North Country Subaru Black Fly Challenge
America's Original Gravel Grinder Bike Race
Save the Date! Saturday, June 13, 2026
The Black Fly Challenge is a legendary bike race in the Adirondacks, held annually on the second Saturday in June. This 40-mile gravel race takes riders through the stunning backcountry of the Adirondacks, navigating the rugged Moose River Plains and following waterways, dirt paths, and challenging trails through dense forests.
Who can enter the Black Fly Challenge?
Whether you’re a serious competitor or an amateur cyclist, a unicyclist, tandem team, mountain biker, or cyclocross rider, the Black Fly Challenge is an adventure that will test your stamina and strength over 40 miles of varying terrain, elevation gains, and quick descents. Expect to ride over dirt, gravel, sand, and around the exposed boulders that are littered throughout the course.
An epic adventure – the history of the Black Fly Challenge
As one of the most popular homegrown Adirondack bike races, the Black Fly Challenge offers an exciting challenge that requires skill with pedals and an appetite for fun and adventure.
The first Black Fly Challenge began as a small biking race in 1996, with a total of 60 competitors. Since then, the Black Fly Challenge has grown exponentially and is now one of northern New York’s most anticipated summer events, with 1,000 participants entering the competition each year and hundreds more gathering to cheer along the course.
For additional information or to register, visit The Black Fly Challenge's official race site.
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