It was another record-breaking year for the Black Fly Challenge, a bike race that lives up to its name by taking participants through the rugged and scenic Moose River Recreation Area between the towns of Inlet and Indian Lake.
The competition on Saturday, June 14 began from Inlet with 729 racers and ended in Indian Lake minus a mere eight riders.
The abilities of the participants ranged from adventurous first-timers to fierce, seasoned competitors who navigated their cyclocross bikes, mountain bikes, tandems, unicycles, or three- and four-seaters through the 40 miles of rough terrain for a crack at the $8,235 purse of cash and prizes.
The overall men’s winner was Alec Donahue of Easthampton, MA with a course record time of 1:46:22.70 and the women’s overall winner was Rosanne Van Dorn of Lake Placid with a time of 2:01:58.
The field of competitors included a number of folks with close ties to the area—many of who were making their BFC debut.
Among them were Josh Wilcox of Cazenovia with a time of 3:07:48.22 and his brother David Wilcox of Gansevoort who timed in at 3:06:57.04; and John Leach of Old Forge who finished with a time of 2:56:38.82.
“The course was challenging, with lots of hills, but the road was in very good shape and made for a great ride. I was very impressed with the organization of such a big event and the friendliness of all the other riders. It is a great event,” Leach said.
Also competing were Amy Sauer of Eagle Bay with a time of 3:18:31.68; Ray Falso of Forestport with a time of 2:08:59.90; Jeff Rivet of Saratoga Springs with a time of 2:15:15.42; Eric Carr of Cooperstown with 4:35:08.57; William Wengert, Jr. of Whites-boro with 3:01:17.43; Lou Lou Delmarsh of Manlius with 4:23:27.11 and Jane Quinn of Old Forge with a time of 4:25:01.05.
BFC co-organizer said registrations were up by 211 over last year’s numbers—a feat he attributes to Adirondack Special Events, an area promotional agency, the 80-plus volunteers who work on the race, and the cooperation of the towns of Inlet and Indian Lake.
The 20th Annual Black Fly is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2015. More information is available at: blackflychallenge.com.