With the chill of winter just a memory, hundreds of cyclists packed their bikes on one of Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway’s gondola cars Sunday morning in preparation for the first weekend of “Bike Train” rides out of Jim Thorpe.

After the 25-mile trip by rail car to White Haven, guests can ride either their own bike or one rented from Pocono Biking along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail back to the train station.Since the inaugural bike train ride in 2014, popularity has only risen and LGSR sold out its available seats on Saturday’s trip.“Many people are familiar with the train rides we do throughout the year, but this is different and I think so popular because it gives our bike enthusiasts a way to get a beautiful ride in and then come back and explore what Jim Thorpe has to offer,” said Matt Fisher, general manager at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Inc. “People regularly come from around this area and also New York, Connecticut and New Jersey among other surrounding states.”For more information, read a print edition of the Times News or check back on

www.tnonline.com