Tim Tries It: Rail Explorers in Portsmouth

May 4, 2017 5:14 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – A new business is breathing life into a stretch of old railroad tracks in Portsmouth.

It’s providing a new way to see the island. We gave “Rail Explorers” a try in today’s “Tim Tries It.”

Co-owner Alex Catchpoole says, “Right now, we are the only place in the world outside of South Korea that has these type of vehicles. So, we’re very proud of that fact."

It’s a six mile journey that takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on how fast you go. There are some amazing views along the way.

Catchpoole describes, “What we’re riding right now is called the Northern Ramble. The tracks wind along beautiful Narragansett Bay.”

Catchpoole says you get to see parts of the island that you could never otherwise access.

At about the 45 minute mark, we stopped to take a break and take in the view of the Mount Hope Bridge, under which we had just passed.

A common question: Is it difficult?

Catchpoole, "It takes very little effort to pedal. The track is very flat, so people of all ages and all abilities have been able to enjoy it."

We chatted with several folks that tried the Rail Explorers along with us.

Clair Milligan says, "A lot of exercise."

Janet Hall says, "But two 70 year old women did it, no problem."

Elizabeth Guidone says, "Beautiful way to spend a couple of hours and take in some beautiful sights and get a workout."

Bethany McGill says, "Actually we just watched the video we took, and it was like the video was in fast motion. We didn’t believe how fast we were going."

Look for a second leg of track to open this summer.

Visit their website for more information: https://www.railexplorers.net/

Have something you think Tim should try? Reach out on social media or by email and let him know!

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