Russian River Rail Bikes
4.7(26)google
4.9(27)yelp
InteractiveRiver
Overview
This pioneering and eco-friendly outdoor adventure reimagines regional tourism by allowing travelers to pedal custom-built, tandem rail-bikes directly along the historic tracks of the old northwestern railway. The masterfully engineered, four-wheeled pedal vehicles sit securely on abandoned steel lines, gliding effortlessly beneath a cool canopy of towering coast redwoods and ancient canyon bluffs. Guests can enjoy panoramic woodland vistas, pass along scenic historic trestles, and experience the fresh, crisp coastal river valley air during a guided excursion suitable for all fitness levels.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-2.5 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended to book the 9:00 AM morning or 4:30 PM late-afternoon excursions from June to October. This highly innovative adventure allows you to pedal custom-designed, electric-assist tandem rail-bikes along a historic, decommissioned railroad. Coasting effortlessly through ancient redwood canopies and open valleys is incredible.
Travel Tips
- Departing from Asti Rd in Cloverdale rather than Healdsburg core, this 6-mile round-trip requires heavy physical human pedaling; each 4-seat quad railbike must staff at least one high-endurance core driver.
- Operating as a synchronized military-style train convoy with only 2 sets daily, missing the mandatory safety brief 15 minutes prior to departure triggers automatic forfeiture without a refund due to active track laws.
- The open-frame rail vehicles provide zero shelter or overhead canopy against raw high-UV sun glare, compounded by radiant track-bed gravel heat; applying athletic sunblock and wearing technical glasses is mandatory.
Reviews
Positive
- This was a very unique and fun way to incorporate something different into a vacation, riding along the scenic old railroad tracks with a fresh perspective on the countryside.
- It wasn't too physically demanding, which was great considering how warm it was that day, overall a very breezy ride similar to a stationary bike.
- Highly recommend getting the lunch box with sub sandwiches on San Francisco sourdough bread, making for a fantastic picnic at the halfway spot by the river.
- Staff was so friendly and respectful, and the order and safety management throughout the tour were excellent, making it a perfect family bonding adventure.
Heads up
- The value for money is really low; it feels way overpriced and not worth the ticket cost.
- The actual riding time was heavily compressed to under 1.5 hours, while the mid-way 'lunch break' dragged on for two and a half hours, which felt like a waste of time.
- Although near the Russian River, some track sections have slightly monotonous views and do not offer the constant, pristine river-adjacent scenery expected.
- Since bikes move in a single file along the old tracks, things can back up easily if the group ahead is slow, indicating a need for better spacing and crowd management.