All Aboard the Revolution Rail
Michael Dupee introduced the Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotarians to an amazing new way to explore the spectacular scenery of the Adirondacks at their May 22 meeting. And by the end of his talk, Rotarians were planning to head for New York to ride the Revolution Rail.
If Revolution Rail sounds like an old-fashioned train trip, you’ve missed the “revolution” in their concept: Revolution Rail is a rail bike tour and you provide the power.
Mike and Rob Harte started working on the idea for Revolution Rail in late 2015. In July 2017, they opened their doors and offered their first rail bike tour, using five specialized rail bikes that Rob designed and built. The custom-built bikes offer pedals for each rider, are lightweight and quiet on the rails, unlike their commercially made counterparts, which are heavy and noisy.
Rob and Mike have grown their fleet to 15 guest bikes and two guide bikes, with two-seat and four-seat rider options. Special harnesses are available to accommodate toddlers.
Revolution Rail operates from Mother's Day to Halloween, with four trips per day out of the North Creek, New York, station, with 40 guests per trip. The two-hour out and back trip covers six miles through Adirondack forest canopy and over a historic trestle bridge over the Hudson River.
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Rotary President Erik Kolomaznik thanks Michael Dupee for his interesting talk with a book which will be presented in Michael’s name to a local library.
Charlotte Shelburne Hinesburg Rotary
Trinity Community Room
May 22, 2019
President Erik Kolomaznik called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Keith Walsh read an invocation from “The Book of Awakening.”
Visitors include Mark Hammett and Mike Dupee.
Erik read the Four Way Test, reminding members to keep the Test in mind during the course of our every day lives.
Erik reported that the Board met on May 21 and have decided to move the Tuesday Board meetings to Thursdays at 7:30 am. Ric Flood suggested the Board send out a calendar of meetings for the next year.
The Board also discussed the question of “what is Rotary” and how best to answer. Chris Davis suggested a notecard with a universal answer. Richard Fox agreed with this idea but also felt having a personal answer would be more meaningful, so each week the Club will ask an individual member “why do you keep showing up? What brings you to Rotary?”
This week, Linda Gilbert shared why she joined Rotary. When she was in the 7th grade, a teacher recommended she join student council. Her family was very service oriented, and her father belonged to Rotary. He would take her along to meetings, where she would be the only female. Her mother was the treasurer of the Club, although she was not allowed to join. Linda joined Rotary 15 years ago and found it fulfilled her desire for service in many ways. She likes the various opportunities the Club provides and she can jump in wherever she fits in, whether it’s parking cars, helping with school groups or going to Honduras.
John Lowell will speak about his relationship with Rotary next week.
The Club needs to engage in membership growth. One on one conversations are the most effective way to recruit new members. Members are encouraged to invite people to join us at meetings and events. Matt Segal’s membership was unanimously approved. He will be inducted next week!
Trafton stood in as the Sergeant at Arms. Notable happy fines:
Schiavones are happy for the graduation of three grandchildren!
Our guest for this meeting was Michael Dupee, co-owner of Revolution Rail Company.
Mike and his business partner Rob Harte started working on the idea for Revolution Rail in late 2015. In July 2017, they opened their doors and offered their first rail bike tour, using 5 specialized rail bikes that Rob designed and built. The custom built bikes offer pedals for each rider, are lightweight and quiet on the rails, unlike their commercially made counterparts, which are heavy and noisy.
Revolution Rail currently offers 4 trips per day out of the North Creek station, with 40 guests per trip. Rob and Mike have grown their fleet to 15 guest bikes and 2 guide bikes, with two and four seat rider options. Special harnesses are available to accommodate toddlers.
The two hour out and back trip covers 6 miles through Adirondack forest canopy and over a historic trestle bridge over the Hudson River. Trips are $40 per person and reservations are recommended.
Erik adjourned the meeting at 8:34 am.