Invite 82 // Apr 30

Several weeks ago, I took a bus from my apartment to the edge of Portland and walked home via the Portland Trails. I'm not sure if it was the sunny weather or stretching my legs for the first time in a while, but I saw things differently. I saw things as good, and I saw good things.

I noticed a stretch of trail by the Canco woods that has been vastly improved, a new disc golf course at Payson Park (shoutout to JoySwich), and a handful of new plots opened at the community garden.

I know things aren't great right now. However, there are still people who try and succeed in doing good things. That work deserves to be recognized.

In that spirit, I'll be using the intro section in May to share positive outdoor developments from around the state. Showing a little love, because why not?

I need your help. What has happened in your community, region, or unorganized territory within the last year that deserves a spotlight? Let me know by replying to this email. Please limit recs to news with some connection to the outdoors.

Now, on to the good stuff.

✌️ Max

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

Trails in the Valley

Fri, May 2 | Auburn | Free

Lost Valley Ski Area is hosting social trail running/walking nights every Friday this summer. Head out this Friday for the first meetup, with trail options from easy to hard.

​Learn more​

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Calf Unveiling Day

Sat, May 3 | Rockport | Free

Go for a short hike at the Lily Pond Trail at MCHT's Aldermere Farm Preserve and then meet the Belted Galloway calves, which are basically little Oreo versions of cows (google it).

​Learn more​

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GPNEMBA Women's Ride

Sun, May 4 | Gray | Free

GPNEMBA is more than just a massive acronym. It's the leading advocate for mountain biking in the Portland area and also hosts group rides throughout the year. Check out their upcoming group Women's Ride at the Libby Hill Trails in Gray.

​Learn more​

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Spring Novice Ride Series

Thu, May 8 - Thu, Jun 12 | Portland | Paid

Hit the trails and boost your mountain biking skills with a 6-week series of women-focused, instructional rides at various Greater Portland trail systems with the Lupine Collective.

​Learn more​

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East Grand Adventure Race

Sat, May 10 | Danforth | Paid

There's still time to register for the East Grand Adventure Race, which features a mix of mountain biking, canoeing, and off-trail compass navigation, perfect for solo thrill-seekers or team adventurers.

​Learn more​

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Run with the Alewives 5K

Sat, May 24 | Nobleboro | Paid

Lace up for this 5K, alongside the Great Salt Bay, and help fund the restoration of the Damariscotta fish ladder used by migrating alewives.

​Learn more​

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Maine's High Peaks Paddlefest

Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 22 | Rangeley | Paid

Paddlers, it's a good time to look ahead and register for Maine's High Peaks PaddleFest, a two-day, 40-mile paddling stage race on the Rangeley Lakes.

​Learn more​

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Breaking Trail Running Weekend

Fri, Jun 27 - Sun, Jun 29 | Carrabassett Valley | Paid

Breaking Trail Running Weekend features lakeside trail running, cold plunges, fireside chats, and gourmet meals at a backcountry lodge in a friendly group setting. Sign me up.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Previously Featured & Upcoming

​Slow Blooming Course | Sun, Mar 30 - Sun, Jun 1 | Paid​

​Big A 50K Trail Race | Sat, May 3 | Donation Based​

​Riverlands 100 & Relay | Sat, May 10 - Sun, May 11 | Paid​

​Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 11 | Paid​

​Women's Spring Skills Day | Sun, May 18 | Paid​

​Trail Festival at Pineland Farms | Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25 | Paid​

​Sail Maine: Youth Summer Camps | Mon, Jun 23 - Fri, Jul 4 | Paid​

​Maine Summer Adventure Race | Sat, Jul 12 - Sun, Jul 13 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race - Sat, Apr 19​

📝 Volunteer Community Work Day - Sat, Apr 19​

📝 Earth Day Clean Up of Smelt Brook Preserve - Tue, Apr 22​

📝 Get Out! Nature Walk: Vernal Pools - Wed, Apr 23​

📝 2025 Portland Plog - Sat, Apr 26​

📝 Star Party - Sat, Apr 26​

📝 Marsh Clean-Up - Sat, Apr 26​

📝 BCM Bike Rodeo - Sat, Apr 26​

📝 Portland 10 Miler - Sun, Apr 27​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!