The Shadow
Former pro cyclist Saul Raisin will be appearing at the Alleghany Gran Fondo to speak to local youth, ride and raise awareness for the mission of his foundation.
Mr. Raisin will also appear at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 9. The public is invited to attend. Mr. Raisin will be present at the Gran Fondo registration in downtown Clifton Forge Friday, July 9, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Just five years ago, the cyclist from Dalton, GA, who was once touted as “the next Lance Armstrong”, was lying in a coma, nearly dead from brain injury sustainted in a crash during the closing kilometers of a French race. Now fully recovered, Raisin rides and speaks to give hope and inspiration to others.
“I’m really excited to put my name and foundation’s mission behind the Alleghany Gran Fondo,” he says. “Events like this bring cyclists of all levels together, and it’s a model for the Raisin Hope Foundation, which unites people from all walks of life, with the common goal of providing hope and support for the victims of brain and spinal cord injuries and their families.”
The Alleghany Gran Fondo is being sponsored by MeadWestvaco, nTelos, the Town of Clifton Forge, City of Covington, Alleghany County and the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
Registration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 9 in Downtown Clifton Forge and will include a block party; The Silverbacks Band featuring Dave Warren will perform from 7-9 p.m. at the SonaBank Plaza at Commercial and Ridgeway Streets in Clifton Forge.
The free outdoor concert is sponsored by Clifton Forge Main Street. The race will end on Main Street in Covington where Rock the Block will run from 12 noon to 5 p.m. No Lifeguard on Duty will perform beginning at 1 p.m. on the 300 block of Main Street. Food vendors will also be available.
The free concert is sponsored by Olde Town Covington.
Registration for the event remains open through July 9, and AGF commemorative jerseys are for sale at the registration page, courtesy of clothing sponsor Capo. Online registration and full information is available at the even websit, www.alleghanygranfondo.com.
