Amusement Park News

The B-Rail helped usher in the holiday season at SkyPark at Santa's Village in SkyForest, California, marking yet another reinvention of a classic attraction at the park. Once known simply as Santa's Village, the amusement park opened in 1955, predating Disneyland. After falling into disrepair and closing in 1988, the property was purchased by Bill and Michelle Johnson in 2014. Since reopening in 2016 as a family adventure park, SkyPark has been thoughtfully reimagined, blending modern attractions with nods to its nostalgic past.

The B-Rail is a reimagined throwback to the park's early years. Built on the original 62-year-old Bumble Bee Monorail track, the attraction offers guests the chance to self-power a single-rider mountain bike high above the ground, creating the sensation of riding through the treetops.



Park co-creator and co-owner Bill Johnson has a personal connection to the original monorail, having worked on the ride as a teenager. “As a grown-up, I've had the honor of reimagining it and bringing it into this timeline,” Johnson said.

The original Bumble Bee Monorail fit perfectly into the fantasy-driven environment of the old Santa's Village. That era featured attractions such as twirling snowballs, antique-style car rides, a crooked house, donkeys and goats, a petting zoo, a Mother Goose–themed ride, the Good Witch's Bakery, and Santa's house. Later additions included a carousel, a small Ferris wheel, and eventually the monorail itself.

Manufactured by American Crane & Hoist, the original Bumble Bee Monorail cost $27,000 and opened in 1961. It served as an early prototype for the company's suspended monorail system, later showcased at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The ride featured three electric cars painted in black-and-yellow stripes, complete with oversized eyes and flapping wings. The wings were later removed due to clearance challenges.

As SkyPark evolved into an adventure-focused destination featuring mountain biking, archery, axe throwing, and zip lines, the Johnsons recognized the need for attractions that appealed to adults as well as children. Pedal-powered race cars now follow the path of a former Model T track ride, and a train still winds through the forest past Santa's house, with an engineer providing historical narration along the way. While the B-Rail uses the original monorail structure, the experience itself is entirely new.



Johnson explained that reviving the electric monorail in its original form would have felt outdated and inconsistent with the park's current offerings. When the Johnsons acquired the property, the monorail track remained in good condition and was a recognizable element of the park's identity. Rather than remove it, they set out to create something new using the existing structure.

Working with Mat Caracaburu of Milling and Turning Tech fabrication, with engineering support from CJ Read Engineering, the B-Rail concept took shape. The monorail bikes were built by Fat Chance Bicycles in collaboration with KS Suspension. Johnson said the team was eager to create an attraction that was both thrilling and environmentally friendly.

Johnson describes the ride as offering the sensation of flying. Riders control their own speed by pedaling, much like riding a bicycle on the ground, but with the added thrill of soaring through the treetops. “There isn't much separating you from the feeling of actual flight,” he said.



A timed lap feature has since been added, allowing riders to compete against friends, family, or their own best times. Johnson considers the B-Rail a true thrill ride, noting that it meets California's stringent public safety regulations, similar to those required for roller coasters.

Each rider is suspended individually on a mountain bike along a track that varies in height, reaching up to 45 feet above the park. Riders must complete the course seated upright and pedaling with both feet. Weight requirements range from 75 to 265 pounds, with height requirements between 5 feet and 6 feet 7 inches. Helmets are provided, while guests must wear closed-toe shoes, secure loose clothing and accessories, and tie back long hair.

Honoring its roots, the original black-and-yellow Bumble Bee Monorail cars have been restored and are now displayed in front of the park's retail shop, the Sky Trading Company, where they serve as popular photo opportunities.



“For the first time in many years, the famous monorail track at Santa's Village is alive again,” Johnson said.

The B-Rail proved to be a major draw during the most recent holiday season, complementing seasonal favorites such as visits and photo opportunities with Santa in his rustic cabin. The park's ice-skating rink was also open for winter fun, and a new interactive reindeer experience debuted. After meeting reindeer mothers, guests could “adopt” a plush baby reindeer and learn about caring for real reindeer calves.

SkyPark at Santa's Village operates year-round.