BFC 2016 Women’s Champion: Rosanne Van Dorn, from Lake Placid, NY
Time: 2:13:14, Rosanne is the BFC’s first-ever 3-time consecutive Champion.
Age: 42 as of race day 2016
Team: Farm Team Elite Women’s Cycling
Occupation: Stay at home mom and day trader
Pre-occupation: Physical Therapist
Cycling & Athletic Experience: Continue to enjoy striking a balance of raising a family, managing investments, and participating in athletic endeavors. Like to hold firm the premise that if you can just get that workout in then you are all the more productive with what you do for the day. Enjoyed assisting in younger and older generations participation in sport, healthy living, and lifestyle for riding, running, cross country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping.
Cycling & Athletic Experience over the past year: Now a days there seems to be such an abundance of opportunities to either race in a specialty sport or broad variety. I chose locale over sport this year and enjoyed saving travel time while benefiting from diversify. Had fun experiencing other gravel grinders, obstacle course races, sky running, winter biking, ski mountaineering, and my 1st full distance 50k cross country freestyle loppet.
Any Special Training: Whatever activity is in season and added in being a newbie to CrossFit.
Cycling Goals: Best a BFC Three-peat? Keep up with my kids on 24” wheels.
Why the BFC? Every year Black Fly seems to best itself with record mass start rider participation. With a course alternating every odd/ even year, there are over 40 miles of rugged, rocky, seasonal access dirt road terrain to sort out the high androgenic levels in the front group with those looking for a Sunday ride on a Saturday. Regardless of which direction you are headed in, you are guaranteed a spine chilling, full-throttle experience of cyclism.
How is the BFC different? The Black Fly never fails to offer all who participate an experience, whether it be pushing oneself for a personal best, exploring a pristine portion of the Adirondack interior seen by few, or as a goal event. There seems to be a common link from racer raconteur of the positive adventures had by all along the way.
How can we improve the BFC? As a racer, one could only hope to stick with that group you wanted, leap frog to the next, skillfully avoid that sharp angulated rock all while sleekly tucked into your dirt/mud ridden pace line, or ponder your risk vs reward descending skills. Everyone has the opportunity to walk away proud, exhilarated, and tired under the current model. No changes necessary.
Etc: Invest in what lasts. Make sport a lifelong love. Ride the Black Fly.
