Invite 91 // Jul 2

Before jumping into this week's intro, a short reader check-in from Joe, who participated in the recent East Bayside Trail Fest

Thanks for the report, Joe!

In case you missed it, the good folks at Maine Outdoor Brands recently released an epic guide of Maine outdoor products and experiences as part of their Adventure Local campaign. Head over to their website to discover Maine products, gear, and guided experiences for every season.

✌️ Max

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

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.
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Community Paddle

Thu, Jul 3 | Portland | Free

Don't forget, throughout the summer, Portland Paddle is hosting community stand-up paddleboarding and kayak sessions on Casco Bay.

​Learn more​

GPNEMBA Women’s Ride

Sun, Jul 6 | Portland | Free

The next GPNEMBA women’s ride is coming up, which provides a chance for mountain bike riders of all skill levels to connect and explore together around Portland.

​Learn more​

Mushroom ID Walk with North Spore

Sat, Jul 12 | Falmouth | Paid

Explore the trails at Underwood Springs Forest with North Spore and learn to identify common mushroom species during a guided walk.

​Learn more​

Hills and Thrills 2025

Sat, Jul 19 | Hallowell | Paid

Register for this scenic bike ride starting from Hallowell Boat Landing and exploring the hills around Hallowell.

​Learn more​

Maine Lobster Festival: Road Race

Sun, Aug 3 | Rockland | Paid

Compete in a timed 10K or 5K road race through Rockland’s streets, or sign up your kids for the 1-mile fun run at this odd celebration of crustaceans and fitness.

​Learn more​

2025 Farm to Fork Weekend Getaway

Fri, Aug 8 - Sun, Aug 10 | Freeport | Paid

Experience a weekend of cycling and local food in Freeport, featuring guided rides, farm visits, and a gourmet dinner, all organized by Farm to Fork Fitness Adventures.

​Learn more​

Gravel Grand Slam: The Ploye Pedaler

Sat, Aug 16 | Madawaska | Donation Based

This is the third in a series of four gravel bike races in Aroostook County this summer. The Ploye Pedaler features 3400 feet of climbing on multiple trail types from gravel to XC ski trails.

​Learn more​

Firebird Trail Races

Sat, Aug 23 | Falmouth | Donation Based

Register for one of the distances (13-mile, Marathon, or 50K) with a unique twist that requires participants to donate to a non-profit of their choice.

​Learn more​

Harvest at the Huts

Sat, Sep 27 - Sun, Sep 28 | Carrabassett Valley | Paid

Hike or bike to Stratton Brook Hut for an overnight of live music and a multi-course dinner prepared by a local chef, complete with a bonfire and breakfast the next morning.

​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.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Learn-to-Disc Golf | Mon, Jun 16 - Mon, Jul 7 | Paid​

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

​L.L.Bean 4th of July 10K | Fri, Jul 4 | Paid​

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

​Forest & Forage | Sat, Jul 19 - Sun, Jul 20 | Paid​

​Saltwater Shindig | Sun, Jul 20 | Free​

​MITA Daysail & Island Stewardship | Thu, Jul 24 | Donation Based​

​Peaks to Portland Swim | Sat, Jul 26 | Paid​

​Teen Sailing Trip: Casco Bay | Sun, Jul 27 - Wed, Jul 30 | Paid​

​Island Ripple Run | Sun, Jul 27 | Paid​

​Casco Bay Swim Run | Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Donation Based​

​Run MDI: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay | Sun, Oct 19 | 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.

📝 Arts on the Hill: Jenn Schott - Thu, Jun 26​

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

📝 Jazz in the Park - Fri, Jun 27​

📝 Paddle the Presumpscot - Sat, Jun 28​

📝 Yoga, Horses, and Art: Half Day Retreat - Sat, Jun 28​

📝 Bike & Brew on the Eastern Trail - Sat, Jun 28​

📝 Sleuthing for Animal Signs - Sun, Jun 29​

📝 Sunrise Yoga Series - Tue, Jul 1​

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!