Where Bikes Meet Trains: Railriders in Ione, WA

I can't even remember how I found out about these, but they have been on my list for the last several years and this is the year I finally did them!

Location:

Ione, WA which is about a 2 hour drive north of Coeur d'Alene, making it the perfect day trip!

Quick facts:

• Railriders are the biggest fundraiser for the NPOV Lions Club in Ione, WA.

• The rail car you ride in weighs just over 200 lbs. itself

• These run only about 6 weekends a year and sell out quickly, so book early!

• Out and back trip-to the Box Canyon Trestle.

• Arrive 30 minutes to check-in and get your seat adjusted

• The ride is about 2 hours and 9 miles long

Cost:

$120 per railrider car (4 seats)

You cannot purchase individual seats. So that means you pay $120 if you have two adults, $120 if you have 4 adults, or $120 if you have one adult and two kids (like I did). PRICE IS PER RAILRIDER VEHICLE NOT PER PERSON.

Age Requirements?

NONE! :) You can attach your own carseats if preferred! Or wear a baby under one!

Though, you must be 18 to ride by yourself in railrider (that'd be a lot of work)

There is a weight requirement of 250lbs or under however per rider.

Reservations:

Railriders only happen about 6 weekends a year, with multiple times a day, but they sell out so be sure to book online in advance!

Get Tickets

My experience:

Now my expereicne is unique and one I hope you can avoid. It had nothing to do with the railrider or organization itself, but rather than I rode solo with 2 kids under 3. Almost 3 years into this mom-thing and I am still learning that I cannot do everything I was able to do before kids as easily and especially while solo-parenting (though I so badly want to be able to!)

Needless to say, I really struggled pedaling our railcar. I mean REALLY. So much so, my brother and sister-in-law who were behind me the first half of the ride with their one year old daughter had to use their railcar to push me because I didn't think I'd make it. IT'S NOT MEANT TO BE THIS HARD, TRUST ME.

On the way back, I had a volunteer high school student ride with us in our empty seat and we had little problem pedaling back.

All that to say, I HIGHLY recommend at least two adults in a railrider. They're meant to be a casual pedal, not a workout where I had to use my arms to assist my legs to pedal the 200+ pound railcar!

The staff: Every volunteer/worker was great! They were very friendly and excited for us! They will greet you at each of the road and railway crossings to help your group get across. Everyone waits for one another before crossing as a large group (about 14 cars)

The railcar: Comfy seats, clean, everything worked great, lap seatbelt, and a fanny pack size pouch behind one seat to put things in. Smooth ride.

With no age requirements, you are free to bring babies all the way to the elderly no problem. You can even strap in carseats.

In my railrider I had myself and my two year old in the front and an infant car seat with a baby in the back. The infant car seat was nice because I was able to provide shade to the baby from her carseat.

The views: Pretty views along the river, peaceful, pine trees, but there is limited shade. The dam was a very pretty view!

Check-in: Super quick and easy, simply give your last name on the registration, they hand you a number of which vehicle you are riding then they will get your seat adjusted to your height and comfort

What to pack:

• Carseats or baby wearing device if preferred

• Water (cupholders for each seat)

• A snack (pro tip: We brought some frozen popsicles to enjoy at the half way point and kept them in a small cooler bag)

• Sun hat (minimal shade)

• Just remember, whatever you bring, that is extra weight on your railcar. There is not a whole lot of storage, no room for large coolers or anything unless you have an empty seat on your car like we did.

Though my experience wasn't so grand since I was the only adult pedaling and had a toddler telling me to "go faster mom", I highly recommend you gather some family and/or friends and take the scenic drive up from Coeur d'Alene to Ione, WA and experience the Railriders. It's a great time to enjoy conversations with your loved ones, while casually getting exercise, and enjoy the beautiful nature!

Check out our reel on Instagram to see some video footage.