How do you #outdoors? #kayak #bike #run #boat #hunt #walk #stargaze #trails #AroostookThing
In this edition: 1) A #KayakTrip on #PortageLake. 2) A #cyclikg #tour in the #StJohnValley. 3) A #running #festival #halfmarathon #10k #5k #KidsRun in #PresqueIsle. Plus lots more! #offugo…
Saturday, August 29
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Kayak Trip, Caribou. Portage Lake is a most unique ecosystem, best explored on the water; see floating islands, wide variety of water and shore birds. Cost: $30; includes transportation, paddle gear, binoculars sit-down lunch at Dean’s. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Sunday August 30
Fresh Trails Adventures Tour de L’Acadie, Fort Kent. 30-mile bike tour on paved back roads of Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec. Event start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: FREE! Visit www.freshtrails.com FMI
Sunday, August 30
Maine Running Festival, Presque Isle. Runners in all distances start together: 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run, 5k, 10k, Harvest Half Marathon. Races fully supported; water stops, chip timing, child-friendly activities while adults run. Beer garden, live music at finish! Participants receive event shirt, finishers receive a medal. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI
Tuesday, September 1
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Grand Falls Gorge/St. John River Tour, Caribou. Guided hike around Grand Falls, NB gorge; 4-hour pontoon boat cruise of the waters above the dam. Fee: $50; includes transportation, lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Sunday, September 6
Half Marathon Festival, Saint-François, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: $35/half marathon, $25/8k, $6/3k before 8/29, 1k/FREE; $45/half marathon, $35/8k, $10/3k race day; includes chicken BBQ. First 100 half marathon and 8k registrants receive Sports Experts jersey. Contact Gaétane Duval (506-992-2780) FMI
Monday, September 7
Viking Run, Caribou. Kids’ running races on the CHS track; various distances according to age group. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Contact Roy Alden (207-498-3563) or ralden@rsu39.org FMI
Monday, September 7
Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk, Portage Lake. 9:00 a.m. at Portage Lake Municipal Building parking lot. 4-mile walk in memory of Christy Dicker; funds benefit AMHC suicide prevention programs. Cost: $10; additional funds accepted. Contact Portage Lake Town Office (207-435-4361) or visit www.townofportage.org FMI
Monday, September 7
Caribou Labor Day Road Race, Caribou. 5k walk start: 10:30 a.m. 8k run start: 11:00 a.m. Meet at Caribou High School Ski Building. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-4972) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI
*Monday, September 7
Woodstock Rec. Introduction to Frisbee, Woodstock, NB. 6:00-7:00 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Ayr Motor Centre. This course is all about having fun, learning basic throwing/catching skills. Join “Frisbee Rob” McLeod as he teaches kids ages 6-16 the basics and plays a few Frisbee games with them. Cost: $10/person. Contact Woodstock Rec. (506-325-4671) FMI
Tuesday, September 8-Wednesday, September 16
Fort Kent Adult Ed. Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Fort Kent. Maine DIF&W Hunter Education is more than gun safety; taught by trained, certified instructors, students receive course handbook, outdoor survival info, and more. Course includes lectures and demonstrations, field experiences, and written exam. Contact Fort Kent Adult Ed (207-834-3536) FMI
Friday, September 11-Sunday, September 13
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Exploration, Caribou. Two night stay at Maccanamac Camps; canoe Chase Rapids, tour Churchill Dam Museum, hike to historic Chamberlain Lake trains. Participants must be in excellent shape. Cost: $150; includes gear, transportation, meals. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Friday, September 11
PI Historical Society Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour, Presque Isle. 1.5-hour guided walking tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local historic figures. Many hills on tour. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact Kimberly Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI
*Saturday, September 12
Maine Forest Rangers Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day, Chapman. Would you be willing to say thank you to a landowner by helping us clean this site? It is called the Lavway Pit in Chapman. Make a difference and help Keep Maine Clean. Contact Ranger Justin Carney (207-435-7963) FMI
Saturday, September 12
14th Annual Linda M. Page Remembrance Walk A Thon, Limestone. 9:00 a.m. at Robert A. Frost Memorial Library, 42 Main St. Walk at your own pace. Route maps, refreshments provided. Walkers under 12 must be with adult. T-shirt to first 30 with pledges of $25 or more; door prizes, special prize for highest dollar amount in pledges. Contact Angel Boyd (207-325-4706) FMI
*Saturday, September 12
