Did You Ever Dream Of Being A Train Driver?

When I was a small boy I dreamed of being a train driver. The power and noise of the steam engines I saw constantly fascinated me. I wanted to be that driver at the front of the engine with all that power and speed in my control.

It was years later during what you might call my “mid-life crisis” that I changed my career completely and became a train driver. Okay, so I never got to drive a steam engine but I have stood on the footplate of diesel and electric trains as they thundered through stations non-stop at speeds of 90mph plus.

I fully expect that some small boys of todays generation stood on the platform as I roared through and were nearly as captivated as I was all those years ago.

Although most of us never get to experience that thrill of being a train driver I pretty much know that lots of us dream of being in the cab of our own train, all signals green, on a fast, non-stop express.

I am unable to promise you quite that experience (unless you have the considerable amount of money you need to allow you to have a “Driving Experience” day on one of Britain's wonderful preserved heritage stem railways) but I do know where you can get a tremendous “railway thrill” for just a few Euro’s! 

The answer lies in France on a very peculiarly French attraction called, Velorail (literally, Bike Rail).  

Like here in Britain, there were many rural rail lines that the road network gradually rendered unprofitable. Some, generally those that had no further purpose, became preserved railways.

However, although many of the remainder were closed to regular rail traffic some were seen as still having a potential purpose, often military, and so tracks remained in place.

Some years ago a movement began in France that became known as Velorail. Operators began using disused lines to run purpose made bike-like “trains” on them. Local authorities didn't object and helpfully allowed their operation. Better that these unused tracks were used and cared for in case they ever needed to be brought back into operation again.

The Velorail movement has now grown-up and today there is a helpful “Fédération des Vélorails de France” with its own informative website with maps, details and locations. There are now currently around 45 Velorail sites in France and the number is modestly increasing all the time.

I should perhaps warn you of one thing though! Although the movement has massively grown over the years it is still delightfully artisinal. Don't expect to depart from a smart rural Gare or anything so smart as a railway signal or turntable. At the end of the line you will probably be expected to lift up your “train” and turn it around yourself! Don't worry, they are not overly heavy.

What you can expect though is a very friendly welcome. The operator will probably be surprised that you are from the UK as this is still largely a French “secret”. As there are no signals “trains” all need to depart in the same direction at largely the same time. To enable this to happen there are usually departures every couple of hours. Unless it is in the quiet season you will therefore probably need to book. Arrive in good time. You will be given some rudimentary instructions and allocated your own “train”. The operator will allow adequate spacing so that those setting-off before or after you don't present a “collision” risk!

Your Velorail “train” is quite comfortable and is easy to pedal. It needs at least two riders but can seat up to 4 usually. There is no need to be “Tour de France” fit as railway gradients are, by their very nature, slight and gradual. That said, it is lack of “rolling resistance” that make trains so very efficient so, on a down gradient your “train” may go very fast indeed – well, I did say this was a lot of fun - there are brakes though! Obviously, you don't need to steer.

Depending on the line you choose and its location you may encounter viaducts, tunnels, bridges and even level crossings that you operate yourself! Let's just put it this way, I don't really think that UK 'elf and Safety would ever, ever allow Velorail to operate here in Britain! France seems to have a much more liberal attitude to citizens taking responsibility for their own safety which I certainly approve of.

Trust me, if you take a Velorail trip next summer you will have real fun! As you roar across a viaduct or through a tunnel you will imagine that you are that driver in the cab of your express. The night after taking your Velorail trip you will dream of express trains, I promise you!!