Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

May 22, 2022 - Running Into Summer 5K Road Race
2022-05-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Gould’s Plaza, 260 Great Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
About This Event
The first Running Into Summer 5K, held in partnership with Rapscallion Table & Tap, is organized by the same group who has organized the popular Running Out Of Summer 5K for the past 5 years and benefits AccesSportAmerica. Join us for a scenic and fast course along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, followed by food, drinks, and fun at Rapscallion Table & Tap. Join us for just this race or sign up for both Running Into Summer and Running Out Of Summer events for a $10 discount AND bonus commemorative combo medal!
All entrants will receive a custom gender-specific super soft shirt, bottle opener finisher medal, and drink token for a beer at any Rapscallion Brewery location at any time! In addition, there will be awards for overall and age group winners.
Event Highlights
This event offers more than a t-shirt and cool medal. Come check it out to enjoy a fun-filled day:
—Use your free drink token (comes with registration) at early packet pick up on Friday night, or save your token for race day or any time thereafter!
—Enter raffles to win great prize packs while helping to raise more money for AccesSportAmerica.
—Listen to live music and refuel post race with amazing food from Rapscallion Table & Tap.
Run Both Running Into and Running Out Of Summer Races
Run both the Running Into Summer 5k in May and the Running Out Of Summer 5K in August and earn a commemorative series medal! Sign up for the bundle on this registration page and automatically be registered for both events — and save $10! Both events have a fun and festive atmosphere and are a great way to bookend summer in New England!

June 21, 2022 - Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2022-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Summer Solstice Bike Ride, June 21

6:00 p.m., Pedal Power, Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road, Acton
Parking available across the street
Bike or walk on the BFRT
Stay for Pizza afterwards
Contact: tmichelman@gmail.com

June 25, 2022 - Carlisle Old Home Day
2022-06-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Carlisle Old Home Day, Carlisle, MA, United States
Food, entertainment and more right in Carlisle Center. Visit our booth to learn about the current trail in Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, and Acton, and get updates on construction of the bridge over Route 2 and the extension of the trail into Sudbury and Framingham.
Contact: Glenn Reed greed@energyfuturesgroup.com, 978-807-2785

Chapel Challenge Duathlon
2022-10-15 13:00 - 17:30 | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This event is commemorating the 100th year anniversary of Concord Academy. Students, Alumni and faculty will be creating several teams that will run and bike their way from the original (approximate) location of the campus chapel in Barnstead NH to its current location on school property. Start point: Chelmsford Municipal Parking lot. End point: NARA Park

November 20, 2022 - Friends Annual Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration
2022-11-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come celebrate the progress of the BFRT and the 20th anniversary of the Friends.
Sunday, November 20 at 2 p.m.
Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road, (Rte. 2A), Acton, MA
Light refreshments will be served.
Parking is available at Patriot Square, across Great Road from Pedal Power.

Carlisle Route To Sustainability Day
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Carlisle town center, 83 School Street, Carlisle, MA, United States
Friends of BFRT will join other local groups to highlight environmental sustainability issues
Come join this town event which will include a myriad of displays on environmental sustainability issues, information on steps we can take to affect positive impact and various fun activities for the whole family. This event will include town departments and committees along with non-profits, local groups, local farms and individuals, all highlighting environmentally conscious efforts and practices. You’ll find information ranging from decarbonizing your home to managing your yard sustainably. And so much more!
Location: Carlisle town center and school parking lot off Church Street

Framingham Earth Day
2023-04-22 11:00 - 15:00 | Framingham Center Common, Vernon Street, Framingham, MA, United States
Come be inspired to live more sustainably upon the earth, and learn about all of the great eco changes Framingham is involved in! Local Eco Organizations, Farms and Exhibitors, Live Music, Family Activities, Recycling Opportunities and FUN!
We are extremely grateful to the MWRTA for offering this FREE shuttle that will run from Downtown Framingham to the Framingham Centre Common throughout the festival. The bus can be picked up at any of the stops, or hailed down along its route.
Information on transit and parking: Framinghamearthday.org
Rain date: April 29

Norwegian Foot March for Food Drive
2023-04-29 07:00 - 13:00 | Starting Point in Chelmsford, 44 Central Square, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
Fund raising walk on the trail on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 7:00 am.

