3 Reasons Why RailBiking Is The Most Thrilling Thing to Do this Fall
If you are looking for a way to see the fall foliage this semester, then you must try rail biking! It has been on my bucket list for the longest time, and it exceeded my expectations. It is a must-try activity to do because it’s family-friendly, exciting, and what better view than biking through the mountains on an abandoned railroad during the peak foliage. Does biking through a mountain excite you? Feel the rush of adrenaline yet? Here are three reasons why rail-biking is the most thrilling thing to do this Fall.
Prologue: Railbiking Who?
I first heard about this over the summer where I saw a few friends do this on Instagram and I could not help but think how fun it would be. I always envisioned experiences and thought how cool this would be during the foliage. Yes, you heard that correctly. I was willing to wait 6 months to do this during the incredible fall foliage, a phenomenon that I have been obsessed with for as long as I can remember, and a phenomenon that we were so lucky to see. If I was impulsive and chose to go right in the summer, I would have missed out completely. Now, who has the patience to wait 6 months? For me, it’s all about priorities, and believe it or not everyone does this in one way or another.
Inspiration: The Epic Fall Foliage
A big part of traveling for me is going to destinations at specific times. For example, I would not go to Iceland in the summer when I know that I have zero chances of seeing the Northern Lights? That is an opportunity that is completely out the door and I am almost 100% sure that you chose to travel somewhere that is time-specific, something that you were not willing to negotiate on. Whether that’s booking an event for the New Year or a vacation to a tropical island when it is sub-zero degrees, we have all been there and it is completely normal. Now granted this can be argued for any destination and it is also true that every destination is perfect at every time of year. It all depends on preferences, but it is overall about finding what experience YOU want out of it and I needed to see the fall foliage…
If you know, you know how inconsistent the fall foliage can be. Weather and location have a huge impact. My friends and I booked this about 6 weeks in advance and even though there are foliage trackers, it is still hard to predict if the foliage will truly peak by the time we went.
I was beyond nervous…. Nervous you ask? Because if you hype up an event, how upsetting will it be when it does not go planned? A little disheartening, but nonetheless only time will tell.
Now about 2 weeks earlier, I went hand gliding in southern New Hampshire and their foliage was already past peak, in fact, we just got the tail end of it. (Check out our amazing experience with my blog post!) Since the Adirondacks is more north, I was convinced that we had missed it and our chances were ruined. Similar to seeing the Northern Lights, it’s a gamble. The question is are you willing to take it? Essentially we had no choice since we had already booked it, but again only time will tell.
Today’s The Day
On the day that we headed up north, I could not wait to see if we were actually going to see them. As much as I say I am a risk-taker, I am most certainly more of a planner, so the whole “time will tell” things DOES NOT work for me. A part of traveling is going with the flow and being prepared for unexpected changes, so these are just life lessons that are testing to see if I can handle it.
1. The Pictures Just Don’t Do It Justice
Minutes away from the RevolutionRail and we were engulfed in the beautiful colors of red, yellow, orange, and green, we gambled and the cards were in our favor. The foliage was at its prime. I was so happy.
There’s something about mother nature that is so awe-inspiring. The beautiful wonders that she has created is like none that could be replicated. Think about the Great Barrier Reef or the Grand Canyon to name a few, pictures just don’t do it justice, any of it; the foliage included. That’s the power of traveling is witnessing these upfront and in person. It truly opens your eyes to everything that is still out there to see. What are you waiting for? Go out there. Find that perfect view. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
Awesome Photos of the Fall Foliage
Now as much as I say the photos don’t do it justice, sometimes they do! Check out awesome photos of the stunning
2. The Experience is One of a Kind
I have always been more about purchasing experiences over tangible items. Can you relate? As much as I am guilty of Black Friday shopping, I would prioritize trips and experiences a thousand times over, again, and again. Why buy that handbag when you can see these crazy views. Nothing can beat this.
Railbiking is just one of those activities that are both family-friendly and thrilling at the same time. As contradicting as that sounds, it’s so true! Don’t believe me? Then you have to try it and see for yourself. Once we got there, you faster your seatbelt and then you’re off! You can go as fast or as slow as you want but don’t forget to sit back and take at the moment every now and then. The cold brisk air against your face and the smells of pine reminds you that there is truly beauty in the eye of the beholder. There are so many amazing sights to see that you are sleeping on! Come on, this is a hidden gem and I am surprised that we don’t hear about it more!
3. Have Fun With it
So there are always two paths to life. The easy one that’s typically planned out for you, and the not-so-readily-seen where you use your creativity more. For every experience, you have to decide which path you are going to take, we chose the second path.
We had fun with it. At one point, we starting running with the bikes. Shortly before, we rode our bike so fast that our legs started to give out. Anyways, there’s nothing like a thrill and adrenaline rush when you are doing something fun and exciting and why take the easy path, that’s so boring! Instead, find joy in every and anything you do!
Railbiking Highlights
About Revolution Rail: Its History & Fun Facts
In the 1860s, Dr. Thomas Durant planned to bring people up from the south to Saratoga, Albany, and NYC and also transport the natural resources to those places, like oars & lumber. When these railroads were active, it was a beautiful trip, you see the mountains in the high peaks region and the blue lakes.
In the early 1900s, William McKinley was the president and Teddy was the VP at the time. He was an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt, fish, hike, climb, and explore. A park ranger advised him to visit McKinley in Buffalo who was shot by an assassin a week earlier. Teddy rolled into the train station at Revolution Rail and heard the news that McKinely passed overnight from his wounds. It was at this station that Teddy heard that he was going to be the next president 119 years ago.
Book Now!
If this hasn’t convinced you enough, then I do not know what will. Experience something fun this Fall! Get out and Railbike!
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