The Black Fly Challenge race committee was busy in the last few months of 2011, establishing two new partnerships, moving registration online to Active.com and increasing the cash & merchandise prizes for a bigger overall purse.
The Adirondack Mountain Bike Association (AMBA), producer of the BFC, will now partner with the Inlet Area Business Association and Adirondack Special Events to produce, promote and market the BFC. YellowJacket Racing will return to do electronic timing & scoring.
BFC registration has been set up at Active.com and will go live in early January 2012 – and the BFC purse will be substantially increased. Check back in 2012 for registration and purse details!
Archives for 2011
Bike the Byways – new website!
Before you bike the byways of the Adirondack North Country, check out this great new website, BiketheByways.org
BFC 2011 Race Reports
> by Adirondack Velo Club
> by BiketheByways.org
> by Central NY Cyclist
> by Team Ommegang
> by Runners World
> by Ski = MC2
I don’t know how we missed this one last year but it’s funny enough to still post…
> by Syracuse Examiner
…
BFC 2011 Photos & Video
A few photos and a video from Black Fly Challenge 2011. [Read more…]
Updated Results & Numbers
Thanks to their video backup system YellowJacket Racing was able to thoroughly review the finish line and update the BFC 2011 results to include 2 more finishers. Download the updated pdf’s on the Results page.
These will likely be the final numbers: 390 entries; 357 starters; 346 finishers; 11 DNF; 0 DQ; 1 EMS call.
Photos and race reports are flowing in. We will post them soon!
BFC 2011 Race Notes
The 2011 Black Fly certainly presented many challenges. Washouts on the Moose River Plains road created logistical problems for organizers. Race day rain made the course so soggy one rider described it as “peanut butter roads.”
There is no doubt this was the toughest BFC in recent years. It will stand alongside the 1998 BFC as a wildly memorable experience, as evidenced by this Facebook photo of racers dragging a tree out of Route 28 just to get to the start in Indian Lake!
This comment on the Black Fly Buzz page sums it up nicely:
“What a great Race this year! My third time, and I’ve never seen conditions so horrible.
However, the racers all had wonderful attitudes despite the conditions – supportive of one another, and helpful. Really fun to be around!
Most importantly, sincere thanks and awe need to go out to the volunteers – standing in the rain with bugs everywhere, to help us all along our way. You guys are *GREAT*!!!”
Random Notes
– For the second straight year the race grew by 45 entries.
– For the second straight year the race started in the pouring rain.
– Numbers so far: 390 entries, 344 finishers, 2 tandems, 1 unicycle, 1 EMS call and reportedly several bikes involved in a wild pile up on Cedar River Road.
BFC 2011 Race Results
Congratulations to the 2011 top finishers:
men: Robert Douglas, time: 2:15:30
women: Liz Lukowski, time: 2:57:08
go to the Results page for Top Finishers & Overall pdf downloads
What a wild year this was for BFC competitors! Race reports to follow.
BFC 2011 Race Course Report
In general the race course from Indian Lake to Inlet is in very good shape but there is an 8+ mile stretch beginning at the Cedar River gate which could be hazardous for racers that do not exercise due caution.
Cautious racers will likely have no problems. However, racers that try to blast through this rough section to advance their position may be injured, disqualified or both.
We are not kidding about this. If ever there was a year and a section of race course that required caution and consideration of others, this is it.
Read the Safety Talk & Official’s Instructions for more details.
Friday & Saturday Race Registration
DO NOT mail registrations at this point. In fact, if you mailed your registration this week it might not even get here by Friday and we are not responsible for late or lost registrations.
Check out the Schedule page for Friday & Saturday Race Registration.
DEC Repairs on Moose River Plains Road
DEC to the rescue! DEC employees Eric Kasza, Bruce Lomnitzer and John Garrigan built a temporary bridge across Cellar Brook for the race. If you see any of these guys be sure to give them a huge THANK YOU! You will have a chance to personally thank Ranger Lomnitzer when you see him out on the race course Saturday.
A full Race Course Report will be posted late Wednesday or Thursday. Check out these pics…
[Read more…]
News Alert – Plains Road Challenges
In addition to the usual rough spots, April & May rains have caused a few washouts on the Moose River Plains road that are presenting a challenge to BFC organizers and racers. The rough spots and washouts begin just inside the Cedar River gate and continue for a few miles. Beyond that, the road is in good shape.
DEC has offered to put extra personnel in the washout areas on race day to ensure safety and Hamilton County has pledged to make the washouts passable for bikes. However, it will take more time and work to make them passable for vehicles.
We will further discuss safety and road repairs with DEC and Hamilton County on Monday. More news to follow. Check out these photos…
Both Shuttles Are Now FULL
The a.m. & p.m. shuttles are both FULL.
2011 Central Adirondack Cycling Guide
The 2011 Central Adirondack Cycling Guide is now available online and will be distributed at local bike shops and visitor centers beginning next week. Cyclists – please support the Cycling Guide advertisers and show them your appreciation for their support of the Black Fly Challenge!
Only 3 Spots Left on Afternoon Shuttle
As of Tuesday morning there are only 3 spots left on the afternoon shuttle. The morning shuttle is full. The shuttle is $10.00/person and you must reserve space in advance. Call Gordi at Pedals & Petals, 315-357-3281, or email [email protected]
Race Day Volunteers Needed
It takes lots of help to pull off a race as big as the Black Fly Challenge. At this point the biggest need is crews for the water & spotting stations along Cedar River Road, in the Moose River Plains and on Fern Mt. We need 8 or 9 crews of 2 people each. If you would like to help on race day, please visit the Volunteers page to check out the locations, hours & contact points.
