KENNEBUNKPORT — You can now pedal your way along a historic railroad track at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

The museum recently partnered with Revolution Rail, a company that hosts rail bike excursions. Rail bikes are two or four seat recumbent bicycles that are designed to ride along railroad tracks.

Seashore Trolley Museum Executive Director Katie Orlando and Revolution Rail Co-Founder Rob Harte graciously invited me and photographer Jim Swain to take a ride on a railbike.

Revolution Rail began offering rail bike rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport on June 20, and will continue to do so through the end of October. Rides run rain or shine.

“There’s no bad weather, just bad preparations,” said Rob.

Rob’s positive, easy-going attitude and enthusiasm set the tone for the whole experience during our recent ride.

Jim and I joined a group going on a late Friday afternoon ride last week. The seats were comfortable, and adjustable. Our bike had a basket in the back that could handily carry water bottles, a purse, or in my case, that jacket I realized I didn’t need.

We buckled up and were ready to roll. I haven’t been on a standard bicycle in many years – and for those, like me, who may have some qualms about getting on a rail bike – fear not. The wheels lock on the rails, so you don’t have to steer, or worry about balance. Just sit back, pedal and enjoy the ride.

 

A family rides the rails at the Seashore Trolley Museum. JIM SWAIN PHOTO

The three-and-a-half-mile ride took us to the museum’s Talbot Park and back along a section of the former Atlantic Shore Line. We were accompanied by staff in front and back of the group, and Rob led the ride.

Rob describes rail biking as a leisurely-paced activity that gives you a chance to take in your surroundings. The general rule is if you can comfortably walk for a mile and a half, you’re able to go for a rail bike ride.

Jim and I peddled to the museum’s Talbott Park along with the group at a comfortable pace. While bikes are equipped with a hand brake and have bumpers on the front and rear, riders are asked to keep a safe distance from those in front of you. As Rob told us, “If you can hear the conversation in front of you, you’re too close.”

 

The Portland-Lewiston Interurban Morrison Hill Station is one of the sights at the Seashore Trolley Museum. JIM SWAIN PHOTO

 The Seashore Trolley Museum, being the world’s largest and oldest transportation museum, is a visually interesting place. We rode past the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Morrison Hill Station, the only known surviving waiting station from the former Portland Lewiston Interurban. The rail line took us through the woods to Talbott Park, where we all got off our bikes and Rob gave us a bit of history about the museum, which was founded in 1939.

Rob also told us about the Atlantic Shore Line, which was a well-used railroad in the early 1900s, transporting workers to the bustling Biddeford-Saco mill district. And a fun fact – the tracks used to reconstruct the heritage line were once used in Massachusetts, on a railway Rob rode as a child.

 

Revolution Rail Co-Founder Rob Harte, in orange, takes the group on a break after arriving at the museum's Talbott Park. JIM SWAIN PHOTO

While the ride to the park wasn’t too strenuous, the ride back was very easy, following a slight decline as we traveled toward the front of the park. “The bike is almost driving itself,” I told Jim, as we traveled at a decent clip without much effort, the breeze blowing in my hair.

Rob, a former teacher, co-founded Revolution Rail in 2017 in North Creek, New York. Today, Revolution Rail has multiple locations in New York, as well as locations in New Jersey, Colorado and now, Maine.

Rob lives in Burlington, Vermont but is currently staying in Southern Maine as the Kennebunkport run gets settled in. He said he became interested in setting up a program in Kennebunkport when he met Seashore Trolley Museum Trustee James Schantz at a railroad convention.

“He was just a really nice guy,” said Rob.

The two corresponded back and forth, and after Rob visited the museum, he agreed to do a pop-up rail ride last October. The trial went so well that both parties decided to partner and establish a program this summer.

“It’s been dynamite,” said Rob. “It’s been a lot of fun working within the museum.”

Rail biking is an activity for all ages. As riders sit side by side in pairs, a strong rider can pick up the slack for someone who is older or doesn’t have the same ability level.

Infants and children under 25 pounds can ride with an adult in a BabyBjörn-style harness. Children able to sit up on their own or who are more than 25 pounds can ride in their own seat, and may use a five point harness from Revolution Rail  to keep them safe while riding. Children under the age of 15 must ride with an adult on the same rail bike. 

Jim and I both agreed that riding the rail bike was a lot of fun, and I’d definitely recommend it to someone looking for something to do that’s a little different, or someone looking for a fun outdoor activity that’s not too strenuous.

Revolution Rail rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum can be booked online.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.