A once new event where bikes and trains raced each other is now celebrating its 6th year. Ely, Nevada is home to one of the nation’s most unique events and the nation’s largest time capsules, the Nevada Northern Railway. Here you will find coal fired steam engines that are over 100 years old still billowing their plumes of steam as they lumber down the track. Now add beautiful mountain trails and the Loneliest Highway in America, Highway 50, and you have the makings of an epic exhibition bike race that is fun for the whole family!
The steam locomotive and the bicycle were both invented a little over 10 years apart. Both changed the way we travel. On September 10, 2022 cyclists will get the chance to see if they have the steam to beat the train! Both road and mountain bike racers will have the opportunity to test their mettle. Road bikers will begin with a short tour of the historic mining town of Ruth before their descent toward Ely where they will find themselves side by side with the giant iron horse. The road bike course spans approximately 25 miles with an elevation gain of 820 feet.
Mountain bikers will ride over 11 miles on single and double track trails with an elevation gain of 1400 feet. Registration is $75.00 ($85 day of). All racers will receive a race shirt, finisher’s medal, swag bag, BBQ ticket and train ride voucher which may be used to get the racer and their bike to the start line (bike spaces are limited) or on one of the regular train excursions scheduled throughout the weekend. Those wishing to board the train will begin loading at 8:00 am at with an 8:30 departure time scheduled. Race start is at 10:00am from the Keystone Bridge.
A catered lunch will take place at the depot beginning at 12:00 p.m. and extra tickets for family and friends are available.
Some of the other area attractions include:
- Great Basin National Park and Lehman Caves, located approximately 68 miles south east, offers beautiful scenic drives and hikes, cave tours and amazing night time sky presentations.
- Hike, mountain bike, or just relax 13 miles outside of town at Cave Lake State Park or go fishing or kayaking at Comin’s Lake.
- Visitors can enjoy over 30 pieces of public art downtown and explore the Renaissance Village, Ely Art Bank, White Pine Public Museum, or the McGill Historical Drug Store.
Register for the race at EventBrite or www.elynevada.net. More information on the area is also available on ElyNevada.net or call the Bristlecone Convention Center at 775.289.3720.
Event details:
September 10, 2022 — Race the Rails, Ely, NV, Race the train in Ely! Fun for the whole family! Race a coal fired steam engine that is over 100 years old. The event will accommodate both road and mountain bike riders of all ages., Nicole Collard, 775-289-3720, [email protected], www.elynevada.net