May 20, 2023 - Groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2D in Sudbury
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | 40HudsonRd, 40 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
DON’T MISS THIS RAIL TRAIL CELEBRATION EVENT! The event will be held at Parkinson Field (north side of Hudson Road). Join us on Saturday May 20th at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Phase 2D “groundbreaking event” in Sudbury from 10am – 11:30am (rain or shine). MassDOT has scheduled this official ceremony for residents to celebrate the start of 5.1 miles of construction for this fantastic community facility. The event program will feature several speakers, including Secretary of Transportation Gina Fiandaca; plus, light refreshments will be served. See you there! PLEASE NOTE: there is an access driveway to the municipal field and parking area between 40 and 46 Hudson Road which is identified with white “Field Entrance” signs.

As said, now the event will be held at Parkinson Field (40 Hudson Road and is marked entrance only). And, access to the event site is behind the TI Sales building. From Hudson Road and inside the fence gate at TI Sales, follow driveway access to Parkinson that runs along the left side of the building, all the way back into the gravel parking lot. Entrance to the Field and event from the at the very end of the gravel Municipal parking area. Attendees should not use any other private residence or business driveways to park or to access the event. Absolutely no parking will be allowed along Hudson Road.

West Concord Mural Unveiling
2023-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Nashoba Brook Bridge, West Concord, 40 Beharrell Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
On May 20th, 2023 at 3:00pm, the Mural will be presented to the public.
Come to the unveiling of the new 24-foot mural showing a map of the BFRT on May 20 at 3 p.m. at 40 Beharrell Street in West Concord (adjacent to the trail near the Nashoba Brook bridge crossing). The map, coordinated by Art for All, depicts features of each of the towns along the trail.
Come for the ceremony; stay for the cake!

Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2023-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us for a bike ride or walk on the BFRT
Tuesday, June 20 (Rain date: June 22), 6:00 p.m.
If the Pedal Power parking lot is full, parking available across Great Road
Stay for pizza afterwards
Contact: tmichelman@gmail.com

Carlisle Old Home Day
2023-06-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Carlisle Old Home Day, Carlisle, MA, United States
June 2023 Carlisle Old Home Day Events
Saturday, June 24, 2023:
Opening Events
Road Races
​Pancake Breakfast
The Great Parade
Cake Decorating Contest
Pie Baking Contest
Boy Scout Troop 135 BBQ
Arts and Crafts Show
Country Fair
​Dunk Booth
WBYC Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge
Children’s Pet Show
Kids Games
Corn Shucking
Cake Walk
Chicken BBQ at the Fire Station
Double Sundae Saunter – Sunday June 25, 2023
Carlisle Music Festival – Sunday June 25, 2023

Phase 2B (Route 2 Bridge) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2023-10-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Concord CommonwealthAve, Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
From the The Massachusetts Department of Transportation
ACTON/CONCORD – BRUCE FREEMAN RAIL TRAIL (PHASE 2B) RIBBON CUTTING EVENT
When: Tuesday, October 31st at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Parking Lot
Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA (Near MCI-Concord)
On Tuesday, October 31st, at 10:00 a.m., MassDOT Acting Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt and Congresswoman Lori Trahan will join elected officials and municipal leaders from the Towns of Concord and Acton for a ceremonial ribbon cutting event for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Phase 2B) construction project. This rail to trail project begins at the intersection of Weatherbee Street and Great Road in Acton and continues across Route 2 to Commonwealth Avenue in Concord. This portion of the trail connects the Bruce Freeman trail across Route 2 between Concord and Acton. The total approximate project length is 5500 feet, 1.04 miles.
The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will provide refreshments after the ceremony.

