Black Fly Challenge — Inlet to Indian Lake
Saturday, June 11, 2022
The Black Fly Challenge is a legendary Adirondack bike race held annually on the second Saturday in June. Held alternately each year in either Indian Lake or Inlet, the 40-mile gravel grinder passes through the Adirondack backcountry, traversing the rugged Moose River Plains and continuing along waterways, dirt paths, and rugged trails through dense forest.
Who can enter the Black Fly Challenge?
Whether you’re a serious competitor or an amateur cyclist, a unicyclist, tandem team, mountain biker, or cyclocross rider, the Black Fly Challenge is an adventure that will test your stamina and strength over 40 miles of varying terrain, elevation gains, and quick descents. Expect to ride over dirt, gravel, sand, and around the exposed boulders that are littered throughout the course.
An epic adventure – the history of the Black Fly Challenge
As one of the most popular homegrown Adirondack bike races, the Black Fly Challenge offers an exciting challenge that requires skill with pedals and an appetite for fun and adventure.
The first Black Fly Challenge began as a small biking race in 1996, with a total of 60 competitors. Since then, the Black Fly Challenge has grown exponentially and is now one of northern New York’s most anticipated summer events, with nearly 1,000 participants entering the competition each year and hundreds more gathering to cheer along the course.
Racers should plan to arrive at least one day prior to the event as registration starts at 8 a.m. the day of the race in order for everyone to get to the mass start by 10:15 a.m. with a few minutes to spare before the race starts at 10:30 a.m.. After the race is over, don’t miss the post-race party and awards ceremony.
For additional information or to register, visit The Black Fly Challenge official race site.
Want more? Read these fun blogs:
- Learn why the Black Fly Challenge is EPIC! (2016)
- First timer? Here's the inside scoop for a newbie Black Fly participant. (2017)
