offugo... Outdoor Calendar 08.14.14

* = New or updated item(s).
**Ongoing (weekly) events are listed at the bottom of this post.

Saturday, August 16

Washburn August Festival 3K, Washburn. Meet at Washburn Elementary School. Contact Mike Waugh (207-493-1616) or waughthinks@aol.com FMI

Saturday, August 16

World Acadian Congress Tour de L’Acadie, Fort Kent. Caribou’s Fresh Trails Adventures hosts this one day 20k, 50k, or 80k annual bike tour on the back roads of Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec. Depart: 80k-8:00 a.m.; 20k/50k-10:00 a.m. (all times Eastern) from UMFK. Cost: $30; includes meals, snacks, water, entertainment, prizes. Visit www.freshtrails.com FMI

Saturday, August 16

County Open Half Marathon, Island Falls. Race start: 8:00 a.m. Meet at Island Falls Municipal Building. Contact John Walker (207-415-1688) or jswalkerinc@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, August 16

World Acadian Congress Greater Grand Isle Canoe/Boat Race, Grand Isle. A fun event for the whole family! 10 mi.; Madawaska boat landing to Grand Isle boat landing. Race start: 8:00 a.m. Cost: $15/adult; $7/youth (under 18), $25/family boat (4 or more); first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt. Contact Jeannot Damboise (207-895-3329) after 6:00 p.m. FMI

Saturday, August 16

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders River Trip, St. François, NB. Guided canoe/kayak excursion on the St. Francis River. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake; paddle to Clair, NB (Historical Site). Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 17 

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders Mountain Bike Trip, Pohénégamook, QC. Guided 73k ride on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) from Frontière Park in Pohénégamook. Pedal to the 3 borders, with camping at Glazier Lake; return to St. François. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Saturday, August 16

Portage Lake Canoe Carry, Portage. 6:30 p.m. Join in on this historical re-enactment of the traditional portage from Little Machias Lake to Portage Lake, with Wesget Sipu Native American drum ceremony. Distance: 2.1 miles; put in at southwest corner of Portage Lake; land at Picnic Pavilion in Portage. Contact Jim Dumond (207-227-1864) FMI

Sunday, August 17

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders Hiking Trip, Rivière-Bleue, NB. Guided hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Rivière-Bleue. Hike through the 3 borders to St-François (Glazier Lake). Cost: $5; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Sunday, August 17

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders Hiking Trip, St. Francois, NB. Guided 25k hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake in St. François. Hike to the 3 borders and return. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Tuesday, August 19

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders River Trip, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Guided 20k canoe/kayak excursion on the St. Francis River. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) from Beau Lake loading dock. Paddle through the 3 borders to Glazier Lake. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Thursday, August 21

Aroostook Birders Sundown Birding Trip, Easton. Lake Josephine/Christina Reservoir is one of Aroostook's best birding spots; catch the peak of shorebird migration, waterfowl breeding season, and nocturnally active marsh birds. Meet at 6:00 p.m. on the Johnson Rd. (just off Station Rd. near McCain's).  Contact Bill Sheehan thearoostookbirders@gmail.com FMI

Friday, August 22

Woody Wheaton Land Trust Baskahegan Stream Canoe Trip, Forest City. Join Maine Guide Homer Clough as we paddle flatwater sections of Baskahegan Stream. Bring your kayak, canoe, or use one of our traditional wood/canvas canoes from the Upham Collection. Guide’s lunch provided. Cost: $10/adult; $5/child. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448-3250) or pattywwlt@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24
Ride Aroostook, Presque Isle. This two-day bicycle tour event benefits Camp Adventure, a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes. Designed like a four leaf clover, each day is split into two rides with full support, rest areas, first aid, and mechanical services. Contact Kim Parent (207-498-1112) or info@ridearoostook.org FMI

Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Trip, Caribou. One-night/two-day paddling trip; learn the basic skills associated with canoe tripping. Camping at Allagash Falls; bring your steel leader and favorite Muskie lures. Fee: $75; includes gear, transportation and meals. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Saturday, August 23

World Acadian Congress Bike Ride, St. André, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Ride start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Dennis Arpin (506-473-4953) FMI

Saturday, August 23

World Acadian Congress 3 Borders Mountain Bike Trip, St. François, NB. Guided 29k ride on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake in St. Francois. Pedal to the 3 borders; return to Rivière-Bleue. Cost: $10; Includes transportation and equipment. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Saturday, August 23
World Acadian Congress 3 Borders Hiking Trip, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Guided 11k hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Rivière-Bleue. Hike to the 3 borders and return. Cost: $5. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

