The second annual Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Rendezvous (ROAR) will be held June 21-22, showcasing the lands and waters of Maine’s Rangeley Lakes region.
Part of Maine’s High Peaks PaddleFest, the ROAR is a two-day, 40-mile paddling stage race hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) with support from over a dozen local and state partners.
“We’re thrilled to return to Rangeley for the second annual ROAR,” said Karrie Thomas, the NFCT’s executive director. “Last year’s race served as an incredible introduction to the Rangeley Lakes region for many paddlers who have never adventured in this part of Maine before. We hope those racers return this year along with newcomers who are looking for a challenge and a weekend of paddling in one of the Northeast’s most scenic landscapes.”
The ROAR starts at Rangeley Town Cove Park. On day one, participants will paddle across the north side of Rangeley Lake and carry through Oquossoc past the fish hatchery and onto Lake Mooselookmeguntic. From there, they will continue across Mooselookmeguntic and south along the western shore to Upper Dam, then carry around Upper Dam to Richardson Lake. Day one ends with a paddle north on Upper Richardson Lake and finishes at Mill Brook Boat Launch. This stage is 20 miles with two portages totaling 1.2 miles. The second day of ROAR starts at the Mill Brook Boat Launch and reverses the course, finishing at Rangeley Cove Town Park.
Registration for the ROAR is open through May 31. If you are a member of the NFCT, New York Paddlesports Racing Association (NYPRA), Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Association (MACKRO) and/or New England Canoe & Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA), discounts are available. Space is limited; visit https://bit.ly/
The race features classes for all skill levels and boat types, from a non-competitive “ramble” class for paddlers who are in it to finish, to divisions for competitive racers. Solo, tandem, four-person canoes and eight-person voyageur canoes — often referred to as war canoes — are also invited to participate. There are also classes for surf skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and guideboats.
Proceeds from ROAR will be used to support stewardship of the Maine sections of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and be invested back into the Rangeley Lakes communities.
ROAR is the premiere event for High Peaks PaddleFest, which begins Friday, June 20, and continues throughout the weekend. ROAR and High Peaks PaddleFest are sponsored by the NFCT, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Rangeley Adventure Co., The Rangeley Inn, Rangeley-Oquossoc Chamber of Commerce, Maine Sports Commission, Maine Lakes & Mountains Tourism Commission, Saddleback Mountain and Morton & Furbish.
Lodging is available at the many establishments in the Rangeley Lakes region. The Rangeley Inn is offering race participants a 15% discount, and the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center is offering camping for paddlers for the weekend. Visit https://bit.ly/
To learn more about ROAR and High Peaks PaddleFest, or if you have questions about registration, email info@northernforestcanoetrail.
