Revolution Rail Co.
Rail Bike Tour Now Open in Cattaraugus, NY

By Kate Bartlett

   Revolution Rail Co. recently announced the launch of a rail bike tour in the Village of Cattaraugus, NY. They are offering a pop-up this month through October 26. The tours are a scenic 6-mile round trip rail ride along the former rail line near RocketCup Coffee (18 Main Street, Cattaraugus, NY) for the next three weekends in October. Tours run at 10am, 12, 2 and 4pm Saturday and Sunday, with the last tour until Spring on October 26. 

    Robert Harte, CEO and founder of Revolution Rail Co, started the company in 2017 in the Adirondack Region as a passion project. “I always had a love for railroads,” explains Rob. “I saw potential along the Hudson River and it was a big success.” Rob’s hobby became a full-time career, as the original location is going into its 9th season. He now owns and operates 9 locations across the county: 4 locations in the Adirondacks, South Fork (CO), Cape May (NJ), Dedham (ME) 45 mins from Bar Harbor, and now Cattaraugus. 

  Revolution Rail Co. has grown and evolved over the years. Revolution Rail Co. manufactures the rail bikes out of Burlington, Vermont, and has designed the bike to best fit the needs of the railway. The bikes are accessible to all ages and abilities, with 2-seat and 4-seat options. “They’re fairly easy to operate,” explains Rob. “The gears are a 2:1 ratio with very little friction along the rails. The wheels glide smoothly on the track with a polyurethane blend, making an easy, peaceful ride. We often see wildlife on our rides since the bikes are so quiet.” 

      The track in Cattaraugus is 6-miles round trip, 3 miles out and 3 miles back, and fairly flat, easy grade with very few hills. All tours are led in a group with a guide in front and in back of all the rail bikes and last about 1 hour and 45 minutes (round trip). “We encourage everyone to go at their own pace, and give space between riders.” Each ride provides a break at the turn-around point with the opportunity to eat, drink (baskets are provided on the bike for guests to bring snacks and drinks) and recharge while learning a bit about railroads and the area. “Our guides provide information about the railroad, rail bikes and a bit about the area. It’s a great opportunity to learn something while you’re experiencing it.”

    Rob was attracted to the WNY Region as he frequently met people from the Buffalo area on rides in the Adirondacks. “I kept seeing the 716-area code and Buffalo Bills fans, so began talking to people from the area,” explains Rob. “I became curious and began to actively search for a track in WNY. I met Tom Cullen at RocketCup coffee and we began planning for the track in Cattaraugus. It’s been a great fit from the start.”

     The CCIDA played a major role in helping fix the railroad track to rideable conditions. “The CCIDA really put in the time and effort to get these tracks in great shape. They worked quickly and efficiently to get the job done, and the end result is incredible.” The track offers incredible views in Cattaraugus of Zoar Valley and great views of the foliage and scenery throughout the seasons.

     Rides began on October 4 and will run every weekend (Fri-Sun) in October until 26 with tours at 10AM, 12PM, 2PM and 4PM. Tours run seasonally May through October, shutting down for the winter months and opening back up around Mother’s Day in May.  “We might add on a weekend around Halloween and open earlier in the spring if possible, depending on the weather,” explains Rob. 

Rob is excited to be a part of the Cattaraugus community. “Everyone here has been so warm and welcoming. Our mission at Revolution Rail Co is to get people out on historic Railroads and make it a family activity. Cattaraugus aligns perfectly with this mission and I’m looking forward to being a part of this community.”

    For more information, visit revrail.com and follow on social media @revailco for updates and seasonal announcements.