The Black Fly Challenge is an approximately 40 mile "Gravel Grinder" bicycle race between Indian Lake and Inlet mostly on rough dirt roads through the remote Moose River Plains state Forest Preserve lands. It is held annually on the second Saturday in June and draws 1000 participants.
The remote route presents communications and logistical challenges. Until hams started providing communications support in 2012, there was essentially no communications on over 2/3 of the course. We now have checkpoints every few miles if we have enough volunteers. Some of the past volunteers are unable to participate, so we are looking for more hams. In most places you will need a high power VHF mobile. A few spots may require a mast to elevate your antenna. You do not absolutely need a 4WD vehicle, but you need one with good ground clearance for the Moose River Plains locations. Please contact Tom N1YR at copper d0t net if interested.
Note: This is not a club or NNY ARES event, just a group of hams that get together to support communications to enhance participant safety.