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Edinburgh/Nickel Plate Express

Pork Fest Express

A short, scenic railbike adventure running from Tipton, IN!

311 E Jefferson St

Overview

Meeting point
311 E Jefferson St
Group size
Up to 6 passengers

Rates

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Rail Bike Riders

A single seat on a quad bike.

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Quad Bikes

Details

Details

Join us for the White River Family Cruise, a delightful 2-mile rail bike adventure departing Hobbs Station. This family-friendly journey takes you on a charming ride over the tranquil White River and into the heart of Downtown Noblesville.

As you pedal along the scenic railway tracks, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the White River, with its serene and picturesque surroundings. It’s the perfect opportunity for family bonding and making lasting memories.

The ride is designed for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. When you reach Downtown Noblesville, you’ll discover a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it an ideal destination for a fun family outing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a railbike?

Nickel Plate Express utilizes USA built, high quality railbikes from Rail Gliders located in Pennsylvania. These family-friendly, pedal powered 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.

Who can ride railbikes?

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. The manufacturer has a suggested weight limit of 250lbs per person or 1000lbs per bike.

Can children ride the railbikes?

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.

How do the tours work?

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 relish the open-air environment and the enchantment of the railroad at their preferred speed and in their individual space.

Who else will be on the tracks?

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.

What is your weather policy?

Nickel Plate Express Railbikes operate in various weather conditions, including rain or shine, as long as safety is ensured. Our railbike tours proceed in light to moderately inclement weather, excluding heavy rain expected to persist or impending threatening weather. We diligently assess the radar before each tour, and in the event of anticipated continuous downpour or adverse weather conditions, we may opt to cancel or delay departure until conditions improve. Due to the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms, a decision to cancel a tour for this reason is typically made approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Should the tour be cancelled for weather related issues, you will be offered a full refund. Customers who cancel due to weather are subject to our cancellation policy. Please be mindful when booking that railbikes are an outdoor activity and you will be exposed to the elements including light rain, wind, heat and cool temperatures.

Do I have to book ahead of time or can I just show up?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Space is limited and walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

Are tickets per person?

Tickets can be purchased per person or per quad bike. There is a slight discount when purchasing the entire bike. If purchasing fewer than a full bike, you may be sat with new friends.

How do I get back to where I parked?

Your experience is round trip and will take you back to your starting point.

How long does it take?

Each trip is unique and different. Please refer to our rides for length.

What should I wear?

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.

What should I bring? Is there a place to put a bag or backpack?

We recommend passengers bring bottled water. Each bike is equipped with a small basket for bags and other items. Larger items should be stored in your car. Passengers are welcome to bring small coolers, bottled water and snacks.

Before you go

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Welcome Aboard!

We're excited that you will be joining us aboard the Nickel Plate Railbikes! Please read the important information below before arriving for your railbike ride.

Directions

We cannot hold the tour from departing the depot under any circumstances and are unable to reschedule or refund you if you miss your departure time.

We are located on the east side of The Shack along the railroad. Please allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the departure area. Ample parking is available near the Shack and surrounding area

Address: 311 E Jefferson St., Tipton, IN 46072

We encourage the use of Google Maps for accurate paths. We recommend you check your map prior to departure to ensure you are using the correct directions.

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Parking & Shuttle:

The Pork Festival is fast approaching (September 10, 11, & 12). This year, Normanda Christian Church will be operating the shuttles that run from the fairgrounds to the heart of downtown. There is plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds and there will be no ticket charge this year. There will be a donation box on each shuttle - your donations will be split between two area ministries - Harmony House Mission, Inc. in Elwood and Hope Family Care Center in Cicero. We look forward to seeing you!

Shuttle Operating Hours:** Thursday, 4:00pm-11:00pm. Friday, 4:00pm-11:00pm. Saturday, 10:00am-11:00pm. (Shuttles do not operate during parades).

Important Information:

Arrival Time**: Please ensure that you arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled tour. Late arrivals will result in the inability to participate, and **no refunds will be provided for missing the designated start time. Late arrivals are defined as coming at or after the start time of the tour.

Suggested height and weight limit**: For the best experience, the bike manufacturer recommends no more than 1000lbs per bike and a height limit of 6'4.

Liability Waiver**: All participants must sign the accident waiver and release of liability form before commencing the tour. Parents are responsible for their children's conduct throughout the entire duration of the tour.

Booking Responsibility**: The person making the tour reservation is accountable for ensuring that all guests are aware of and adhere to the terms and conditions.

Safety Guidelines**: Participants are required to follow the instructions provided by tour guides for their own safety. Maintain a safe distance between railbikes, and exercise caution to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

No Smoking Policy**: Smoking or the use of any smoking products is prohibited during the tour to ensure the comfort of riders following behind.

Remaining on the railbike:** Participants are not allowed to dismount during the tour, considering the presence of railbikes approaching from behind.

Environmental Responsibility:** Help maintain a clean environment by refraining from littering along the ride. Trash barrels are available at the base of operations.

Medical Assistance:** In case of medical problems during the tour, it is the responsibility of other riders to assist in reaching a point where medical help can be contacted. Tour guides carry First Aid kits for minor injuries. If you have a bee allergy, please be aware that we will be outdoors during peak seasons and be prepared with an EpiPen.

Disclaimer:** It is the responsibility of the booking individual to inform the company if any special arrangements or treatments are required for anyone in their group.

Suggested Items to bring

We recommend the following items be brought for the best experience:

  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Weather gear for inclement weather
  • Snacks
  • Cushions for the seats

Railbike Cancellation Policy

No refunds. No exchanges.

Railbike rides operate rain or shine** unless Nickel Plate Railbikes determines it to be unsafe.

Weather Conditions:

Tours will proceed in the rain. Cancellations due to dangerous weather conditions will be determined by tour guides, with full refunds issued. Please make sure we have a working phone number and email address so we may contact you in the case of inclement weather.

Intoxication Policy:

The company reserves the right to refuse tour bookings for individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol, with no refunds provided.

Missed Tour Start Time:

No refunds are given for late arrivals, missed tour starts, or cancellations on the reservation day.

No Credits or Refunds for:

  • Booking errors
  • Double bookings
  • Unused seats

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