Invite 123 // May 27

If you're a mountain biker in Portland, you might have noticed that the scope, scale, and quality of trails around town have noticeably improved over the last few years.

• New trails at East Windham
• A bike park at Riverton Trolley
• Extended trails at Winnick Woods in Cape Elizabeth
• Groomed winter fat biking in Gorham

Portland is quietly turning into a great city for mountain biking. There's a person behind that vision.

Ryan Dunfee is the volunteer president of GPNEMBA, the Greater Portland New England Mountain Bike Association. I met Ryan for coffee a few years ago. He was a volunteer trail builder and coordinator at the time, and his energy was contagious. A few days later, I found myself doing trail work at Blackstrap Preserve alongside him.

Ryan is leading the charge to make Portland a riding destination. This recent Instagram video says it better than I can (no account needed to watch). The mountain bikers and trail builders have always been here, and now they have the perfect organizer and frontman.

When I head out for my post-work ride today, I'll be thinking about the people who made it possible.

Your favorite trails have a steward, too. Find them and show them some love — toss them a few bucks, grab a spot on the next volunteer day, or just say thanks. Great trails don't build or maintain themselves.

✌️ Max

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Maine Days at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Mon, May 31 - Tue, Jun 2 | Boothbay Harbor | Free

Visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on the Boothbay peninsula with free admission for Maine residents during this three-day annual event, limited to 8 tickets per household.

​Learn more​

Group Mountain Bike Ride

Sat, May 30 | York | Free

Ride guided singletrack through one of York's permanently protected preserves, then roll over to SoMe Brewing for $5 pints and a raffle for a full Highland Mountain bike park package.

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Maine Free Fishing Weekend

Sat, May 30 - Sun, May 31 | Statewide | Free

Fish any of Maine's waters without a license this weekend, with all other rules and regulations still in place.

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BCM Joy Ride

Sun, Jun 7 | Kennebunkport | Paid

Ride 17, 33, or 53 miles along Maine's southern coast on a fundraising route that ends with live music, games, and a post-ride celebration at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.

​Learn more​

17th Annual Schoodic Bike Ride

Sat, Jun 20 | Winter Harbor | Donation Based

Pedal a 13-mile loop around Schoodic Peninsula through Acadia National Park, with a picnic at Frazer Point to follow.

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Tough Mountain Challenge

Sat, Jul 25 | Bethel | Paid

Tackle 5K of mud pits, walls, and mountain terrain at Sunday River in this obstacle race that includes new challenges added to the course this year.

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Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest

Sat, Aug 1 | Blue Hill | Paid

Race or hike Blue Hill Mountain on a figure-eight course through wildflower fields and forested trails with coastal views, with distances from 5K to 50K available.

​Learn more​

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​

​Maine Summer Hiking Series | Wed, May 13 - Sat, Sep 26 | Donation Based​

​Alewife Migration Walks | Sat, May 23 - Sat, Jun 6 | Free​

​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​

​For All The Fish: Outdoor Festival & Concert | Sun, May 31 | Free​

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

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

​Pothole Roubaix | Sun, Jun 7 | Paid​

​Volunteer Overnight Experience | Sun, Jun 7 - Mon, Jun 8 | Free​

​After Work Dirt: Trail Race | Thu, Jun 25 | Paid​

​SEEK: Coastal Science & Kayaking Program | Mon, Aug 3 - Fri, Aug 7 | Free​

👋 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!