Friends Annual Meeting 2023
2023-11-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Date: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, 2 p.m.
Location: Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton
Come celebrate the progress of the BFRT and hear about trail construction in Sudbury.
Parking is available at Pedal Power and additional parking is available at Patriot Square, across Great Road from Pedal Power.
Light refreshments will be served.

Friends of BFRT Meeting: Control of Invasive Weeds
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Friends will sponsor a member meeting on April 18 at 7 p.m. at Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton, to focus on invasive species such as garlic mustard and buckthorn.
Jane Maloney, Land Steward of the Sudbury Valley Trustees, will share information on identifying and removing these plants from our neighborhoods and along the BFRT. Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and has previously worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club in Boston. As a Land Steward at SVT, she works to control invasive plants on SVT properties and to maintain hiking trails for public use.
Light refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public.

Framingham Earth Day
2024-04-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Framingham Center Common, Vernon Street, Framingham, MA, United States
Visit the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail booth at Framingham Earth Day. Learn about the latest progress on the trail in Framingham.
Rain Date: April 27, 2024
Contact: Ed Kross ekross1976@gmail.com

Carlisle Route to Sustainability Day
2024-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Carlisle town center, 83 School Street, Carlisle, MA, United States
This Earth Day event will be chock full of environmental information with great fun and activities for all ages.
CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES!
NEW THIS YEAR: Scheduled mini events and demonstrations at the top and bottom of each hour, including cooking demonstrations, music and a fashion show! Hmmm, who will be modeling? Come find out on April 27
More information here:
https://www.carlislema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5719/RTSD-24-webpage-updated-3-25?bidId=

2024 Summer Solstice Ride
2024-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come walk or ride on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
Additional parking available across Great Road at Patriot Square, 179 Great Road
Join the Friends for post walk/ride pizza.
Contact Tom Michelman tmichelman@gmail.com

Summer Solstice Ride 2019

Carlisle Old Home Day
2024-06-22 10:00 - 17:00 | Carlisle Old Home Day, Carlisle, MA, United States
Visit the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail table at the Carlisle Old Home Day
Saturday, June 22, 2023
OHD Events:
Opening Events
Road Races
Pancake Breakfast
The Great Parade
FOGPL Book Swap Gleason Library
Cake Decorating Contest
​Pie Baking Contest
Boy Scout Troop 135 BBQ
Art and Craft Show
Country Fair
​Dunk Booth
WBYC Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge
Children’s Pet Show
Kids Games
Corn Shucking
Cake Walk
Chicken BBQ at the Fire Station
Contact: Glenn Reed greed@grconsulting.net

Canceled - Sudbury Spring Fest 2024
2024-06-22 12:00 - 17:00 | HaskellField, 40 Fairbank Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Due to limited staffing, ongoing construction and summer programming the Sudbury Park & Recreation SpringFest event is canceled.

Park Run 5K
2024-11-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Heart Pond, 371 Acton Road, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Starting point for this run is the Town Land at Heart Pond. The event will run weekly as a group community 5km fun run for families, starting at 9am every Saturday. We will seek to run through the winter with the option to cancel if the weather is bad certain weeks. There will be no race like features, arches, timing, finish tap. People will be asked to bring reusable drink cups. A water station will be provided.

Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Annual Meeting 2024
2024-11-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Date: Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, 2 p.m.

Location: Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton

Come celebrate the progress of the BFRT and hear about trail construction in Sudbury and other trail news.

Parking is available at Pedal Power and additional parking is available at Patriot Square, across Great Road from Pedal Power.

Light refreshments will be served.

