Daily and special railbike tours featured through fall on V&T Railroad

Many have experienced the trip aboard a restored 1914 Pullman coach led by a 1916 Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive from Carson City to Virginia City, or the annual Polar Express train rides, but with COVID-19 closures these experiences have not been available for 2020.

Now people can pedal their way through history aboard a Freedom Railbike along the historic Virginia & Truckee (V&T) train route into the Carson River Canyon along an exciting, curved, and gradual two percent grade track system to the historic Eureka Mill rest area.

The railbikes have been so popular this summer, the V&T Railroad have announced a lineup of special event tours for the remaining 2020 season. In addition to the standard Carson River Canyon tour, riders can expect extended hours, themed décor and added entertainment attractions.

“While we had to reshape our 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, we are excited to introduce railbikes so our guests can continue to enjoy our historic railway,” said Elaine Barkdull-Spencer, general manager for the V&T. “In addition to the regularly scheduled railbike rides, we have added various special event rides including Labor Day specials and Halloween themed rides, suitable for the whole family to enjoy. For those looking for a less intense ride, we have added Short Ride Tuesdays, beginning September 8 allowing riders to experience the bikes over a shorter distance.”

After partnering with Freedom Rail out of Utica, NY, V&T added six railbikes to its fleet with plans for additional bikes in the coming months. The railbikes are quad designed, each with four seats and pedals for each rider. The lightweight, aluminum framed bikes are equipped with a small motor to assist passengers during the 90-minute canyon tour. Though the tours are designed for riders to pedal the whole route, the motors are in place to assist riders of all ages and physical strengths throughout the canyon.

Upcoming special event times, pricing and dates are as follows:

V&T Bridge Short Rides – Tuesday’s beginning September 8
o Rides at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
o $35 for ages 4 and up

Labor Day Rides – September 7
o Rides at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
o $45 for ages 4 and up

Spooky Railbike Rides – October 28, 29, 30 & 31
o Family ride at 6 p.m.
§ Short Ride route, includes Trick or Treat stops
§ $40 for ages 4 and up

o Adults ride at 8 p.m.
§ Carson River Canyon route, includes food and drink
§ $75 for ages 17 and up, not suitable for children

Regular railbike rides
Tuesday – Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
$45 per seat, 4 seats per railbike

Reserve Tickets by calling 877-724-5007 or by booking online. For more information on the special event railbike rides and for more information on upcoming events, visit www.vtrailway.com and https://vtrailway.com/train-rides/carson-canyon-railbikes/