LOCALadk Magazine

Spring 2020 LOCALadk Magazine 7 LOCALadk Message From The Editor The races are on—are you signed up and ready? Have you been training? The Adirondacks play host to many rac- es throughout all four seasons, and spring tends to be the big kickoff. No matter your sport, passion, adventure or maybe a new goal to tr y a race, there is something for ever yone. This year, Inlet and Indian Lake are celebrating the 25th Anniversar y of the famous Black Fly Challenge Gravel Grinder bike race on June 13th. The 40 -mile course has riders traversing through the rugged Moose River Plains for the majority of the ride. As the name implies, the motivation to keep moving along this course comes in the form of tiny black insects that are just waiting for you to put your foot down. The race changes direction each year. In 2020, Inlet will be hosting the start, while Indian Lake will be ready to celebrate with the racers at the end. The Black Fly Challenge is proud to reinvest some of the race proceeds into local communities. This race has grown from a few riders to up to 1000. Maybe it's time I signed up again. Another race with a long histor y is the Adirondack Canoe Classic, more commonly known the "90 Miler." This race was started back in 1983 and is a 90 -mile paddling race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake over the course of three days, held September 11-13. I have been fortunate to participate in this race several times and can say that while it is always a challenge, it is also ver y rewarding. The paddling and scener y are spectacular, but the people truly make it special. This year looks to be the last year Brian and Grace McDonnell will run the race, as the North- ern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), a nonprofit organization aimed at protecting and promoting a 740 -paddle route from Old Forge to Maine, is purchasing it in 2021. NFCT will reinvest a portion of the proceeds for trail stewardship and to support the Explorers Program, which introduces kids to paddling. LOC ALadk is also helping to sponsor the Old Forge Marathon trail run event, which includes a full marathon, half, 10K, 5K, and this year a Ky-Tri. The Ky-Tri is a run, bike and kayak event with something for ever yone. For com- petitors looking for a real challenge, ask about the Loony and Super Loony options. The organizers do a great job of creating a fun, festive atmosphere, and participants are rewarded with great swag and a post-race feast. This event takes place September 11-12. Other big races include the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon (in its 38th year). Lake Placid Marathon and Half will be celebrating 15 years, and the Ironman will be hosted for the 22nd time in Lake Placid. The Adirondacks also offer numerous other fun races and events throughout many of its 102 towns. To name a few: Ride the River with the Ausable River Association, Ididaride with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Whiteface Mountain Bike race, the Great Adirondack Trail Run, and Amy's Race with the Lake George Land Conser vancy. We encourage you to look for a race or event that challenges you, supports the Adirondacks, and makes you smile. Embrace a race and have fun. Keeping it LOC AL campaign supports several of the above-mentioned races. Happy spring, Editor/Owner Anne Brewer

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