An Original Adirondack Bike Race

A legendary 40-mile gravel grinder through the heart of the ADK.

The Black Fly Challenge is an epic Adirondack bike race held annually on the second Saturday in June. Each year the start and finish points alternate between Indian Lake and Inlet. The 40-mile gravel grinder passes through the Adirondack backcountry, over half the course traverses the rugged Moose River Recreation Area on mountain roads and outback composed of dirt, gravel, sand and exposed boulders with several steep elevation changes. This year’s race commences at Indian Lake’s Byron Park and ends at Inlet’s Fern Park.

The competition dates back almost 30 years to 1996. What started as a race comprised of 60 competitors is now one of the ADK’s most anticipated sporting events with nearly 1,000 competitors. The race gets its name from the blood-thirsty black flies that swarm the ADK 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.

Racers should plan to arrive at least one day prior to the event as registration starts at 8 am the day of the race in order for everyone to get to the mass start by 10:15 am with a few minutes to spare before the race start at 10:30 am. After the race is over, don’t miss the post-race party and awards ceremony with live music, food, and refreshments.

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