Mike Drake is shown in the foreground ready to start the race clock in this photo from a previous Black Fly Challenge, which started from Inlet. Courtesy Photo.
The 17th Annual Black Fly Challenge (BFC) Bicycle Race is set for Saturday, June 9, and with prerace registration numbers already close to those of last year’s race day, Race Director Dave Scranton has reason to believe this year’s race will see record-breaking participation. Scranton is optimistic that, as in years past, there will be a registration surge the week leading up to the event that will put them well above last year’s numbers.
According to Scranton, The Black Fly Challenge, which is produced and sanctioned by the Adirondack Mountain Bike Association (AMBA), has grown this year due to a larger web presence and assistance from the marketing firm, Adirondack Special Events (ASE).
“Having them (ASE) on-board has been just a boon because they have allowed us to continue doing what we do, while they have done everything we always wanted to do but never had the time to do,” Scranton said.“We were able to double this year’s purse, and ASE brought in sponsors and advertisers we had never seen before, which was absolutely essential for us to grow the race,” he added.
This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of one of its cofounders, Mike Drake, who passed away on February 24th. Drake and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company owner, John Nemjo, came up with the idea for the race that began in 1996.
“The race is an outgrowth of Mike’s belief that this town can do business on outdoor recreation. And not just thinking that but putting the effort behind his beliefs. He went out and he worked on the trails and promoted skiing, biking and outdoor recreation because he believed in it,” Scranton said.
In Mike’s memory, hearts have been put on the new Black Fly Challenge jerseys and race t-shirts, and his picture graces the front page of the event cycling guide.
The legendary Black Fly Challenge takes bikers on a 40- mile trek from Inlet to Indian Lake through the rugged Moose River Recreation Area.
It is the longest destination race in the Eastern United States. “It’s like a challenging party. It makes suffering fun in some way,” said last year’s Women’s Champion Liz “The Landslide” Lukowski of Albany. Lukowski, an engineering geologist with NYSDEC, finished with a time of 2:57:08.
Registration for the 2012 Black Fly Challenge is still open.
Online registration is available until midnight on Thursday, June 7 by going to: BlackFly Challenge.com.
Pre-race registration will also be available at Pedals and Petals in Inlet all day Friday, June 8.
Race day registration will take place between 8 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the Inlet Town Hall.