Out of the Darkness Walk, Fort Kent. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Lion’s Pavilion, Riverside Park. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Walk to save lives and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Suicide can be prevented. You can help. Join the movement. Contact Jennifer Malmborg (207-834-1649) or visit www.afsp.org FMI
Saturday, September 12
Zach’s Run, Presque Isle. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk at PI Middle School to benefit Zach Gagnon, a local 12-year old who has cancer. Cost: $20 (suggested). Donations welcome; can be made on the link below. Please come and show your support for Zach! Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/ZachsRun FMI
Saturday, September 12
Katahdin Woods & Waters Stars Over Katahdin Wilderness Stargazing, Patten. With some of the starriest skies east of the Mississippi, there are few better places to view the night sky. Guided hiking, biking, stargazing with experienced astronomers. Great for families; reservations recommended. Contact Mark Adams (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI
Sunday, September 13
Redy…Set…Let’s Go! Youth Adventure Race, Presque Isle. 1-mile course with various obstacles is perfect for beginners, more experienced competitors ages 7-14, and will be held at the UMPI campus. Fee: $15; includes finisher’s medal, bandana, take home canvas bag full of locally grown produce. Pre-registration required. Visit www.redyyouthtriathlon.org FMI
Tuesday, September 15
Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Windmill Tour, Mars Hill. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Guided tour to base of windmill; easy 1/2-mile walk. Stop at Hentosh Bronze, Bridgewater to learn about sculptures that have been sold all over the world, including Caribou’s caribou! Cost: $25; includes lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Wednesday, September 16 and Saturday, September 26
Presque Isle Fish & Game Club Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Presque Isle. Maine DIF&W Hunter Education is more than gun safety; taught by trained, certified instructors, students receive course handbook, outdoor survival info, and more. Course includes lectures and demonstrations, field experiences, and written exam. Contact Dick Fortier (207-496-1221) FMI
Thursday, September 17
Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Moose & Salmon Day, Ashland. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Travel to Ashland to learn why moose permits have been rolled back 25%. Spend the afternoon learning what Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine is working on. Cost: $25; includes transportation, lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Friday, September 18
Trails End Festival Hard Core Project, Millinocket. 7:00 a.m. at Appalachian Trail Lodge. A yearly festival tradition and a way to give back to the Appalachian Trail; work on the AT, earn a Trails End Hard Core patch, then enjoy a BBQ at the AT Lodge. It is a hard day’s work but a lot of fun! Contact Appalachian Trail Lodge (207-723-4321) FMI
Friday, September 18
Trails End Festival Walk with a Local Naturalist, Millinocket. 3:30 p.m. at Crandall Park; walk along Michaud Trail with local naturalist; explore the natural resources in downtown Millinocket, learn about native and invasive species of plants, and the birds and insects that pollinate them. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI
Friday, September 18-Saturday, September 19
PI Fish & Game Club Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic, Presque Isle. An opportunity for women to learn all about firearms, shooting skills, safe firearms handling, how to store firearms safely. What are you waiting for? Come join the fun! Class limited to 30 students, based on a first come, first serve basis. Visit www.pifg.org/womenontarget FMI
Saturday, September 19
Caribou Rec. Caribou Adventure Challenge 5k, Caribou. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Otter Street Park & Ride. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15/adult, $10/student, $40/family of 4; t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Prizes: 1st overall male, female, two-person, and four-person teams. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Saturday, September 19
Trails End Festival Millinocket Stream Canoe Trip, Millinocket. 10:00 a.m. at Crandall Park; carpool to put-in. Led by Registered Maine Guide Greg Friel. Limited number of canoes available, or bring your own canoe or kayak. All children must be accompanied by parent; young children must have own PFD. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI
Saturday, September 19
Trails End Festival “Learn how to paddle!” Trip, Millinocket. 1:00 p.m. Join Greg Friel, Registered Maine Guide, for lessons and demonstrations of kayak and canoe techniques. All equipment provided. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI
Sunday, September 20
Trails End Festival Hike the Bait Hole Trip, Millinocket. 9:30 a.m. at the bandstand in the park; join local trail expert Don Nodine for 60-90 minute hike on the Bait Hole Trail. Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) FMI
*Sunday, September 20
UMPI Alumni and All-Comers XC Race, Presque Isle. Distance: 5k. Race start: 10:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Park Family Field (soccer field complex). Contact Chris Smith (207-768-4972) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI
