Imagine a place where the thrill of mountain biking meets the joy of outdoor adventure, all nestled in the heart of East Sandwich. But here’s where it gets exciting: a brand-new half-mile trail, dubbed the 'Funtrack,' has just opened at Oak Ridge School, and it’s already turning heads. Designed by the New England Mountain Bike Association’s Cape Cod chapter in collaboration with the town, this trail is more than just a biking path—it’s a gateway to fun for all ages and abilities, even adaptive cyclists. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the jumps, dirt curves, and boardwalk bikeways; it’s about creating a space where kids and adults alike can reconnect with nature and each other.
On a chilly December morning, Bill Boles, a retired journalist and member of the association, braved the cold winds to test the trail. Despite the frigid temperatures, his face lit up with a smile as he navigated the twists and turns. ‘I’m an old kid,’ he said, ‘and the old kids get to play on the Funtrack too.’ This trail isn’t just for the young—it’s a nostalgic playground for anyone who loves the outdoors.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Funtrack is a hit, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The association has bigger plans, like a proposed 1.5-mile trail up Discovery Hill, one of the Cape’s tallest peaks. This trail wouldn’t just be for mountain bikers—it would welcome hikers, trail runners, and even cross-country skiers. But will it get approved? And is it the right use of public land? These questions are sparking debates among locals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Funtrack itself took 400 volunteer hours and $4,100 to build, funded entirely by the association at no cost to the town. It’s an extension of the group’s after-school mountain biking program, which has been running for eight years and teaches kids aged 8 to 12 not just how to ride, but how to love the outdoors. ‘We want to promote the sport,’ Boles said, ‘but we also want children to have a good time.’
The New England Mountain Bike Association, a nonprofit with 36 chapters and 10,000 members across New England, is all about trail advocacy and ensuring access to open spaces. The Cape Cod chapter, founded in the late 1990s, maintains over 1,200 miles of trails and hosts events like the annual Toys for Tots ride, where they collect enough unwrapped gifts to fill a truck. It’s a community-driven effort that’s making a big impact.
For members like Bob Lauterbach, who joined the association at 61, the trails are a reminder of simpler times. ‘When we were kids, you woke up and your parents said, ‘Go outside and play,’ he recalled. ‘That’s what we’re really about.’ And for David Lafreniere, another member, biking has allowed him to reconnect with his childhood. The Funtrack, with its inclusive design, is a testament to that spirit.
So, what do you think? Is the Funtrack a step in the right direction, or should we focus on preserving natural spaces without adding trails? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
