Finger Lakes Rail Riders
-by Carol White Llewellyn, Editor of Beyond the Nest
It was a fine August day, with the temperature hovering around 75 degrees, when 11 of my book club sisters, and assorted spouses and friends (pictured at right) descended upon the Finger Lakes Rail Riders, located at the northeastern tip of Keuka Lake in Yates County at 2039 Havens Corners Rd. in Penn Yan, NY.
As we turned into the parking lot, a light green tarp canopy hid vehicles we were soon to discover. Only two in the group were previous riders, and they carefully guarded the secret of what in store. When Kathy Ferron, Finger Lakes Rail Riders President and our Guide for the day, exited their office asking if "all of the Elizabeths" were present (our friend Liz had made all of our reservations), we got an immediate cue as to to her great sense of humor.
When the rest of the group arrived--two additional couples making our group size 15--we signed waivers agreeing not to get off the bikes mid-ride, and "saddled up" on what were essentially recombent bikes mounted on a platform, which were adjusted for each rider. We took off two-by-two through the beautiful late-summer countryside, riding smoothly over railroad ties used by the rairoad in an earlier time.
The entire ride from the Rail Riders Center to the turn-around point and back is about five easy miles. On the way out, you barely have to peddle, since there is a slight downward grade. On the way back, it's slightly uphill, but you're sitting on a platform fitted with fiberglass wheels conformed to fit the rails exactly, so it is also an easy ride back as well, with no strain on the legs. If desired, one out of the party can stop peddling, and the vehicle keeps moving.
The vehicles are equipped with baskets in the rear to carry gear, a rubber phone holder to keep phones from taking a flying leap, and a huge umbrella in case of rain. To the right of the seat, below the grab bar is your brake, in case you get going faster than you'd like. They also provide a bottle of water. They also have sunscreen and insect repellant available.
As we meandered through the countryside ablaze with corn, soy, trees, wildflowers and working Menonnite farms, Kathy regaled us with the history of the region, which was broadcast over a walkie talkie attached to each vehicle. She included the foundation of Penn Yan and its name, the region's transportation history progressing from boats to trains to automobiles, and the history of the region's industry. Although Yates county is primarily known for its agriculture, it has been home to some thriving industries.
When we reached the end of the line, she demonstrated how she turns each vehicle using a device she designed and had manufactured, that uses a pallet turntable normally used for wrapping oversized items in plastic. Although no one is requested to do so, a number in our party asked to undertake the tricky task of turning the vehicles on the metal base that's only about a foot longer than the vehicle, being cautious not to let it roll off one end or the other and into the ditch on either side.
On the return trip, Kathy shared the history of the Menonite people who inhabit the region, along with some very amusing tales from having lived in the region so long. The one-room Menonite schoolhouse we passed serves the local community well to the point where the children leave school to work on their family's farms as a form of trade schooling.
Finger Lakes Rail Riders provides a great outing for people of all ages, from newborn to age 95, because it takes little effort to bike, and Rail Riders indicates that a booster chair or car seat can be mounted on the ride. They also pride themselves on having "been able to accommodate, with care and ingenuity, every disabled rider that has come to the rails."
You reserve one double bike for every two people in your party. The fee is $88 for 2 riders. An $88 ticket rents a two person double bike which holds up to two riders. In addition, there is a 5% reservation fee plus NYS Sales Tax. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Rail Riders is open through October 29, 2024. Click here if you'd like to make reservations, email info@flrailriders.com or call 315-279-4330 with questions.
Click here to watch the video of our adventure!
P.S. If you're looking for a place to dine, I can heartily recommend Keuka Restaurant locate at 12 East Main Street in Penn Yan, followed by delicious dessert from the Spotted Duck Creamery, appropriately named because of their small batch hard custard made from the spotted ducks eggs their hens lay. In case you're wondering, yes, that is a peacock lording it over his spotted ducks!