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 not just a bike race; it's an exhilarating competition set in the breathtaking Adirondacks landscape.

Held annually on the second Saturday in June, this iconic race ignites the spirit of competition and camaraderie as it winds through stunning wilderness. Every year brings a thrilling new twist, with the starting and finishing points alternating between the charming towns of Indian Lake and Inlet, NY. The 2025 event will mark the 28th chapter of this legendary race, launching from the Town Hall Parking Lot in Indian Lake.

Originally a mountain bike race, the BFC has evolved into a haven for cyclocross enthusiasts, tandem teams, and even intrepid unicyclists. Witnessing the top athletes tackle the course in just two hours is nothing short of electrifying, while many riders cherish the journey, taking four hours or more to cross the finish line.

Over half of the 40-mile course plunges into the wild heart of the Moose River Recreation Area, where riders face an exhilarating mix of surfaces—dirt, gravel, sand, and exposed boulders—all intertwined with steep elevation changes that test endurance and skill.

It's a race that promises a test of speed and stamina and a deep connection with nature's raw beauty.

Black Fly Challenge race course from Inlet to Indian Lake.

The 2025 Black Fly Challenge race course.

Indian Lake Town Hall, elevation approximately 1660’, the course heads north on Rt 28 and left onto Cedar River Road. A few miles after the pavement ends, the race enters the Moose River Recreation Area through the Cedar River Gate, then rolls up, down and around several mountains before descending to a relatively long flat stretch along the Moose River (the Plains).

Turning right at Otter Brook Road, the course climbs past Mt. Tom and descends again to Red River. Another right turn begins the gradual ascent of the saddle between Fawn Lake Mt and Seventh Lake Mt.

The race exits the Moose River Recreation Area at the Limekiln Gate, turns right and climbs over Limekiln Hill. On the descent, the course turns off the road at the Murdock Trucking and follows trails for another mile to Inlet’s Fern Park.

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.

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Things to do in and around Inlet and Indian Lake.

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