Framingham Earth Day
2025-04-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Framingham Center Common, Vernon Street, Framingham, MA, United States
Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
Framingham Center Common, (at Edgell Road/Vernon Street)
Rain date: Saturday, May 3rd, 11 am to 3 p.m.
For more information or to volunteer at the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail booth contact Ed Kross: ekross1976@gmail.com

Carlisle Route to Sustainability Day
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Carlisle town center, 83 School Street, Carlisle, MA, United States
Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Carlisle Center, Carlisle, MA
Meet Nibi, the nationally famous rescue beaver!
For more information or to volunteer at the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail booth contact Glenn Reed: greed@gdrconsulting.net

AMC Turns 50 Hike on the Bay Circuit Trail
2025-05-31 08:00 - 13:00 | MA
Join us in celebrating AMC Boston’s 50th Anniversary in 2025 on the Bay Circuit Trail on May 31st. The Bay Circuit Trail circles Boston in a broad crescent from Kingston Bay to Plum Island, and features a mix of conservation land trails, road walks, and opportunities to see historic sites and neighborhoods at walking speed. We are posting trips covering almost the entire trail on May 31 – together we will try to hike the BCT in a single day! We’ll walk a portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
We will do the 7 mile section from Lowell, point D on map 5B to Acton, near point G on map 5B which can be found at https://www.baycircuit.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BCT_MapBook_Hike_Nov2024_Map5B.pdf.
We will meet at the town parking lot in Acton, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtFx7Gp68xJGUEpL6
we’ll then consolidate into half the cars and carpool to the Lowell start here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.6132228,-71.3256451/@42.6117265,-71.3285852,1354m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUwNy4wIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDU1SAFQAw%3D%3
You can become familiar with the route using this guide: https://www.baycircuit.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Section5B_2024_HIKE.pdf
Note, the above says no trail parking at the Lowell end, but that has been changed and parking is now permitted on weekends!
Pretzel the hiking hound will join us and the trip is open to other well behaved on-leash dogs.
We plan a fairly leisurely walk with breaks every 15-20 minutes. Please bring what you require for 4 hours of hiking, water, snacks, lunch, sun screen, insect repellent, first aid, weather appropriate attire, etc.
Contact: Jesse Waites (617) 523-0676 jesse@amcboston.org

Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2025-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Friday, June 20, 2025 6 p.m. (Rain date, June 21)
Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton
Parking available at Pedal Power and across Great Road
Come walk or ride on the BFRT
Join the Friends for post-ride/walk pizza
Contact Barbara Pike: bbpike@AOL.com

Carlisle Old Home Day 2025
2025-06-21 09:00 - 14:30 | Carlisle town center, 83 School Street, Carlisle, MA, United States
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Country Fair, Carlisle Center
Contact Glenn Reed: greed@gdrconsulting.net
As part of Carlisle’s beloved Old Home Day weekend on June 20 to 22, the Friends will have a table at the Country Fair on Saturday, June 21. To keep abreast of the weekend’s details as they emerge, including Carlisle’s 3rd Annual Music Festival, go to: Carlisle Old Home Day

October 19, 2025 - "Tales from the Rail Trail" Presentation by Len Simon
2025-10-19 15:00 - 16:00 | GoodnowLibary, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Sudbury Goodnow Library Community Meeting Room.
“Tales from the Rail Trail,” A slide presentation about the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Sudbury by Len Simon.

October 25, 2025 - Adaptive Cycling Event - Sudbury, MA
2025-10-25 11:00 - 15:00 | BroadacresPk, 62 Morse Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Join us on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m for an Adaptive Cycling Event for people of all ages and abilities. Meet at Broadacres Farm Parking Lot (62 Morse Road), Sudbury.
Phone registration: 413-584-2052.

October 29, 2025 - "Trek and Treat" Halloween Bike Ride
2025-10-29 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 3 to 4 p.m. “Trek and Treat” Halloween Bike Ride. Meet at the West Concord Bike Share and bicycle to East Acton Village Green (1.9 miles on the BFRT).
Prizes for best costume and bike decoration. Sponsored by Community Bike Share.
The West Concord Bike Share is at the entrance to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail near the bridge over the Nashoba Brook adjacent to Brookside Square at 70 Beharrell Street.
