Westwood, MA – Southeast MA NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) is thrilled to announce the tenth anniversary of the highly anticipated Turkey Afterburner Mountain Bike Festival, set for the Sunday after Thanksgiving: November 30th, at Hale Education in Westwood. This signature event wraps up the 2025 NEMBA Adventure Series, sponsored by Conte’s Bike Shop, with a celebration of mountain biking and an important fundraiser supporting Hale Education’s youth mountain biking programs and NEMBA’s ongoing trail stewardship efforts in the region. Funds raised will ensure local trails remain sustainable and accessible for years to come.

Held annually on the Sunday after Thanksgiving for riders to burn off those extra helpings the Turkey Afterburner draws riders of all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned cyclists. The event offers a variety of guided and self-guided routes that highlight the diverse Hale trail system, a hidden gem just five miles from Boston. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the festival also features routes and activities specifically designed for adaptive riders, families, and beginners, aligning with NEMBA’s commitment to making outdoor spaces welcoming for all.

In addition to the rides, attendees will enjoy food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. The event provides an excellent opportunity for the mountain biking community to come together and celebrate the joys of outdoor recreation and camaraderie.

Event Highlights:

• Cool 10th Anniversary Swag! The first 250 to register will receive a free custom designed buff (neck gaiter), to keep you toasty on the trails. We will have more buffs and other great items for sale at the venue. Thank you Royer Tree Service for sponsoring our stickers!

• Arrowed Self-Guided Routes: Ride at your own pace on routes catering to all skill levels, including an adaptive loop, Beginner/Family, Novice+, Intermediate, and Advanced.
• Guided Group Rides: Join experienced leaders for group rides exploring some of the area's lesser-known trails, including the famous Hale technical sections. Whether you love rolling XC, thrilling Enduro, easy miles, gnarly tech, or something in-between, there’s a ride for you.  There will be rides for all abilities and paces, including women+ and adaptive rides.
• Special skills progression ride with Hale MTB instructors (THIS WILL FILL UP FAST): Clinics for both adults and kids. Level up your skills!
• Bike demos with Conte’s Bike Shop: Santa Cruz Vala C, Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Santa Cruz Bullit, Santa Cruz Hightower
• Live Music: Enjoy tunes by Just Another Guru.
• Food Trucks & fire pit.
• Vendor village with bike shops, local businesses and more: Product demos, swag, bike adjustment help, huge deals and free samples. Come say hello to Adventure Series sponsors Conte's Bike Shop and Attorney Jeffrey Glassman, Wheelworks, Landry's Bicycles, Steve The Bike Guy and Hexagon Components.

• Community fair featuring local non-profit partners and sponsors

• Raffle with great prizes 

About Southeast MA NEMBA:

As a chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association, Southeast MA NEMBA is dedicated to promoting sustainable mountain biking, preserving trail access, and maintaining the trail systems throughout the Southeast Massachusetts region. The chapter works closely with local partners, including Hale Education, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, local land trusts and conservation organizations, and town Conservation Commissions, to enhance local outdoor experiences for all.

Through events like the Turkey Afterburner, the Member Appreciation Cookout, and the Blue Hills Season Opener, Southeast MA NEMBA raises critical funds to support its advocacy, education, and trail maintenance initiatives while building community around cycling.

For more information about the Turkey Afterburner Mountain Bike Festival or to register for the event, please visit nemba.org/events or contact [email protected].