Race the Rails
When the steam locomotive and the bicycle were invented in the early 19th century, travel changed forever. Now, the two powerful machines go head-to-head at Race the Rails, an annual Ely event that thrills cyclists and train passengers alike.
At the sound of the train whistle, mountain bikers and road cyclists embark on respective courses to see who can race back to the East Ely Depot Railroad Museum before the steam engine. Whether you out-pedal the Nevada Northern Railway’s historic locomotives or not, a party will be waiting for you once you cross the finish line.
Only in Nevada will you find an event like Ely’s Race the Rails, where road cyclists and mountain bikers compete against a historic steam locomotive.
Mountain bikers tackle a challenging, 10-mile course through the rugged, high desert terrain surrounding downtown Ely, while road riders turn up the speed on a 25-mile course along the Loneliest Road in America. Spectators can ride on the racing train and cheer on competitors (or root for their ride) while enjoying striking mountain views. All finishers receive a medal, and a delicious lunch is served after most riders have returned.
Race the Rails is a fundraiser for the Great Basin Trails Alliance, which expands outdoor recreation opportunities in White Pine County. Proceeds from this event get reinvested into the local trails systems. For complete Race the Rails details and to register yourself as a competitor, visit White Pine County Tourism & Recreation’s website.
