The Shadow
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VA (VR) – The 17th Annual Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo was held
on Saturday, May 9, 2026 for one of Virginia’s most challenging and scenic cycling events.
This year’s event welcomed 131 participants, marking the strongest turnout since 2022 and
demonstrated continued growth and renewed interest in the event. Riders traveled from 11
different states, some coming from as far away as Illinois and Michigan to experience the scenic
mountain views and demanding climbs that make Agony in the Alleghanies a premier
destination cycling event.
The Agony in the Alleghanies Bike Race offers four distances to accommodate a variety of
riders and abilities:
103-Mile Gan Fondo
64-Mile Medio Mountain
69-Mile Medio Fondo
30-Mile Piccolo Fondo
All routes began in downtown Covington and took participants along the scenic back roads of
the Alleghany Highlands, featuring iconic climbs like Warm Springs Mountain and/or Peters
Mountain (two of the steep ascents that give the event it’s fitting name, “Agony in the
Alleghanies.”) before finishing in downtown Clifton Forge.
In addition to providing an unforgettable athletic challenge, the event generated meaningful
economic activity for the region. Many riders reported staying in local hotels and bed &
breakfasts, while also dining, shopping, and exploring area attractions throughout the weekend.
“Events like the Agony in the Alleghanies provide a significant economic boost to the Alleghany
Highlands,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of
Commerce & Tourism. “With participants traveling from across the country, many stay multiple
nights and support our local lodging, restaurants, and businesses while experiencing everything
our community has to offer.”
The success of the event was made possible through the support of our 12 generous sponsors,
numerous community partners, and an outstanding team of volunteers.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors: Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism,
ALCOVA Mortgage, Bath Community Physicians Group, Hemp Insurance Agency, Inc,
Highlands Community Bank, Ingevity, J & K Electric, Inc., Jackson River Community Credit
Union, LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, Oluv Oil, Smurfit Westrock, Roanoke Outside, &
Williams Fabrication Inc.
Volunteers played a vital role in every aspect of the event, including police escort vehicles
leading each ride, SAG wagon drivers following the riders providing on-course support if
needed, rest stop volunteers keeping riders fueled and hydrated, and road marshals ensuring
participants stayed safely on course.
Local businesses and organizations also contributed in countless ways by assisting with bike
storage, clearing the roads of any debris, producing age group and overall awards, creating event
stickers and banners, providing trucks for SAG support, supplying lunch for participants,
creating event T-shirts, and helping create a lively post-race celebration featuring live
entertainment in downtown Clifton Forge.
“This event is one of the highlights of our year,” said Makayla Nobles, Events & Special Projects
Coordinator at the Chamber. “It is incredibly rewarding to welcome cyclists from all over the
country to the Alleghany Highlands and showcase our beautiful mountain roads and the
hospitality of our community. Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, this
year’s event ran smoothly and was a tremendous success.”
The Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo continues to grow as a signature endurance cycling
event in Virginia and a valuable tourism driver for the Alleghany Highlands. For more
information, visit https://granfondoalleghany.com/
