Volunteers Needed for Alleghany Gran Fondo   COVINGTON, VA (May 17, 2010) - Volunteers are needed to help the Alleghany Highlands welcome the hundreds of people from all over Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast U.S., who will be participating in one of the largest sporting events in Virginia, the First Annual Alleghany Gran Fondo, on Saturday, July 10.      “What a fantastic opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of our home, the Alleghany Highlands”, said Volunteer Coordinator, Lynda Thompson. “This cycling challenge will put our beautiful area on the map as a premier cycling destination and will provide thousands of dollars of economic benefit as riders and their families stay in our hotels, shop in local businesses, and eat in our restaurants.”      “However, it is going to take the whole community, working together, to make the event a success.” Thompson continued. “In addition to the many volunteers needed for mobile and event operations, there also is a need for groups and individuals to donate and to prepare sandwiches, snacks, and fruit and to man the refreshment tents that will be set up along the course routes. This is an excellent opportunity for a service project for scout groups, churches, businesses, and other organizations.” Tour Director, Matthew Butterman of SportVista, LLC, the event’s organizer, explains that Gran Fondos, meaning “big endurance” in Italian, are a European tradition that have become the rage on this side of the Atlantic. “Not quite races, because cyclists of all levels can enter and ride one of three different length and difficulty course options, Gran Fondo events are held in many U. S. locations, and thousands of cyclists line up every weekend at the largest venues,” said Butterman. “However, they are like a bicycle race in that the cyclists will be timed over their chosen course’s distance.” Butterman also noted that free mechanical support and shuttle service will be provided. The Gran Fondo will feature several food and water stops that riders are encouraged to use. “Our goal is to produce a quality experience for the riders and the host communities,” commented Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the lead sponsor of the Fondo. “We want the cyclists in our event to fondly remember their time spent here and return again and again to the Alleghany Highlands for all of their outdoor recreation pursuits. We are grateful to our key sponsors, Alleghany County, the City of Covington, the Town of Clifton Forge, MWV and nTelos, and our other sponsors for helping to make this event possible.” Beginning in Clifton Forge and ending on Main Street in Covington, the courses will present a challenge for the riders, especially the middle and longest distance routes, which include the climb up Airport Road (VA Route 606). This route was used in the stage of the Tour of Virginia bicycle raced that finished in Covington in 2007. The kick-off for the event will occur on Friday afternoon at 2:00 PM at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA with a special appearance by former top-level professional cyclist and current motivational speaker, Saul Raisin. The story of Raisin’s young life is one of talent, promise, tragedy, triumph and hope. After speaking to youth and community groups at the ‘Y’, Raisin will sign copies of his book at number pick-up and registration in downtown Clifton Forge on Friday evening. A portion of the proceeds from the Gran Fondo will benefit the Raisin Hope Foundation, which provides a network of support for brain and spinal cord injury patients and their families. Registration will be held in Downtown Clifton Forge on Friday evening, and the race will get underway in Clifton Forge on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM with Raisin as the star rider. All three course levels will finish on Main Street in Downtown Covington. Volunteers are needed for the following positions: Course Marshals: (200 positions available) Course marshals ensure the safe operation of the event on public roads by working with local law enforcement officers to hold traffic at intersections and direct the cyclists if a turn is involved. Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session prior to the event that includes a short video on proper traffic flagging techniques and will receive VDOT certification as a traffic flagger. Two shifts available: 8 AM – 12 Noon or 12 Noon – 4 PM Signage Crew: (20 positions available) Members of the signage crew assist the Operations and Signage director with the set-up of course markings and route signage. Good sense of direction, knowledge of local area and the ability to read a map are essential. Positions available Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10. Attendance at a one-hour training meeting prior to event is necessary. Registration: Registration staff is needed Friday evening, July 9th and Saturday morning, July 10, in Clifton Forge to assist with participant sign-up and packet/bag distribution. Two shifts are available Friday: 4 PM – 7 PM and 7 PM – 10 PM, and one shift Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Attendance at a one-hour training meeting prior to the event is required. Organization and the ability to work well under pressure are needed. Operations Assistants: Operations Assistants work with the Operations, Volunteer and Event directors on a variety of administrative/clerical tasks. Assistants are needed Friday evening from 4 PM – 10 PM and Saturday from 6:30 AM – 5 PM. Attendance at a one-hour training meeting prior to event is required. Good computer skills, organization, and ability to work well under pressure are needed. All volunteers for the above areas will receive an event T-shirt, and one meal is provided for every four hours worked. Also, family members of volunteers will ride any of the three route options for only $25. To volunteer, please fill out the attached form and mail to Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, 241 W. Main Street, Covington, VA 24426, or contact Lynda Thompson by phone at 540-691-8289 or by email at volunteers@alleghanygranfondo.com To view maps of the three event courses, register for the event, and see a list of race sponsors, visit www.sport-vista.com. For a volunteer form, please download one at: Volunteer Form For Gran Fondo

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