Quick Details
Rail Bike Rider
A single seat on a quad bike.
$ 12
Quad Bike
Fits up to 4 Passengers per bike
$ 40
As part of the Tipton County Pork Festival, climb aboard the Pork Fest Express, a special railbike adventure offered for one weekend only!
Perfect for first-time riders and families, this 30-minute round-trip experience travels approximately one mile south from downtown Tipton before returning. Rides depart from behind the Shack in Tipton.
Along the way, you’ll pedal your way through a short stretch of railroad that hasn’t seen passenger traffic in more than 10 years, making this a truly unique opportunity to experience a hidden piece of Tipton’s railroad history.
Whether you’re taking a break from the festival, looking for a fun family activity, or simply curious about railbikes, the Pork Fest Express is a memorable addition to your Pork Festival weekend
What’s included
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A 30-minute round-trip railbike ride along the historic one-mile route (this trip is 10 minutes on the bike each way plus 10 minutes at the halfway point to turn the bikes around)
Highlights
- Ride a railbike on a historic stretch of track unused for passenger service for more than 10 years.
- Fun, accessible activity for families and first-time riders.
- Unique festival-only experience available one weekend only.
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Closed-toe shoes
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Sunscreen
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Hat and sunglasses
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A bottle of water
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Comfortable clothing
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Cushion for the seat
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Riders must be able to sit securely in their own seat for the duration of the trip. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Staff will provide a safety briefing prior to departure.
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Food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the railbikes. Only trained service animals are permitted. Late arrivals may miss their ride and tickets are non-refundable.
This is a family friendly ride. Riders ages 2 and under may ride on an adult’s lap but must be securely fastened to the adult using a passenger provided baby carrier. The adult must have both hands free at all times. Nickel Plate Railbikes does not provide the baby carrier.
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Rides operate rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions, rides may be delayed or canceled. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged or transferred after booking.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nickel Plate Express utilizes USA built, high quality railbikes from Rail Gliders located in Pennsylvania. These family-friendly, pedal bikes are specially designed to sit on the rails of the tracks. Each bike seats up to 4 passengers. Railbikes offer the perfect activity for guests of all ages and allow passengers the opportunity to see the rail line from an entire new perspective.
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Our railbikes are versatile and easy to ride for people of all ages and abilities. Intended to welcome everyone from small children to adults up to 6’4″, the Rail Glider’s seats are infinitely adjustable, even while sitting in them.
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Yes! Children are welcome to ride the railbikes with appropriate adult guidance. We do ask that groups with children under the age of 16 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All riders must be secured safely in a seat of their own. Harnesses will be available for toddlers. Infants under the age of 2 may ride strapped securely to an adult in an infant carrier supplied by the customer. Adults must have both hands free to safely operate the railbike.
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All tours commence with the entire group departing alongside the tour guide. Participants disperse along the trail, maintaining a distance of up to 500 feet between individuals ahead and behind. This arrangement affords each group the opportunity to enjoy the open-air environment and the enchantment of the railroad at their preferred speed and in their individual space.
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Nickel Plate Express Railbikes will have total occupancy of the rail line during tours. No other tour will operate at the same time and the train will not be running. Our staff coordinates daily to ensure a track bulletin is released and all parties are aware of the schedule for both railbikes and the train operations.
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Railbikes operate rain or shine. If staff determine there is a threat of inclement weather during the time of your tour, they may delay or cancel the ride. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, decisions to delay or cancel are typically made immediately before the scheduled departure.
If we cancel due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund. Customers who choose to cancel due to weather are subject to our standard cancellation policy.
Please keep in mind that railbikes are an outdoor activity, and you will be exposed to the elements—including light rain, wind, heat, and cooler temperatures. -
Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Space is limited and walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.
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Tickets can be purchased per person or per quad bike. There is a slight discount when purchasing the entire bike. If purchasing single bike tickets, you may be seated on a bike with other passengers.
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Your experience is round trip and will take you back to your starting point.
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Each trip is unique and different. Please refer to our rides for length.
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Kindly review the weather forecast and attire yourself accordingly based on the predicted weather conditions. Since our tours take place outdoors and the railbikes are exposed to the elements, we suggest opting for comfortable and loose-fitting attire suitable for hiking or cycling. It is advisable to wear closed-toed shoes for your convenience and safety.
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We recommend passengers bring bottled water. Each bike is equipped with a small basket for bags and other items. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks along with them. A small lunch bag size cooler will fit in the basket. We also encourage passengers to bring sunscreen and bug spray. Larger items should be stored in your car.