My wife & I visited Versailles, KY for a quick getaway specifically to give Rail Explorers a try. I know a lot of people visit the area on the Bourbon Trail, but we aren't bourbon enthusiasts. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Angel, who is a really welcoming and friendly guy. The whole team seemed to enjoy their jobs and are really good ambassadors for the company. The rail bikes are pretty cool. They take advantage of technology that makes the experience easier by adding stored energy into the wheels. If you have physically challenged members of your family or party, they shouldn't have any issues because one person is doing the bulk of the work on the 2-person and 4-person bikes. My wife didn't touch the pedals on the majority of the trip and we had no problems. The seats are adjustable and relatively comfortable for the journey. There's a tray for your backpack, small cooler, or other belongings, and cupholders on the sides. They run rain or shine and keep umbrellas on the bikes in the event of a shower, but you may want to have a poncho if the weather looks iffy. Our trip was a beautiful mostly cloudy day in April, which was a little chilly, so my wife was thankful we brought jackets. The click-clack of the wheels along the rail joints segments makes you feel like you're on the rails, versus just a smooth continuous rail used on Class 1 railroads where you would just sail along. The rolling countryside and farmland is an idyllic setting for this adventure. You'll go over a few gravel farm road crossings and a paved crossing (protected by a team member with a flag), as well as a couple of small trestle bridges. You go through some cuts through hills, so you'll have dirt and rock walls above you a few times. Riding by the museum-owned relics of a bygone era could actually make for a spooky Halloween-themed sunset adventure in the fall. The terminus at the Kentucky River overlook stops at a now-condemned railroad bridge and looks over to the Wild Turkey Distillery. If you bring snacks & drinks, you can enjoy a bite, or just socialize with other explorers while the Rail Explorers team turns the bikes around and sets them up for the return trip. We will probably return to the Bluegrass KY Rail Explorers site, but the experience made me want to check out the other locations across the US. I'll also be contacting RE and one of our local museums to see how we can all work together to bring this adventure to a couple of parts...
Read moreWe recently visited this as a group of friends from vast distances around the US. Everything seemed great at first, welcoming and inviting. However, once one of the two 4 party carts we embarked upon, we discovered a problem. We struggled to maintain any propellant speed on the cart. No matter how hard our "drive peddler" worked to maintain a gap in front of the person behind us, we couldn't maintain the pace..after reaching the turn around point we voiced our objection to our cart not working properly to a chorus of employees saying everything was in a working manor. While switching people between carts on the way back to make sure we aren't the crazy ones, we had a worse time on the uphill trip back. For 6 miles we were forced to pedal excessively and rapidly on the way back up hill. Our group of friends in front of us reached the parking lot a full 10 minutes before our second cart. While the second cart was forced into a marathon to prevent the people behind us having a bad time. Upon voicing our protest on the receiving lot on the way back we were treated with disgust. After being told to wait, we heard the manager Corrine(sp) say "let me put a smile on for these people" only to offer us 7 mugs in compensation for the misery we endured. We insisted all we wanted was an apology, no refund, no compensation, for what we endured but still she wouldn't budge. Finally after 45 minutes of discourse we got her to admit that there might have been something wrong. We were also offered a code for a quad on our next trip, which will most likely never be used because we are from all over the US and Canada. Again, we finished the ride and had no expectation of compensation, just acknowledgement that there may have been an issue with the cart's performance.
It would have been a beautiful experience, with great pictures and memories to be had. The fact that we were singled out after having a bad time(while also driving over 16 hours to experience this) was disgusting.
While I do recommend this on its best day, I would absolutely be aware that their worse day will...
Read moreIf you're looking for a truly unique and breathtaking way to experience the heart of Kentucky, look no further than Rail Explorers in Versailles. This incredible adventure offers a delightful blend of gentle physical activity, stunning scenery, and family-friendly fun that will leave everyone smiling. The beauty of Rail Explorers lies in its accessibility and the sheer joy it brings. Regardless of age or fitness level, this activity is a breeze thanks to the pedal-assist electric motors on each rail bike. You can pedal as much or as little as you like, making it effortlessly enjoyable for the youngest adventurers and the most seasoned travelers alike. The effort is truly minimal, but the fun factor is off the charts! As you glide along the historic rail lines, you're treated to an unparalleled tour of the quintessential Versailles countryside. The journey unfolds like a living postcard, taking you past sprawling, picturesque horse farms where you might even catch a glimpse of majestic thoroughbreds grazing in the fields. You'll weave through serene landscapes, passing charming residential homes and acres of golden bales of hay, all contributing to the idyllic charm of the Bluegrass region. The grand finale of this scenic escapade is truly spectacular. Your rail bike adventure culminates at the iconic Tyrone Bridge, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking overlook of the Kentucky River and the famous Wild Turkey Distillery nestled on its banks. It's a view that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Kentucky, literally taking you through the most beautiful parts of the Bluegrass and the legendary Bourbon Trail. Rail Explorers in Versailles is an...
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