Saturday, August 23

Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Led by Presque Isle Historical Society, this guided two-hour, two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third Street. Cost: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Tour cancelled in inclement weather. Contact PIHS (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

Saturday, August 23

Caribou Community and Alumni XC Race, Caribou. Distance: 2.75 miles. Race as an individual or as a team. Runners start according to age; each category starting one minute apart so everyone has a chance to win. Cost: FREE. Registration: 6:30 p.m. at CHS Ski Building. Race start: 7:45 p.m. Contact Roy Alden (207-498-3563) or ralden@rsu39.org FMI

Sunday, August 24

Crown of Maine Balloon Fest/Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp 5k, Presque Isle. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at The Forum. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $10; t-shirts to first 20 registrants. Medals to overall female and male winners. Categories: under 12, 12-18, 18 and older. Visit www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org FMI

Wednesday, August 27 and Saturday, September 13

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

Saturday, August 30

UMPI/Wintergreen Arts Center Color Presque Isle 5k, Presque Isle. The run drops colored powder on runners throughout the course; dress in white and let us supply the color! Race start: 9:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Cost: $30/before 7/31; $40/after 7/31; free/under 10. Contact Wintergreen Arts Center (207-762-3576) or visit www.umpi.edu/colorpresqueisle5k FMI

Saturday, August 30

Mt. View Challenge, Weston. 5-mile run/3-mile walk at East Grand Lake, plus activities and an obstacle course for kids. Contact Karen Black (207-448-2310) or moreinfo@lwcamp.com FMI

Sunday August 31

Harvest Half Marathon, Presque Isle. A half marathon (13.1 miles) for all ages. Compete as an individual or as a relay team of up to four runners. Race start/finish: Riverside Park. Registration closes August 15; no race day registration. Cost: $55, $75/relay before 7/31; $65, $85/relay before 8/15. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

Sunday, August 31

Half Marathon Festival, Saint-François, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: $30/half marathon, $20/8k, $6/3k before 8/23; $40/half marathon, $30/8k, $10/3k race day; includes chicken BBQ. First 100 half marathon and 8k registrants receive a Sports Experts sweater. Contact Gaétane Duval (506-992-2780) FMI

Monday, September 1

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 1

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

Tuesday, September 2

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 and lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Tuesday, September 2 and Saturday, September 13

Frontier Fish & Game Club Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Fort Fairfield. 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 Garrett Martin (207-356-7781) FMI

Saturday, September 6

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Adventure Day, Caribou. An adrenaline junkie’s dream is just across the border in Grand Falls, NB; zip-lining, depelling, wall climbing, one-hour gorge boat tour. Fee: $100; includes transportation, all activities, lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Sunday, September 7
Redy...Set...Let's Go! Youth Triathlon, Presque Isle. This event is perfect for beginners and more experienced competitors between the ages of 7 and 14, and will be held at the UMPI campus. Fee: $20; pre-registration required. Entrants will receive a pre-race packet with course map, FAQ sheet, and more. Visit www.redyyouthtriathlon.org FMI

Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 14

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

Saturday, September 13

Mars Hill Mountain Challenge at Bigrock Mountain, Mars Hill. 5k course with plenty of elevation gain and natural and man-made obstacles. Register as an individual, then create a 4-person team if interested. Open to ages 15 and up; recommended for ages 18 and up. Cost: $59. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-227-8165) or ryanguerrette@bigrockmaine.com FMI

Saturday, September 13

Mars Hill Mountain Challenge Kids’ Fun Run, Mars Hill. 1k scaled-down version of the Mars Hill Mountain Challenge for ages 5 to 14 that's all about having fun; expect uphill/downhill running, dirt, mud, obstacles, snowguns, and more. Start time: approximately 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-227-8165) or ryanguerrette@bigrockmaine.com FMI

Saturday, September 13

Woody Wheaton Land Trust Spednic Lake Conservation Tour, Forest City. Tour the conservation projects past and present that WWLT has undertaken on Spednic Lake. Tour is by Grand Laker Canoe; space is limited. Cost: $10/adults; $5/child; guides lunch provided. Meet at WWLT Center at 9:00 a.m. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448‐3250) or pattywwlt@gmail.com FMI

*Thursday, September 18

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Moose & Salmon Day, Caribou. 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. Depart 9:00 a.m. Cost: $40; includes transportation and lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Saturday, September 20

