Invite 121 // May 13

This week, we have a reader submission from Jan, a longtime subscriber, who's mapping a car-free bike adventure loop in the Lakes Region using public transit. Here's what he had to say:

The Lakes Region Explorer bus runs a few times per day between Portland and Bridgton. It allows you to go up north with friends and bikes for 4$ and zero car logistics. The drivers I've met so far have all been very friendly and keen to fit as many bikes as you can on the bus (along with 2 on the bike rack).

This bus has inspired me to create an adventure biking loop with the same name, starting in Bridgton, that you can do over three-ish days.

I've drafted a general idea, but I am seeking local knowledge to identify the best dirt roads, campsites, and unique natural features to include in this route.

If you have tips for local gems or route improvements, or are interested in collaborating, reply to this email, and I'll forward your response to Jan.

Now, on to this week's event.

✌️ Max

Reach 1,000+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities.

Maine Summer Hiking Series

Wed, May 13 - Sat, Sep 26 | Statewide | Donation Based

Hit trails across Maine all summer with a women-focused adventure group led by a registered Maine Guide for all experience levels.

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Bike to Work Day

Fri, May 15 | Portland | Free

Skip the car for a day and ride to work as part of a statewide effort to celebrate cycling as everyday transportation.

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Coastal Cleanup at Willard Beach

Sat, May 16 | South Portland | Free

Spend a morning picking up trash at a beloved South Portland beach with a community group working to keep the coast clean.

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Alewife Paddle

Sat, May 16 | Old Town | Paid

Paddle the waterways of Hirundo Wildlife Refuge during the alewife run, when the streams are active with migrating fish and the surrounding wildlife follows.

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Spring Plant Walk at Evergreen

Tue, May 19 | Portland | Donation Based

Walk Evergreen Cemetery's grounds to learn how to identify spring native plants in one of Portland's most ecologically diverse green spaces.

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Sunset Kayak & Astronomy Night

Sat, May 23 | Smithfield | Paid

Paddle a lake at sunset, then gather around the firepit for stargazing and s'mores with an LGBTQIA+-centered group, kayaks and PFDs included.

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Pine Tree Ride

Sun, May 24 | Belfast | Paid

Tackle a gravel ride through the backroads of Waldo County as part of Maine's informal gravel series, with quiet country roads and a post-ride gathering.

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SEEK: Coastal Science & Kayaking Program

Mon, Aug 3 - Fri, Aug 7 | Portland | Free

Register your middle schooler today for this unique free program, which offers a week of kayaking in Casco Bay while learning coastal science with researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Limited spots available.

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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)

​Fish Count at Nequasset | Fri, Apr 24 - Mon, Jun 8 | Free​

​Intro to Rock Climbing in Maine | Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 31 | Paid​

​Spring Novice Ride Series | Thu, May 7 - Thu, Jun 11 | Paid​

​Wings, Waves & Woods Festival | Wed, May 13 - Sun, May 17 | Donation Based​

​Beavers of the Wells Reserve | Wed, May 13 | Paid​

​Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K | Sun, May 17 | Paid​

​Women's Spring Skills Day | Sun, May 17 | Paid​

​Maine Needs: Walk and Race | Sat, May 23 | Donation Based​

​Trail Festival at Pineland Farms | Sat, May 23 - Sun, May 24 | Paid​

​Maine Canoe Symposium | Fri, May 29 - Sun, May 31 | Paid​

​John Andrews Memorial Eastern Trail 5K | Sat, May 30 | Paid​

​Intro to Kayaking Weekend Workshop | Sat, May 30 - Sun, May 31 | Paid​

​Alewife Migration Walk | Thu, Jun 4 | Free​

​Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race | Sat, Jun 6 | Paid​

​Breaking Trail Running Weekend | Fri, Jun 19 - Sun, Jun 21 | Paid​

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, 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 me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!