On Friday, October 17, a simple, joy-filled celebration took place in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, as Rail Explorers marked its one-millionth ride. This achievement represents more than a milestone–it reflects how we can still find wonder in new experiences, the beauty of nature, and the shared happiness that comes from doing something together in the open air.
The milestone moment was celebrated with humble fanfare for such an extraordinary achievement. Close family and friends, local business leaders, and members of the Chamber of Commerce were in attendance. A Certificate of Accomplishment, signed by Senator Jack Reed, was presented alongside a State of Rhode Island citation recognizing “the joyous and momentous occasion of Rail Explorers welcoming its 1,000,000th rider,” presented by Rhode Island State Representative Terri Denise-Cortvriend. The moment truly captured the spirit of connection and community.
As Alex Catchpoole, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Rail Explorers shared in his remarks at the ceremony, “it’s about continuing to embrace new adventures with enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to experience new things.” Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but think how true they are for all of us navigating the journey of aging. Rail Explorers is not only a ride that takes us back in time, it’s also a way to experience connection in a meaningful way—alongside family and friends of all ages.
To understand why Rail Explorers has become such a memorable experience across generations, it helps to look back at its beginnings and the transformation that followed after the very first location opened in the hilly Adirondacks in 2015. Mary Joy Lu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Explorers explains:
“At the beginning, Alex thought the Adirondacks would be a perfect fit—a hilly place where fit people hang out was what we thought our demographic would be. To our surprise, after the first year we had more silver-haired nomads and multi-generational groups ride with us. We saw the joy on their faces— grandparents and grandchildren sharing this experience together. I witnessed a reversal of admiration from grandchild to grandparent that was so moving. By the time they returned from their trips, everyone was laughing and smiling.”
Over time, Mary Joy and Alex decided to survey the people who were visiting. What they found confirmed what they had first witnessed in the Adirondacks: that Rail Explorers brings people together of all ages and abilities regardless of fitness level.
“The way we originally looked at the business flip-flopped”, Mary Joy said. “Many of the people who responded to our survey were older, and some had physical challenges. One person had undergone a double knee replacement, another was a transplant recipient, another was living with early stage congestive heart failure. That’s when we realized our true commitment is to make this an experience for all ages and all abilities.”
The one-millionth rider is a true example of that commitment.
I had a chance to meet Tara Hilbrandt of Red Hook, New York, who was the lucky one-millionth rider. She first heard about Rail Explorers when she saw a Facebook post from her cousin that read “It was a great adventure and everyone can do it.” Tara had no idea she’d become part of the company’s milestone moment in Portsmouth. In the true spirit of connectedness–she arrived with her daughter Emma and happily shared the experience with her parents, who were visiting from Providence. The honor and celebration came as a pleasant surprise.
I also met Angela Pursley from Nashville, who was traveling with her son and daughter-in-law. They, too, came to experience something new together, to see what might happen along the way. “We travel a lot together,” Angela said. “My son works for Delta and we love to go on adventures, we found this online and said, why not?”
According to a Road Scholar survey published in 2025, 94% of adults aged 50-98 said that trying new experiences boosts their health and happiness. It’s that happiness, seeing people try something new, that has deeply touched Mary Joy. She had no idea that what began as a spark of inspiration from seeing an “extraordinary-looking railbike” on a Korean soap opera would evolve into a vehicle for joy when she founded Rail Explorers in 2015.
Today, that joy spans seven divisions across six states connecting people from around the country—and around the world.
“You can’t turn values on and off, one for home and one for work,” Mary Joy said. I consider values in our lives most important. When you show others trust and respect there are no excuses for them not to show you the same. Trust, respect, love and joy are essential for a happy environment to work. The only way to get that is if you genuinely love your fellow human being. There’s a kindness that goes beyond what is written in black and white. It’s not about profit first—it’s about putting people first and you have to stand by that.” Then Mary Joy laughed a little and added, “Our medical friends joke that they should be recommending Rail Explorers as a prescription.”
And after seeing so many enjoy the experience right here at home, I think it already is.
Helen Hames is an Aging Advisor and Founder of Age Ambassador, where she helps older adults and their families navigate the complex and emotional decisions that come with aging. Her work centers on helping people identify what matters most, whether planning to age at home or exploring senior living options. Helen was honored with the 2025 Senior Champion of the Year Award for her advocacy and personalized guidance that supports older adults in living fully through every season of life.