Black Fly Challenge | Bike Race | Inlet to Indian Lake | June 8, 2024
- Arrowhead Park Inlet, NY, 13360 United States (map)
27th Adirondack Black Fly Challenge Bike Race
An epic 40-mile cycling gravel grinder through the heart of the Adirondack Park.
![Bikers racing along a Central Adirondack backroad during the Blackfly Challenge bike race.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/299030be-63ef-41b8-9c0f-ab65a832944e/Black-fly-challenge-race-course.jpeg)
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.
![Course route from Inlet to Indian Lake for the 2024 Black Fly Challenge](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/fa87332b-2737-4059-9839-9f8061aa42de/Black-fly-challenge-course.png)
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.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60dc94af96288b177f7cc1d2/c660b923-1d44-4e5c-9674-de9db910da3c/Black-fly-challenge-start.jpeg)
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.
Timberlock is a rustic-style resort (but never uncomfortable) that enables guests to connect to the magnificent lakeside setting and focus on time with family and friends.
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” holds back 6.8 billion gallons of water. Do you know where this is?
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” comes from Old Forge, NY, in the Western Foothills. It’s Bald Mountain and the Rondaxe Fire Tower.
Do you know where in the ADK?
The Strand Theater in Old Forge has been entertaining audiences for generations. And now it has a new life. Founded 100 years ago, the Strand in Old Forge has been entertaining families for decades.
Hemlock Hall on Blue Mountain Lake is a picturesque family resort that harkens back to another era.
Shop for antiques and gifts in a renovated turn-of-the-century barn on the shores of Lake Abanakee.
Lorca ADK is a renovated classic mid-century modern American motel, reimagined, refurbished, and redecorated for contemporary travelers while keeping its hipster retro vibe alive.
Upcoming events in the Central Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Mountain Club is seeking volunteers for a five-day cooperative trail work opportunity.
Free Fishing Days are back in New York State. On Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, 2024, residents and non-residents can fish without a freshwater fishing license.
Strawberry Shortcake and more at Raquette Lake’s strawberry festival in the Adirondacks.
Celebrate the 4th with family-friendly field games, fun contests, refreshments, live music and fireworks.
Immerse yourself in Long Lake’s Totally Awesome 4th of July Celebration in the Central Adirondacks.
Enjoy a parade, carnival, live music, food and drinks and fireworks.
The 4th of July festivities continue with the 58th annual Lion’s Club Chicken BBQ, plus live music, entertainment, and fireworks.
Indian Lake in the Central Adirondacks is the perfect destination for the July 4th weekend, with a parade, live music and fireworks.
Join a spectacular fireworks display over historic Raquette Lake on July 4th weekend, 2024.
Celebrate 100 Years of the Northville-Placid Trail at the ADKX in Blue Mountain Lake.
Join the Adirondack Mountain Club for an informative discussion about the origins, history and impact of the Northville-Placid Trail.
An Adirondack painter with roots in Long Lake and Saranac Lake reflects on the NPT’s impact on his work.
Join a festive celebration in the Central Adirondacks commemorating the Northville-Placid Trail’s centennial.
New York DEC resource managers and planners share their insights on the Northville-Placid Trail.
On September 28, 2024, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, NYS residents can fish for free.
On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, NYS residents can fish for free in the Adirondacks.
Shop for exclusive Adirondack gifts and clothing.
- Posted In: Events, Central Adirondacks, Inlet, Indian Lake
- Tagged: Bike race