IONE, CA (MPG) - The feel as the railbike glides downgrade is like riding a giant go-kart, but this one has power assist and good brakes.

Outdoor adventurers can take a ride on the Rail Explorers excursion on the old Amador Central right-of-way for a mild bit of leg exercise and a big dose of foothill scenery.

When you arrive to board your two-seater or quad railbike, the staff will explain the bikes’ workings and the route’s rules. The bikes are heavy and roll on hefty wheels, so this will be a solid ride. You will learn about the brakes and the need to keep your distance from the bike in front of you.

The guidance also covers the need to roll up and stop at each grade crossing so the Rail Explorers team can operate the crossing arms and allow the parade of railbikes to cross the thoroughfares while traffic waits.

Your railbike has your party’s name in a waterproof, magnetized tag so you board the right one, and seatbelts are mandatory, although helmets are not.

Once underway, by giving the bike a little boost with your pedaling feet, the quiet motor will take over. 

The railbikes’ speed tops out at 15 mph, and the right-front rider controls the handbrake.

There’s black metal mesh between your feet and the railbed, so you can see right through. You and fellow riders need to pedal a bit to keep the motor going, and you’ll need to keep an eye out for slowing railbikes ahead. The bikes have brake lights and even headlights for twilight tours.

Other than that, enjoy the scenery and the clickety-clack of the rails.

The ride from the depot along a steady uphill to the turnaround is four miles. Once there, you’ll disembark for a breather and maybe a snack while the staff rolls each bike to an air-powered turntable lift to spin it for the return trip.

Staff then give a downhill-safety primer before you reboard and it’s away you go.

On the downhill, you’ll realize how much you appreciated the motor power coming uphill. The railbike doesn’t freewheel, but it will keep gaining speed until it hits the limiter.

 You can take pictures or video while you take in the scenery and keep an eye out for the next stop for traffic.

The scenery each way ranges from meadows and trees to narrow rocky canyons and rural farmland. You’re advised to watch for and slow for cattle.

Before you know it, the staff is coupling all the bikes together to roll back to the depot to complete your eight-mile trek.

Rail Explorer trips are available every day through Labor Day week and cost $90 for a tandem or $175 for a quad. Groups of 10 or receive a 10% discount. A gift shop, restrooms and shade are on site. 

Ione is about an hour southeast of Sacramento. The depot is at 702 Hunter Lane just south of Ione on Highway 124.