27th Adirondack Black Fly Challenge Bike Race

An epic 40-mile cycling gravel grinder through the heart of the Adirondack Park.

The Black Fly Challenge (BFC) is an epic Adirondack bike race held annually on the second Saturday in June. The race changes direction every year, with the start and finish alternating between Indian Lake and Inlet, NY. 2024 marks the 27th BFC race and commences in Inlet, NY, at Arrowhead Park.

Over half the 40-mile course traverses the rugged Moose River Recreation Area on mountain roads composed of dirt, gravel, sand and exposed boulders with several steep elevation changes.

Black Fly Challenge race course from Inlet to Indian Lake.

The BFC started as a mountain bike race but is now a top choice for cyclocross racers, tandem riders, and even unicycle riders. The top racers finish the race in about two hours, while the rest of the field may take four or more hours.

A bike race with a purpose.

The Adirondack Mountain Bike Association, producer of the Black Fly Challenge, strives to promote, maintain and preserve multi-use recreational trails in the Adirondack region and beyond.

They aim to do this by:

• Reinvesting race proceeds in our local communities;

• Partnering with like-minded individuals, agencies and organizations;

• Supporting the cycling community and outdoor recreation efforts;

• Coordinating efforts of various stakeholders and, where feasible,

• Providing resources in the form of labor, materials and donations,

• Having a positive impact on the local economy.

Each year, the start and finish points alternate between Indian Lake and Inlet. This year’s race commences at Inlet’s Arrowhead Park and ends at Indian Lake’s School in downtown Indian Lake.

Blazing a trail through the Central Adirondacks.

The 40-mile gravel grinder passes through the Adirondack backcountry and dates back almost 30 years to 1996.

What started as a race comprised of 60 competitors is now one of the Central Adriondack’s most anticipated sporting events, with nearly 1,000 competitors. The race gets its name from the bloodthirsty black flies that swarm the Adirondack Park in June.

Like a Unitarian church on any given day of the week, the Black Fly Challenge accepts cyclists of any denomination — serious road-race competitors, amateurs, unicyclists, tandem teams, mountain bikers, and cyclocross riders.

For additional information or to register, visit The Black Fly Challenge's official race site.

The race begins at Arrowhead Park in Inlet, NY.

 

Things to do in and around Inlet and Indian Lake.

Upcoming events in the Central Adirondacks.

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