Team Tia ready for Hops to Hops Bike Tour
By:Jason Lockhart
A group of local bicyclists is gearing up to participate in the 40-mile National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hops to Hops Bike Tour set for Sept. 9.
The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. and completes a circuit through the rolling hills near Lambertville, before returning to the River Horse Brewery on Lambert Lane in Lambertville.
While the riders are sure to enjoy the scenery during their tour, Voorhees Circle resident and team captain Tia Hagins says the group of 10 bikers, five of whom live in Hillsborough, also hope to raise more than $13,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
"This year we would like to see that number again," she said. "Right now I’m not sure exactly how much we raised so far this year, but $13,000 is our new goal."
The team "Team Tia" includes riders Wendy and Michael Gromlich, Dave and James Herdman, James Hendrix, Katy Herbel and Christine Newman. Donations to the team can be made through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site, www.mjcms.org.
Ms. Hagins said her team has also been working with Petrock’s Bar and Grille to find sponsors for the riders.
Bonnie Petrock, owner of Petrock’s Bar and Grille, said patrons of her business have been making donations as small as $1 to the NMSS. She added anyone can do so by speaking with one of the business’ bartenders.
"We have been working hard to promote the bike tour by raising lots of money in donations," Ms. Hagins said. "We’ve been the number one sponsor of the HOPS to HOPS Bike Tour."
While the tour is open to the public, Ms. Hagins notes it’s not necessary to attend to help support the team or the search for cures and treatments for mulitple scleroisis.
"People can use their credit cards to donate on the Web site," she said. "All they need to donate is just $1."