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Old 04-29-2022, 03:40 AM   #1
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Rail bicycle for use on abandoned railroads

https://bikepacking.com/news/rail-bi...ng-outriggers/

I think I might be vaguely partially not quite contemplative regarding being potentially doubtfully semi-interested in such a thing.

Does anyone here do this?

I don't want to go to an associated forum yet because I get caught up in modifications and betterments, then I build a bike I might not want to use. I fear my want for toys sometimes outweighs my common sense.

It looks fun enough and casual and can get me places few people travel...abandoned houses along the way, discards along the tracks, ponds that haven't been seen in years.

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Old 04-29-2022, 11:10 AM   #2
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I thought years back the abandoned rail beds into trails would be cool

In the Midwest the cousins of the trashy campers wound up getting the beds completely removed and property went back to adjoining land owners

Almost none left with access

Where rail beds are still available i think it has potential

Given my age i will be in the cheering section
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Old 04-29-2022, 12:15 PM   #3
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Did a little research into abandoned rails.

https://www.frrandp.com/p/the-map.html

Lots out there.

An electric bike with this, or comparable set up, has potential.

Wonder what the condition of most of these tracks are? Trees, branches, damage, etc.? Hate to be cruising along at 40mph and come up fast on an issue.

When traveling we search out the rails to trails. They are a lot of fun, and it is amazing how these tracks go through some of the most desolate places.
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Old 04-29-2022, 02:02 PM   #4
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The wife got me a Lectric e-bike for a birthday present. The plan is to share it on a try-out basis. If we like it, we'll get another one. We were never Olympic cyclists in our younger years by any stretch, but we really enjoyed riding stints on Ohio and West Virginia's "Rails to Trails" network. We would pack a lunch on a nice weekend day and do a leisurely 20 - 25 mile round trip.

The nice thing is the paths - thanks to the nature of railroads - are relatively flat with very minor grades. Due to the terrain in West Virginia, railroads constructed many tunnels... some of which are fairly long... bring lights. They are also inspected and maintained very well.

If you enjoy VERY scenic leisurely biking, you can't go wrong with this. Here's a link which shows a 72 mile stretch through WV starting at my "old stomping grounds". As detailed in the attached article, you can access the trail at several points along the route... so you can ride as little or as long as you'd like. Finally... THIS is something West Virginia GOT RIGHT!

http://membership.ohiorivertrail.org...o-ellenboro-wv
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Old 04-29-2022, 09:31 PM   #5
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We recently jumped into the ebike thing too.
Always interested, but seeing so many in campgrounds and the neighborhood I started doing my research.
With the restrictions on speed in order for them to be street legal, I built my own in Jan/Feb.
Bafang motor from China, Samsung lithium battery from Taiwan, and electronics from Australia.
Had to put thicker spokes on, torque arm, and upgrade brake pads.
Also had to replace gear cassette and spent hours with a Dremel to force some items into cooperating.
My Diamondback can hit 60mph now.
Build cost about $1,200.
Bought the Benelli used from a neighbor for $800 for my wife (about $2,000 new). It has the speed restrictions on it, fat tires, and is a blast to ride.
We are really enjoying them.
Click image for larger version

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Old 04-30-2022, 11:51 PM   #6
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it was my understanding the railroad pulls up the rails and sells them for scrap when they decommission a rail way


biking on an rail road with tracks and ties would be a rough dangerous ride imo




had no idea any were left with rails intact
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Old 05-01-2022, 12:22 AM   #7
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In my neck of the woods corporations like Gillette bought the rail, landscape suppliers the ties, and locals the ballast

Rotten ties were left on leased property to decay

90% or more of the rail road right aways are gone and i mean gone
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Old 05-01-2022, 11:36 AM   #8
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Not sure about the status and safety of the plethora of abandon tracks in the SC and NC mountains, but right near me they laid down quite a few miles to build the Catawba Nuclear Station, started construction in '74, opened in '86. I've walked those many of times. Some nice long and tall trellises over water too.
It's rideable, but I'm sure not legal.
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Old 05-01-2022, 01:28 PM   #9
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Walking existing tracks is a chore... I would think riding any type bike at any speed over uneven crossties and sunken slag and coal cinders would be extremely tiring.

It takes a community led effort with government cooperation to make the conversion to trails. IMO, these projects would be ideal for the Army Corps of Engineers.
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Old 05-01-2022, 04:04 PM   #10
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I think you could jut tie it to the back of an Amtrak and travel on the best rails, see the country in all it's glory. You'd get nice breaks in lots of cities and with a proper harness, you could get some needed sleep. Too many of the abandoned rails have become "ground level" from not having been maintained. The beveled wheels would be difficult to negotiate less than perfect rails.
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Old 05-01-2022, 05:23 PM   #11
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Yeah, think I'll stick with my camper.
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Old 05-04-2022, 09:13 PM   #12
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I think it'd be a lot more exciting riding on live tracks.
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Old 05-06-2022, 06:38 PM   #13
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That’s pretty cool Duck!
It would be fun to do at night with a big super-bright Headlamp and an air-horn!!!

Just jesting…. I know down in the southern part of the state (AZ), there are many miles of abandoned rails running through the older mine areas…
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Old 05-06-2022, 08:02 PM   #14
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Air horn yes
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Old 05-07-2022, 04:16 PM   #15
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Looks like fun.Click image for larger version

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