Invite 84 // May 14

When I put out the call for positive outdoor stories, I received this surprising and fun story from Alicia Heyburn, executive director of Teens to Trails.
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​"An enormous oak fell in my neighborhood woods. The landowner called the Midcoast Wood Bank—an effort that connects trees needing clearing with people who love to chop, split, and stack and those who need heating assistance. Over the fall and winter, a cadre of volunteers transformed that fallen giant into stove-length firewood to heat a home, make tea, warm a tired dog, or dry out wet socks for someone that needs it."

This was an unexpected and delightful story that shows how experiences in nature can take many forms and reflects the resourcefulness for which Mainers are known.

P.S. Teens to Trails is looking for its next executive director. If you or someone you know might be a good fit, have them apply here.

More stories and news to come throughout the month. 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.

This issue of the Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling statewide.

Note: My views of this sponsor are in no way influenced by the fact she's my wife, I deeply respect her work, and I've benefited from a few great walks myself.

Riverton Trolley Bike Park Grand Opening

Wed, May 14 | Portland | Free

Gear up for the grand opening of Portland's first dedicated bike park. Take your first laps on the dirt jumps, flow trail, or pump track, followed by a celebration at Battery Steele Brewing across the street.

​Learn more​

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Portland Bike Party

Fri, May 16 | Portland | Free

Join the Portland Bike Party this Friday for a rolling celebration where cyclists of all levels explore the city on two wheels with dance breaks in the middle.

​Learn more​

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Wescustogo Paddle

Sat, May 17 | North Yarmouth | Free

Take your canoe or kayak out of storage and join a group of others for a 3, 5, or 8-mile paddle on the beautiful Royal River. A limited number of boat rentals are available with advance coordination.

​Learn more​

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Live Well 5k

Sat, May 17 | Portland | Free

The Phoenix is a sober, active community with chapters all across the country. The Maine chapter hosts several monthly events, including this casual 5k at the Back Cove.

​Learn more​

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York Family Ride

Sun, May 18 | York | Free

Grab your bikes and helmets for a fun family ride from York High to Village Elementary with an escort from the York Police Department to ensure and advocate for bike safety.

​Learn more​

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Pine Tree Ride

Sun, May 18 | Belfast | Free

A free gravel bike race starting and ending in Belfast hosted by Maine Gravel Series, which hosts a series of rides throughout the year on Maine's best backroads.

​Learn more​

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John Andrews 5k Walk/Run

Sat, May 31 | Saco | Paid

Run or walk the scenic Eastern Trail while supporting the vision to expand and maintain one of Maine's best long-distance trails.

​Learn more​

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Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race

Sat, Jun 7 | Millinocket | Paid

A thrilling 7.4-mile journey down Millinocket Stream, featuring class II/III rapids and a grand finale in downtown Millinocket.

​Learn more​

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Maine Outcast Campout

Thu, Jun 12 - Sun, Jun 15 | Gilead | Paid

The Maine Outcast Campout welcomes anglers from all backgrounds and walks of life to enjoy a fly fishing weekend in the Western Maine mountains.

​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​

​Spring Novice Ride Series | Thu, May 8 - Thu, Jun 12 | Paid​

​Life Happens Outside Challenge | Fri, May 9 - Fri, May 16 | Free​

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

​Downeast Spring Birding Festival | Fri, May 23 - Mon, May 26 | Paid​

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

​Run with the Alewives 5K | Sat, May 24 | Paid​

​Maine Fly Fishing Festival | Fri, May 30 - Sun, Jun 1 | Paid​

​Acadia Running Retreat | Wed, Jun 18 - Sat, Jun 21 | Paid​

​Maine's High Peaks Paddlefest | Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

​Bay of Fundy International Marathon & Half Marathon | Sun, Jun 22 | Paid​

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

​Breaking Trail Running Weekend | Fri, Jun 27 - Sun, Jun 29 | 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.

📝 Trails in the Valley - Fri, May 2​

📝 Big A 50K Trail Race - Sat, May 3​

📝 Calf Unveiling Day - Sat, May 3​

📝 GPNEMBA Women's Ride - Sun, May 4​

📝 A Walk in the Woods with Ethan Tapper - Tue, May 6​

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

📝 East Grand Adventure Race - Sat, May 10​

📝 BCM Introduction to Mountain Biking - Sat, May 10​

📝 Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K - Sun, May 11​

📝 Selkie Shindig: Sanua Beach Party - Sun, May 11​

📝 Full Moon Bonfire - Mon, May 12​

📝 May Full Moon Dip - Mon, May 12​

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!