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Carson River Canyon railbike tours begin Saturday, to deliver an experience unlike any other

All aboard for a unique ride on the rails. Visit Carson City, in partnership with the V&T Railway Commission, have announced an all-new attraction unlike any other in northern Nevada. It’s not a train, it’s not a bike, but it is the Carson Canyon Railbike Tours.

Railbikes are power assisted, recumbent style pedal bikes that safely ride on top of a railroad track. Visitors will trek on an easy and fun-filled round trip in and out of the Carson River Canyon for five miles via the V&T Railway Commission’s canyon tracks. Go here to watch the video.

These specialized railbikes are equipped with customized wheels which deter derailments and provide riders with a smooth trip above the scenic canyon. The optional pedal-assist motors make the two percent grade out of the Carson River Canyon comfortable and easy.

“Carson City is the only place in northern Nevada that you’re going to find this extraordinary experience,” said David Peterson, executive director of Visit Carson City. “People of all ages can enjoy a scenic ride into the beautiful Carson River Canyon while socially distancing and getting a little exercise. We invite you to have a one-of-a-kind experience along a historic train route and then enjoy all the fun activities and amenities that Carson City has to offer.”

Each tour is guided by a Freedom Rail host, who will escort the railbikes from the Eastgate Depot into the canyon which offers a variety of vista views and Instagrammable moments. A curved canyon track will add excitement to the experience. A rest stop near the Eureka Mill site will provide an opportunity for riders to take a break, enjoy the area and allow the guides to turn the railbike around for the trip back which will go past the Depot, cross the V&T Railway Hwy 50 bridge to the historic Halfway House site before turning back to the Depot to end the tour. Riders will enjoy historical commentary at each turn around point.

Freedom Rail, of Utica, N.Y., is the maker and operating entity of the Carson Canyon railbike operation. The bikes which are innovative, easy-to-peddle and manufactured in the U.S. are a great fit for V&T Railway’s canyon track and their railbikes provide a safe and unique way for people to access the breathtaking beauty of Carson City that they may not have been able to see before.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Freedom Rail and Visit Carson City to offer such a new and different way to witness the beauty of our area,” said Elaine Barkdull-Spencer, general manager of operations for the V&T Railway Commission. “Visitors and locals alike of all ages will be able to create new memories while enjoying the Carson River Canyon’s grandeur.”

Carson City railbikes are located at the Eastgate Depot at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road in Carson City. Railbikes will run Tuesday-Sunday, four times a day 10 a.m., noon, 2p.m. and 4 p.m. Excursions are $45 per person. Tickets may be purchased online at vtrailway.com.

Admission includes water and a small snack for each rider. Children must be six years or older and accompanied by an adult. There is a small storage bin on the railbike to store cell phones, water and other compact items. Once riders arrive back at the depot, they may purchase memorabilia at the V&T Railway gift shop. Bikes will be thoroughly sanitized before and after each ride to ensure passenger safety. Masks will be required when in the depot.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit vtrailway.com or call (877) 724-5007. More information can also be found at https://visitcarsoncity.com/

Freedom Rail is also hiring. Check them out on the Carson Now Jobs Page.

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We’re back, bigger and better than ever! Please welcome the second annual Mark Twain Days, May 10-12. For a listing of events take a gander at the website here.

You will find something of interest or my name’s not Mark Twain, or used to be anyways. And this year Virginia City is joining in on the fun along with Carson City. Wow!

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The Lyon County Sheriff's Office arrested a Dayton man Saturday for possession of child pornography. During the investigation, officers also learned the man was a local little league coach.

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The Nevada Jeep Club held their first Washoe Valley Cleanup on Saturday, May 4 and collected more than 450 pounds of trash along Highway 395.

Partnership Carson City has launched “Rediscovering Your Mental Health Series,” a five-week program aimed at promoting mental wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month this May. Each week, participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques to enhance their mental well-being and foster a healthy community.

The Carson City Leisure Hour Club members continue celebrating the organization’s 127th year with a presentation on the upcoming Jazz and Beyond festival.

At the club’s dinner meeting on Thursday, May 16, Cherie Shipley, a member of the event planning committee, will talk about the annual Jazz and Beyond festival, how it formed, and the impact it has had on the community. Jazz and Beyond is scheduled for August 16 to August 25, 2024.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 6-12, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

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Friday May 10 at 7:30PM, Valhalla Tahoe kicks off their season with a living history presentation, “The Reno Cure,” at the Boathouse Theater. Reno has long been known as “The Biggest Little City.”

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Perfection in a fur coat is the best way to describe Cher, our cat of the week. Just 7 months old, she is a pretty little short-haired girl with a sweet and social personality.

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UPDATE 6 p.m.: Courtesy of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office: On May 3, 2024 at approximately 1430 hours, Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with Central Lyon County, Carson City and Storey County Fire personnel to the area of 34 Newman Ln. for a report of motorhome on fire. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the fire had spread and multiple other abandoned vehicles caught fire as well. No one was hurt or injured during the incident. The incident is currently under investigation, which is being conducted by the Nevada State Fire Marshall’s Division.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Firefighters from Storey are also now responding.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Multiple vehicles on the property are engulfed in flame.

***

Around 2:15 p.m. a fire was reported at 34 Newman Lane in Mound House.

Firefighters from Carson City and Lyon County are enroute to the scene.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: According to Sheriff Ken Furlong, a student reported they saw a weapon. The incident was investigated and there was no weapon found. The lockdown has now been lifted and students are leaving the school.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Update 05-03-24 at 1:15 p.m.
One student has reported an alleged weapon sighting. It has not been corroborated, but school officials and the sheriff’s office are investigating out an abundance of caution.

***

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The following update was provided by the district:

Carson High School was put on lockdown this afternoon around 12:15 p.m. No person was injured. There is an active situation being investigated in cooperation with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. We will provide more information as it becomes known. The school is secure. Do not go to the school. No entrances will be permitted at time. The district will provide updates every 30 minutes. Expect the next update at 1:15 p.m.

***

Carson High School is currently on a lockdown as of 12:40 p.m. Friday, but there has been no incident reported according to Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Two School Resource Officers are on scene investigating why the alarm went off.

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