Cary Rehab/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/person; $40/family of 4; t-shirts 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 20

Color ME 5k, Fort Kent. A color run unlike any before; come prepared to have a party, walking, running, or dancing while taking in beautiful Fort Kent! Wear white. Event start: 1:00 p.m.; not timed. Registration: online only. Fee: $20 before August 31; $30 before September 12. Visit www.competitorme.com/color-me FMI

*Sunday, September 21

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

Top of Form

Ongoing Programs:

10th Mountain Outdoor Club 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. 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 info@triaroostook.com FMI

MOJO Monday Meander, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. Easy road bike group ride. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Welcome Center. All abilities welcome. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at 10^th Mountain Outdoor Center. Open to youth ages 10-14; roller skiing, rifle shooting, trail running, and LOTS of games! Cost: FREE! Contact Nick Michaud (207-316-3040) or nmichaud@bates.edu 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

Boreal Outdoor Club Road Bike Ride, Caribou. Tuesdays; 5:30 p.m. at SW Collins on Washburn St. Moderate 18-19 mph group ride. Contact Brent Jepson (207-492-2222) FMI

Jessome’s Group Road Bike Ride, Edmundston, NB. Tuesdays; 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Jessome’s La Source du Sport, 692 Victoria St., Edmundston. Contact Jessome’s (506-735-6292) FMI

Women's Trail Night, Presque Isle. Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. May-June. Leaders will take you on hiking, trail running, and mountain biking adventures; beginner and intermediate groups. Equipment rentals available. Visit www.nordicheritage.com FMI

After the Bell Triathlon Club, Mars Hill. Wednesdays; 3:00 p.m. Students will run, bike and swim together under the direction of a coach and a dietician. Current training is for a local youth triathlon on September 7. Contact Jamie Guerrette (207-694-1320) FMI

Guided Aroostook River Tour, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m. at Perception of Aroostook. Paddle from Washburn to Presque Isle. Trip includes instruction. Shuttle Fee: $10; Kayak rental and shuttle: $35. Contact Leo Freeman (207-764-5506) FMI

MOJO Good Times Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. Moderate road bike group ride. Contact Mark (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead. All abilities welcome. Contact Tom Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI

10th Mountain Outdoor Club Mountain Bike Ride, Fort Kent. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Lonesome Pine Trails on Forest St. June-September. Moderate-difficult rides; 2+ hours. Contact Norm Martin njmartin@fairpoint.net FMI

Paddle Night, Caribou. Wednesdays; 6:30 p.m. above the Caribou Aroostook River Dam (locations may vary). Bring your canoe/kayak and a friend and don't forget your lifejacket. Contact Fran Cyr fracyr@hotmail.com FMI

Come Pet A Horse: Open House for Veterans and Families, Van Buren. Monthly: 3rd Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Perfect Ponies Learning Center on Main St. Find out how veterans all over the USA are benefitting from horse time. Contact Nancy Dumond Violette (207-868-5324) FMI

Meduxnekeag River Association Wednesday Evening Walks, Woodstock, NB. Wednesdays, beginning mid-June. Free guided nature walks in different Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserves. Visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

Velo Edmundston Hiking Poker Run, Edmundston, NB. Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Nadeau St. Trailhead. Hikers carry a toonie; winner of the best poker hand wins the total amount. Hiking followed by a meeting at The Deck Restaurant. Visit www.veloedmundston.ca FMI

NHSC Group Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Thursdays; 5:30 p.m. at SW Collins on Rice St. 25-40 miles; 18-22 mph average. Contact Gregg Collins greggc@swcollins.com FMI

Eureka Rides, Stockholm. Thursdays; 6:00 p.m. at Stockholm Town Office on School St. Easy road bike and mountain bike group ride. Alternating weeks; start with road bikes June 19, then mountain bikes June 26, etc. Relax at Eureka Tavern after. Contact Brent Jepson (207-492-2222) FMI

Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 8:00 a.m. behind Bike Board and Ski on State St. Two groups: easy and moderate pace; 20-30 miles. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI

Meduxnekeag River Association Bird Walks, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 9:00 a.m. (Atlantic). MRA Director Kent Orlando will lead a 3-4 hour walk at Wilson Mountain. Rendezvous at Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserves parking area. Visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

Got info on an outdoor, people-powered, or active lifestyle event that you would like to share with others? Please contact Mark Shea mwscshea@gmail.com to list your event!