On Saturday, May 13, the Annual Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo bicycle event will take place throughout the Alleghany Highlands and is hosted by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. This cycling challenge will bring cyclists and their families to our region from all over the country.
On Friday evening, May 12, from 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. registration will take place at 410 West Main Street in Covington and will coincide with a “Rock the Block” event hosted by Olde Town Covington featuring live music, food & drinks.
Staggered starts will begin at 7:00 a.m. through 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 on Main Street Covington and traverse the beautiful back roads and challenging climbs of the region before finishing in downtown Clifton Forge at the Masonic Amphitheatre. At the finish line, a festival will be hosted by Clifton Forge Main Street and the Historic Masonic Theatre that will feature three live bands, vendors, food trucks, and more! The local community is encouraged to come out and enjoy the festival.
Throughout the day, volunteers will act as course marshals and rest-stop ambassadors. These individuals will be stationed at specific points throughout the course to steer cyclists along the route and to provide needed nourishment at rest stops. Please come out, support this event, and cheer on the cyclists during this challenging ride.
We ask that everyone driving be extra cautious and courteous of cyclists riding along the roads. Riders will be on many routes including but not limited to Routes: 311, 159, 18, 220, 615, 616, 696, and in downtown Covington and Clifton Forge. To see the routes and for more information about this event please visit the Gran Fondo website at www.agonyinthealleghanies.com.
If you are interested in joining in on the fun, we are still accepting volunteers. Contact Josh Taylor with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 540-962-2178. This event is a fantastic opportunity to display the beauty of the Alleghany Highlands!