SkyPark at Santa’s Village has unveiled a thrilling new attraction: The B Rail, a self-powered mountain bike ride that soars above the park, suspended on the historic 62-year-old “Bumble Bee Monorail” track. The ride offers visitors a unique experience, allowing them to pedal their way high above the San Bernardino Mountains and feel as though they are riding a bike in mid-air.
“We’re focused on bringing families and friends together,” said Bill Johnson, the lead creator of the ride and co-owner of the park. “For the first time in many years, the iconic monorail track at Santa’s Village is alive again. I grew up working on the monorail, and now, as an adult, I’ve had the privilege of reimagining it. Restoring and rethinking this historic park has been a lot of work, but it’s also been a dream come true.”
The Development of The B Rail
“When we reimagined the park, we wanted to offer guests a bird’s-eye view—more specifically, a ‘bee’s eye view’—of the area,” said Bill Johnson, the park’s general manager. “We realized that traditional high-powered electric rides weren’t sustainable, so we decided on a self-powered, coaster-style ride. The B Rail gives visitors the sensation of flying on a bicycle, as they pedal their way through the air. It’s a completely open ride that feels unlike anything else out there.”
The ride, which takes guests 40 feet above the park, is fully pedal-powered, allowing riders to control their speed, much like riding an actual bike. The ride’s design incorporates the original monorail track, which the Johnsons were keen to preserve due to its historical significance and good condition. Bill worked with longtime friend Mat Caracaburu, owner of Milling and Turning Tech, to design and fabricate the ride. Carter Read of CJ Read Engineering was tasked with the detailed design work.
“We consider this a thrill ride, even though it’s pedal-powered,” Bill added. “You control your speed while suspended high above the ground. There’s no enclosed car, so it really does feel like you’re flying on a bike. We’ll soon add a timed lap feature, allowing guests to race against their friends and challenge their own best times.”
The B Rail’s monorail bike system was custom-built by Fat Chance Bicycles, with support from KS Suspension and other industry experts, who helped bring the eco-friendly ride concept to life. The ride has undergone rigorous testing and has been approved by California’s Department of Industrial Relations to ensure public safety, just like other amusement rides at the state’s theme parks.
In addition to the ride, a restored monorail car from the original Bumble Bee Monorail has been placed in front of the Sky Trading Company. Visitors can sit inside the vintage car for photo opportunities, offering a nostalgic connection to the park’s past.
With the debut of The B Rail, SkyPark at Santa’s Village has once again proven its commitment to blending history with innovation, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.
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