Thursday, September 24
Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Red River Camps Tour, Deboullie. Host Jen Brophy will provide a tour, sit down lunch, and talk about the history of Red River Camps in the Deboullie Township; visit nearby trout ponds and Red River Falls. Fee: $35; includes transportation and lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Saturday, September 26
PenAir 5k On The Runway, Presque Isle. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Northern Maine Regional Airport. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run, Kids’ Healthy Habits Session during Adult Race, Dash For Cash. Proceeds benefit Crown Critical Care Transport. Visit www.tamc.org/takeflight FMI
*Saturday, September 26
Presque Isle Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Guided two-hour, two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third St. Cost: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Tour cancelled in inclement weather. Contact PIHS (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI
*Saturday, September 26
Run For Your Life 3rd Annual Zombie Apocalypse 5k Walk/Shuffle/Run, Caribou. Watch out for the Zombies who will be waiting around every corner! Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Cary Medical Center Trails/Cary Rehab. Race start: 12:00 p.m. Fee: $10; includes t-shirt (while they last). Contact Graham Warne (207-328-4052) or warne.graham@jobcorps.org FMI
Ongoing Programs:
Fort Kent Outdoor Center Road Bike Ride, Fort Kent. Sundays; 8:00 a.m. behind Irving on Main St. June-September. Rides last 2+ hours and range 20-40 miles. All riders welcome. Come join the fun and experience some great rides. Contact Norm Martin njmartin@fairpoint.net FMI
Sunday Saunter Running Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI
Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Sundays; fourth Sunday/month at the end of Chemin Brissette at Pied-du-Lac (Long Lake). The Rivière-Bleue Appalachian Hiking Club invites visitors to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect you with exceptional nature, islands, animal, and a magical setting. Cost: Free! Contact Marielle Landry (418-893-2649) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI
NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI
MOJO Monday Meander, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports. Easy road bike group ride. Average speed: 14-18 mph for 22 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI
Walking Group, Caribou. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Mall parking lot. Open to the public; weather permitting. A good way to exercise and meet new friends. Contact Pauline or Renee (207-492-2079) evenings FMI
Tuesday Track Workouts, Caribou. Tuesdays; 5:15 p.m. at CHS. Join runners of all abilities to do predetermined intervals, your own workout, or just run with others and forget the workout. Average distance: 5-9 miles; can be adapted per individual. Contact PJ Gorneault pgorneault@rsu39.org FMI
Jessome’s Friendly Group Road Bike Ride, Edmundston, NB. Tuesdays; 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Jessome’s parking lot. Different routes/distances from 30k to 60k! Average speed: 25-30 kmh. Contact Marc-André Martin (506 735-6292) FMI
NHSC Women’s Trail Night, Presque Isle. Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. May-June. Leaders will take you on hiking, trail running, and mountain biking adventures; beginner and intermediate groups. Equipment rentals available. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.com FMI
River Valley Runners Tuesday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
Perception of Aroostook Guided Aroostook River Tour, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m. at Perception of Aroostook, 9 Caribou Rd. Paddle Washburn to Presque Isle; bird watching, lessons, relaxation! 2.5-4 hours. Shuttle Fee: $10; Kayak rental and shuttle: $35. Contact Leo Freeman (207-764-5506) FMI
NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead. 8-12 miles. All abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI
MOJO Good Times Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports. Moderate road bike group ride. Average speed: 15-18 mph for 20-30 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI
Village of Perth-Andover Walk in the Park, Perth-Andover, NB. Wednesdays; 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Perth-Andover Bandstand; weather permitting. Visit www.perth-andover.com FMI
River Valley Runners Thursday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
*Houlton Rec. Adult Running Program, Houlton. Thursdays; 6:00 p.m. at Houlton Rec Center. Start date: August 27; 4-week program will teach safe and proper running; warm-ups, group runs, cool downs. Cost: $10/Houlton resident, $15/non-resident; must be 18 years or older. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI
Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 25-35 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph early season, 18-20 mph mid-season. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI
River Valley Runners Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
* = New or updated item(s).
