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.
