Offering 50 beers on tap plus a wide selection of pizza, wings, subs, salads and desserts Screamen Eagle has been a favorite among BFC racers, friends and volunteers for decades. Screamen also hosts many community events – including most BFC meetings – and has been a true Black Fly Friend in numerous ways.

Black Fly Fans Inlet Department Store and Pine’s Country Store provide pallets of water every year for the BFC racers and volunteers and Tim Pine also coordinates the water & spotting stations for the Indian Lake half of the race. Both Tim and his son Noah have raced in the Black Fly multiple times.

BFC Friend Dude Wipes has again graciously offered to supply samples for the racers bags.

The North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge is pleased announce the addition of Salonpas as a Supporting Sponsor and welcomes back Mountain Ice pain relief and electrolyte innovator LMNT as well.

Mountain Ice works differently than other topical gels. It doesn’t just numb the pain, it treats the inflammation causing pain with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help treat pain at the source. Find out how Mountain Ice is reinventing the pain relief industry.

Locally created and produced, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly with natural ingredients that include turmeric root, Arnica Montana flower extract, Tea tree oil, aloe vera, and Vitamin E, along with MSM, Chondroitin, and Camphor.

LMNT’s science-backed formula helps folks get more of the sodium, potassium, and magnesium they need, while omitting sugar, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals that may not work for everyone. It’s healthful hydration and an easy box to check on your path to health.

How LMNT used science and real-world experience to arrive at their formula is an interesting story. Check it out here.

March 1, 2024 marked the 90th anniversary of the Salonpas patch, the world’s No. 1 brand of Over-the-Counter (OTC) topical analgesics in the patch category, which was introduced in Japan in 1934.

Since its inception, the Salonpas brand has evolved into an array of OTC pain relief solutions including patches, creams, gels, sprays and liquids and is the #1 Doctor and Pharmacist recommended OTC Topical Pain Relief Patch.

Salonpas is more than a pain relief patch; it’s a symbol of time-tested, trusted medicine that transcends generations

…

BFC racers, friends and fans know that Pedals & Pedals has been the backbone of the North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge for decades and we welcome back our newest Presenting Sponsor, Syracuse Bicycle, for a second year.

While the SB tagline may be “Love Bikes, Love Life” their slogan “Not everyone can ride their bike everywhere, but everyone can ride their bike somewhere” is the guiding principle in both the programs they offer and the community leadership they provide.

For over three decades Pedals & Petals has earned customer loyalty by offering honest expertise along with excellent service. Check out Pedals & Petals customer reviews that describe the store and staff as friendly, knowledgeable and professional along with quality products and service.

BFC is honored to have these Presenting Sponsors!

In mid-March BFC Title Sponsor North Country Subaru celebrated its 50th year as a Subaru retailer… Congratulations! (Check out their FB page for some cool old photos.) For a half-century North Country Subaru has been dedicated to helping the communities they serve, as evidenced by their receipt of the Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award. This award only goes to elite Subaru retailers who provide an exceptional customer experience and also demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting their local communities.

North Country Subaru supports dozens of events and organizations annually and this past Winter they teamed up with Tri-County United Way, local schools and social service partners to help give 500+ brand-new winter coats to kids who need them.  Last September North Country Subaru donated $7,500.00 plus various school supplies to Jackson Heights Elementary School allowing teachers to provide basic supplies to 15 classrooms for a whole year. And these are just two of their initiatives – there are plenty more.

North Country Subaru is also a big supporter of the cycling community, as evidenced by their BFC sponsorship and acquisition of Rick’s Bike Shop, also in Queensbury, where they feature bikes, trainers, joggers, parts, tools, clothing and accessories by all the top brands.

At Rick’s Bike Shop they promise “We have almost everything. If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.” At North Country Subaru their motto is “Cars you can count on. People you can trust.” But that’s more than just a motto, it’s their mission and philosophy. BFC is truly honored to have their support.

Visit their website or stop by the dealership at 616 Quaker Road in Queensbury. And please tell them the Black Fly sent you!

The North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge would like to thank Screamen Eagle, Inlet Department Store and Pine’s Country Store for being long-time hometown sponsors. And new this year we welcome Inlet Marina and Dude Wipes. 

Offering 50 beers on tap plus a wide selection of pizza, wings, subs, salads and desserts Screamen Eagle has been a favorite among BFC racers, friends and volunteers for decades. Screamen also hosts many community events – including most BFC meetings – and has been a true Black Fly Friend in numerous ways.

Black Fly Fan sponsors Inlet Department Store and Pine’s Country Store provide pallets of water every year for the BFC racers and volunteers and Tim Pine also coordinates the water & spotting stations for the Indian Lake half of the race. Both Tim and his son Noah have raced in the Black Fly multiple times.

And new to the BFC this year are Inlet Marina and Dude Wipes. Both have graciously donated swag for the BFC race bags.

The North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge is pleased to announce the addition of Mountain Ice as our newest Supporting Sponsor along with the return electrolyte innovator LMNT.

LMNT’s science-backed formula helps folks get more of the sodium, potassium, and magnesium they need, while omitting sugar, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals that may not work for everyone. It’s healthful hydration and an easy box to check on your path to health.

