Bold headline-worthy shift: a half-mile Funtrack is now open in East Sandwich, bringing mountain biking thrills to Oak Ridge School’s wooded grounds. But here’s where it gets interesting: this track isn’t just for seasoned riders—it's designed for all ages and abilities, including adaptive cyclists, and is open to the public after school hours.
What’s new
- A roughly 0.5-mile Funtrack featuring bike jumps, boardwalks, and packed dirt paths has been carved into the Oak Ridge School property in East Sandwich.
- The project was conceived and built by the Cape Cod chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), in collaboration with the town.
- Public access outside school hours makes it a local outdoor learning and recreational resource for families and individuals alike.
A lighter mood and bigger aims
Bill Boles, bundled against the wind, navigates the new trail with a broad smile as he powers his mountain bike through the course. The design emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability, with the track width and features planned to accommodate adaptive cycling.
The wider plan
David Lafreniere of NEMBA-Cape Cod explains that this half-mile track extends the association’s broader network, building on about 110 miles of trails the group has helped create and maintain across the Upper Cape.
Longer routes are in the works. In April, NEMBA proposed a 1.5-mile trail that could connect Sandwich’s Discovery Hill to other local landmarks, opening routes for hikers, runners, cross-country skiers, and, of course, mountain bikers. Approval for that project is still pending as officials review it.
Why this project here
The Funtrack supports after-school mountain biking programs run by NEMBA volunteers in partnership with the town’s recreation department. The ongoing program runs six weeks each spring and fall for kids aged 8 to 12, reinforcing a love of biking while keeping safety and accessibility in mind.
Building the track
Constructed with roughly 400 volunteer hours and about $4,100 in funds, the project required no town funding. After four weeks, the Funtrack was complete and quickly gained popularity. The team even proposed the project after a smaller version had been developed in the Maple Swamp Conservation Area, and Oak Ridge School showed strong interest.
Adaptive access and trails advocacy
The track’s design accounted for adaptive cyclists, illustrating a commitment to inclusive recreation beyond conventional bike paths.
About NEMBA
The New England Mountain Bike Association is a nonprofit network of recreational trail advocates with 36 chapters and about 10,000 members across New England. Its Cape Cod chapter manages roughly 1,200 miles of trails and runs year-round fundraising events, including a Toys for Tots ride each December, which supports community giving and unwrapped toy donations.
Community voices
Longtime members like Bob Lauterbach emphasize that the trails are for everyone, from casual beginners to avid riders. For Lafreniere, biking is a way to recapture childhood freedom and outdoor exploration—an active, shared experience that resonates with families across the region.
If this story resonates, share your thoughts: Do you think community bike tracks like this help kids stay active and engaged, or do they shift focus away from traditional school activities? What features would you add to improve accessibility and enjoyment for riders of all ages and abilities?
