By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Last week, editor-in-chief Cindy Fertsch and I drove 45 minutes south to enjoy one of the most anticipated fall attractions in South Jersey: Revolution Rail of Cape May. It was one of the coolest experiences we’ve had in the tri-state area.
Revolution Rail began in 2016 after the founder became fascinated by railbikes in Asia. He reengineered a lightweight car and established locations in upstate New York, Colorado, and New Jersey.
Jake Cuomo, the director of New Jersey operations for Revolution Rail, gave us a tour of the Cape May franchise, Begun in 2020, it’s now in its second full season of operation, leasing tracks from Seashore Lines, which operates the railroad owned by the NJ Transit Authority.
We arrived at the old Cape May train and bus station a few minutes before our scheduled time slot. We checked in and signed waivers, and then met up with other groups participating in the mid-day tour.
Cuomo introduced two other “conductors” and instructed everyone on the railbikes and basic safety. Participants boarded either double or quad cars and fastened their seatbelts and adjusted their seats so they could fully extend their legs to pedal. If anyone had any loose items, they could place them securely in the basket behind the seats.
Once everyone was settled, the adventure began.
One by one, each group began to pedal, heading toward the Cape May Canal. Each group had about 20 feet between other groups so they could enjoy their privacy.
Surprisingly, pedaling the railbike was incredibly easy. The lightweight, aerodynamic design allows riders to feel like they aren’t pedaling at all, as if an engine was propelling them forward. Cuomo told us that Revolution Rail prides itself as a multigenerational attraction, so anyone in just about any health condition could keep up with the group without breaking a sweat.
The track followed the wetlands, which made everyone feel connected with nature. Great blue herons soared overhead and the sun glistened on the still water. We pedaled over bridges and around the iconic Cape May water tower, surrounded by tall seagrass and billowing reeds. It was the perfect activity for a sunny, breezy October afternoon.
After 20 minutes of travel, the groups hopped off the train cars and explored the canal shore. One of the naturalists gave a talk on the history of the Cape May Canal during World War II, and the unfortunate closure of the bridge after Hurricane Sandy. Travelers sipped their drinks (it’s BYOB on Revolution Rail) and reboarded their cars and pedaled along.
The tour then stopped at the Garrett Family Preserve. Participants once again hopped off their cars and gathered under the gazebo to learn about the monarch butterfly migrations in Cape May in a talk given by another naturalist. The group explored the preserve, which included an insect hotel, butterfly wings sculpture, and milkweed for the butterflies. And we boarded our cars and continued on.
As we pedaled back to the station, the conductors took a photo of each group, which was available at no additional cost after the trip concluded.
After 4 miles of travel, we arrived back at the train station feeling energized by the unique experience. Revolution Rail offers either three or four trips each day, and guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages and snacks with them for the journey.
“This is unlike anything else in Cape May,” said Cuomo. “This isn’t a restaurant or a beach or a store. This is something your family can do together and like an amusement park ride, you will never forget your experience pedaling through the Cape May wilderness.”
If you are interested in participating in a Revolution Rail excursion, be sure to pack lightweight, comfortable clothing, sunscreen or a hat, and any refreshments to enjoy on your trip (beer, wine coolers, cheese and crackers). The entire trip is approximately 90 minutes long.
Revolution Rail also hosts special full moon tours, leaving the station around 7 p.m. The conductors wrap Christmas lights around each car, lighting the way and adding a cozy aesthetic to the experience.
Guests can book tours until early December and then again around March/April. Cuomo says that in the future, Revolution Rail hopes to offer an excursion to Sunset Beach, allowing participants to collect Cape May diamonds, and visit the lighthouse, as well as the Cape May Canal.
You don’t want to skip this ride. As the leaves change and the air becomes more brisk, spending time with your loved ones exploring the history and geography of Cape May will allow you to appreciate this special place even more than before.
For more information, visit the Revolution Rail website at https://www.revrail.com/railbiking-rides/cape-may/.
