Colorado Railbike Adventures Offers Scenic Pedal-Powered Tours

Family-friendly attraction features historic railroad tracks and stunning mountain views

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:20am

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Colorado Railbike Adventures, located in Erie, Colorado, offers visitors the chance to explore the state's history and natural beauty by pedaling along old railroad tracks on open-air, people-powered railbikes. The business, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, has quickly grown to host over 20,000 visitors in its second season, offering a unique outdoor recreation experience with historic significance.

Why it matters

In an era when many small towns struggle to attract tourism, Colorado Railbike Adventures has found a way to leverage the region's railroad history and stunning natural scenery to create a family-friendly attraction that brings visitors to the area. The business's focus on outdoor recreation, education, and community-building serves as an inspiring model for other small towns looking to revitalize their local economies.

The details

The railbikes are open-air, flatbed platforms outfitted with track-hugging steel wheels and propelled by people-powered bicycle pedaling. The four-mile round trip route takes riders past mountain views, a trestle over Coal Creek, a cottonwood forest, and the site of a former coal mine. Guides share the history of the area, including stories of miners going on strike and blowing up the mine in the late 1800s. The Depot at the main station features a snack bar, picnic areas, lawn games, and other amenities to encourage family outings.

  • Colorado Railbike Adventures opened in 2025.
  • The business hosted over 20,000 visitors in its second season.
  • Reservations for the 2026 season begin in mid-March.

The players

Bob Rummer

A Berthoud resident and co-founder of Colorado Railbike Adventures.

Jeff Rummer

Bob Rummer's son and a co-founder of Colorado Railbike Adventures.

Rachel Rummer

Jeff Rummer's wife and a co-founder of Colorado Railbike Adventures.

Isaiah Farr

The general manager of Colorado Railbike Adventures.

Debi and Jim Laib

Berthoud residents who enjoyed a scenic ride with their daughter Mandi on the Colorado Railbike Adventures.

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What they’re saying

“We really want to start a new family tradition. We're always adding new activities and trying new ideas, so the adventure is always changing.”

— Isaiah Farr, General Manager, Colorado Railbike Adventures

“The railbike was easy to get on. Each railbike accommodated four people. [It] was an easy ride. We had three people, and it was easy to pedal. It was very scenic with a lot of history, which they described along the way. We were able to be outside on a beautiful day, and we laughed and talked the whole way. It was a great time!”

— Debi and Jim Laib, Berthoud residents

What’s next

Colorado Railbike Adventures will be accepting reservations starting mid-March for their 2026 season.

The takeaway

Colorado Railbike Adventures has found a unique way to blend outdoor recreation, history, and community-building, creating a family-friendly attraction that is revitalizing the local economy and serving as an inspiring model for other small towns looking to leverage their natural and cultural assets.