After extensive discussions the Black Fly Challenge race committee has agreed that BFC 2021 must be cancelled. The 25th Anniversary Black Fly Challenge will be now be on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Successfully producing the Black Fly Challenge requires a web of logistics too numerous to detail in this post. This includes over 100 volunteer jobs and the cooperation of numerous State, County and Town agencies.

The race committee did the usual preparations for BFC 2021, a few of which are: obtaining insurance, securing timing and filing for necessary permits.

As of this writing we are told by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that we may only be permitted for 200 people total (including volunteers) and that racers must wear a mask start to finish. It’s simply not feasible to produce the race under these restrictions.

Even if DEC were to raise the number to 500 it would likely still not work because we have over 600 registrations … how would we choose who gets to race? We would still be required to deduct all race personnel from the 500 maximum.

And that doesn’t even address banning spectators from the start and finish and verifying that everyone present has been tested and/or vaccinated. This makes BFC’s already challenging logistics nearly impossible.

Black Fly Challenge sincerely appreciates the support of our racers, volunteers, communities and sponsors, especially North Country Subaru, Pedals & Petals and Trampoline Advertising & Design. Thanks to all of you, Black Fly Challenge is truly The Adirondacks’ Greatest Race!

We will again roll everything over to next year, including registration, jerseys, raffle tickets, etc. and with the distinction of being America’s first and oldest gravel grinder, BFC will be back, bigger and better than ever!

If you would prefer a refund contact us.

As of now the BFC race committee is preparing for the 25th Black Fly Challenge on June 12, 2021. We are working on a COVID Safety Plan with the current NY restrictions in mind, but hoping that things will be different by June.

We are also hoping we will know what’s possible in June by mid-April when we make a final decision on if and/or how to hold the race.

A survey was recently sent out to the 500+ who are already registered and the response rate has been nearly 50%. We value your opinion!

It’s only five questions so please take a minute to answer our survey 

‘Ride the Fly in July’ tee-shirts have arrived! Orders that included shipping will go out this week. If you chose pickup at Pedals & Petals your order is waiting for you at the store.

To all that ordered – Thank You for supporting America’s Original Gravel Grinder!

You can still ride the BFC race course but read the important tips in this post before you head out!

Only 10 days left to order your ‘Ride the Fly in July’ BFC 2020 tee-shirt… July 31st will be the last day we take orders! Choose home delivery or pickup at Pedals & Petals.

The Trampoline design features the ubiquitous symbol of 2020 on the front and a cool BFC race course map on the back.

After ordering your tees visit the North Country Subaru website where you can Shop From Home with our newest Presenting Sponsor.

If you plan to ride the BFC race course read this post for important safety information.

No, we’re not moving the race to July but why not start training now, or get familiar with the route, for next year’s race? The 25th running of the Black Fly Challenge was postponed to next June but the race course is open and it’s a great ride through the wild and scenic Moose River Plains Wild Forest.

If you’re going to Ride the Fly in July, remember:

• Ride in small groups with your friends or teammates.
• There are no water stations, spotters or EMS on the course.
• There are no cell phone or radio communications in the Plains.
• Yes, it’s called the Moose River Plains but it’s not flat!
• Take plenty of water & energy supplies.
• If you’re on a CX bike, take a flat repair kit.
• Have a plan. Let someone else know. Or…
• Consider having someone drive through after you.
• Post your ride to the BFC Strava club.
• Be safe and have fun!

To commemorate your ride and support America’s Original Gravel Grinder, head over to the BFC Store to get the first-ever (and last?) Ride the Fly in July tee-shirt – orders accepted until July 31st only.

About the route: Black Fly 25 will be going from Inlet’s Arrowhead Park to Indian Lake School but you can ride whatever portion or direction you like. On this past ‘race day’ BFCer’s rode in both directions, some out and back! And some of the BFC Strava posts were quite funny!

Don’t forget – before and after your ride stop into the local businesses that make the BFC not only possible but also The Adirondacks’ Greatest Race.

For the first time in 25 years the Black Fly Challenge, America’s Original Gravel Grinder, will not race through the Moose River Plains between Inlet and Indian Lake in June.

The race is cancelled, but the race route is open! Is anyone doing the race route this weekend from Arrowhead Park to Indian Lake School?

If so, remember:

• Ride in small groups with your friends or teammates. 
• There are no water stations, spotters or EMS on the course. 
• There is no cell reception or radio communication on the course.
• Take plenty of water & energy supplies.
• If you’re on a CX bike, take a flat repair kit.
• Consider having someone drive through after you. 
• Be safe and have fun!

Lastly, before you head out join the BFC Strava club, then record your ride and post it to Strava.

Due to current circumstances and uncertainty moving forward Black Fly Challenge 2020 has been cancelled. The 25th Anniversary Black Fly Challenge will be now be on Saturday June 12, 2021 and will end in Indian Lake, as originally planned.  

As previously stated, the health and safety or our racers, volunteers and communities is our highest priority. After much discussion we have concluded that, even if crowd restrictions are lifted by mid-June, we are not comfortable with bringing thousands of people together in such a densely packed environment.  

Black Fly Challenge sincerely appreciates the support of our racers, volunteers, communities and sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: North Country Subaru, Pedals & Petals and Trampoline Advertising & Design. Thanks to all of you, Black Fly Challenge is truly The Adirondacks’ Greatest Race!  

We are rolling everything over to next year, including registration, jerseys, raffle tickets, etc. and with the distinction of being America’s first and oldest gravel grinder, BFC will be back, bigger and better than ever!

We have received numerous inquiries as to whether Black Fly Challenge 2020 will be affected by the COVID-19 situation. At this point we are proceeding as planned but have decided that we will make a mid-April announcement on whether the race will happen or not.

Even if the current crowd restrictions were completely lifted we still have several factors to consider including some that are beyond our control. The health and safety of our racers, volunteers and communities is our highest priority.

Black Fly Challenge draws thousands of people to our small towns. The logistics of organizing an event of this size are not easily changeable. Therefore postponing the race to a later 2020 date is not feasible.

So again, we’ll let you know soon whether the 25th running of the Black Fly Challenge will be this year or next year. Stay safe and thank you for your continued support!

Black Fly Challenge is pleased to welcome North Country Subaru as a Presenting Sponsor!
North Country Subaru promotes an active outdoor lifestyle and is a 5-time recipient of Subaru’s most prestigious retailer award, the Customer & Community Commitment Award.
Visit them at 616 Quaker Road in Queensbury.

25th Annual
Black Fly Challenge
Registration is Open!
Register Now

Then, go to the BFC Store and