How LMNT used science and real-world experience to arrive at their formula is an interesting story. Check it out here.

Mountain Ice works differently than other topical gels. It doesn’t just numb the pain, it treats the inflammation causing pain with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help treat pain at the source.

Locally created and produced, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly with natural ingredients that include turmeric root, Arnica Montana flower extract, Tea tree oil, aloe vera, and Vitamin E, along with MSM, Chondroitin, and Camphor.

Find out how Mountain Ice is reinventing the pain relief industry.

BFC racers, fans and friends know that Pedals & Pedals has been the backbone of the North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge for decades. This post spotlights our newest Presenting Sponsor, Syracuse Bicycle.

While their tagline may be “Love Bikes, Love Life” their slogan “Not everyone can ride their bike everywhere, but everyone can ride their bike somewhere” is the guiding principle in both the programs they offer and the community leadership they provide.

Syracuse Bicycle sets the bar high when it comes to an exceptional customer experience. You can even belly up to the bar in their open service area and enjoy a free coffee or espresso while technicians work on your bike!

BFC is honored to have them as a Presenting Sponsor. Please stop into the store at 2540 Erie Blvd East or visit them online. And tell ’em the Black Fly sent you!

BFC Title Sponsor North Country Subaru is dedicated to helping the community in a variety of different ways. They see their success as something worth sharing and want to give back to the community that supports their business.

They support dozens of community events and organizations and were recipients of the Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award. The award recognizes elite Subaru retailers who not only provide an exceptional customer experience but also demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting their local communities.

North Country Subaru is also a big supporter of the cycling community, as evidenced by their BFC sponsorship and acquisition of Rick’s Bike Shop, also in Queensbury, where they feature bikes, trainers, joggers, parts, tools, clothing and accessories by all the top brands.

At Rick’s Bike Shop they promise “We have almost everything. If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.” At North Country Subaru their motto is “Cars you can count on. People you can trust.” But that’s more than just a motto, it’s their mission and philosophy. BFC is truly honored to have their support.

Visit their website or stop by the dealership at 616 Quaker Road in Queensbury. And please tell them the Black Fly sent you!

The North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge is proud to welcome Syracuse Bicycle as a Presenting Sponsor of BFC 2025! Check ’em out online or at the store, 2540 Erie Blvd East in Syracuse.

Reflecting Back, Looking Forward… 

Whether your recent BFC was a personal best, a DNF, or somewhere in between, now is the time to reflect—making written notes even—on how things went and why.

Start with reviewing what went well so that you can be sure to incorporate it into your next race. This includes factors like physical performance (such as pacing) and your gear and fueling choices.

Next, take note of areas of opportunity, such as consuming too many or insufficient calories or fluids, timing them wrong, going out too fast, or choosing the wrong gear. These extremely helpful “lessons learned” can lead to improvement next time.

Instead of allowing these setbacks (and don’t worry, we all have them!) to be “stumbling blocks,” turn them into “stepping stones” so that you can achieve greater success in your future races.

Hammer provides unparalleled products, knowledge, and service to health conscious athletes all over the world. Over the years, the product line has grown from fuels & supplements to now include clothing, body care products, EMS units, accessories, and more. Learn all about the various aspects of Hammer Nutrition their website.

AVOID BONKING DURING THE BLACK FLY BY FOLLOWING THESE 5 TIPS.

Tip #1 Hydration: Replenish, don’t replace! Keep fluid intake below 25 oz./hr during exercise. Find out how much.

Tip #2 Caloric Intake: Stay fueled, but not overwhelmed, by consuming 120-180 calories/hr. Are carbs best?

Tip #3 Electrolytes: You need an array of vitamins and minerals, not just salt, to finish strong. What do you need?

Tip #4 Pre-Event Fueling: Don’t tax your system with a meal within 3 hours of start time. But what if you’re hungry?

Tip #5 Recovery: Refuel your tank with 60 minutes of finishing a workout. Are carbs or protein better?

Make it a BFC Weekend! June 7-9, 2019
Stay with our Lodging Sponsors
Ask about special rates and racer transportation

• Deer Meadows Motel (Inlet)
• Great Camp Sagamore (Raquette Lake)
  Sagamore offers an extensive Bike, Bed, Breakfast & BBQ package!
• Great Pines Resort (Old Forge)
• Marina Motel (Inlet)
• Rocky Point Properties (Inlet)
• Sunset Beach Cottages (Inlet)
• The Woods Inn (Inlet)

BFC is excited to announce Hammer Nutrition is a sponsor for this year’s race. Hammer has been supplying athletes with natural products free of added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, chemicals, and preservatives for over 30 years. Visit their site to learn how to fuel smart, so come race day, you’re ready to perform at your best!

As we get closer to the race, Hammer will be sending out a few tips to help you prepare for the big day. Hammer’s USA-based nutrition reps are happy to answer your questions and find the perfect product for your needs.

Hammer provides unparalleled products, knowledge, and service to health conscious athletes all over the world. Over the years, the product line has grown from fuels & supplements to now include clothing, body care products, EMS units, accessories, and more. Learn all about the various aspects of Hammer Nutrition their website.