this point). October should be perfect, I hope the timing will work out for you and the leaves will be changing colors while you're there!
That was awesome. What a fun was to see Andrews, NC
Dang that's Kool as heck I will definitely be checking this out soon we live in kings mountain NC so hopefully not too far away
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! If you could go during the leaf season, I bet it's incredible.
Thanks for the video! Since I have a great fear of heights, were there any moments where you are higher in the air than the trestle bridge?
No, all of them are pretty low and short (you're usually almost over it by the time you realize it's a bridge). The rail is really sturdy because it was built for trains, so the whole thing feels really stable and doesn't move. The last one that is just past the tunnel, you don't actually cross.
Very nice video presentation! I’m not sure if you’ve got the ability to contact the Andrews Rail Bike people. But if you do:
It looks like that turn device might be able to be placed slightly closer in (farther from the trestle).
If they did this, then each rail bike could be passed over the turn device? And stopped just before the trestle.
The last bike could stop ON the turn device.
Once all riders are standing clear, then the staff could turn the last Rail Bike first. Then subsequently turn each rail bike after that.
This would save the staff having to push these bikes UP that slight incline ONTO the trestle. And each rail bike would only have to be manually handled ONCE (the bikes in this video are turned, pushed up onto the trestle, and THEN- best guess here- pushed off the trestle, back over the turn device, and back into the main section of the tracks, then re-boarded by the riders to go.
That is, currently, the staff must TURN the rail bike, push it UP THE LINE, turn each bike and push THOSE up the line, then push all the rail bikes back down off the trestle for riders to reboard.
But if the RIDERS pedaled OVER the turn device, the ataff would only have to touch each bike once.
This would speed up their work, and make less strenuous work.
What a brilliant suggestion! I'm originally from the area, so I do plan to visit again (hopefully during the Fall) and I'll make sure to give them this suggestion if they're still using the current process. Thanks for sharing the idea!
Great explanation of the process! Making me feel better about going to do this now. Quick clarification question: when you get to the end of the trail, do you then get off the bikes and go sit over by the picnic tables while they turn around all of the bikes? And that takes about 30 to 45 minutes?
I'm glad this was helpful for you. We loved the experience. Yes, at the end of the trail, which is just past the tunnel, you take a break by the picnic tables (remember to bring snacks). The break was about 30-45 minutes, but they turn the bikes around much quicker than that (I think it was probably 5-10 minutes to do that). It's a peaceful area to relax and hang out near the creek.
Awesome - thanks so much!
Is there restrooms at the turn around?
@@kathyvidetto3941There is a compostable Port-a-John at the turn around. 😊