“The response this year has been phenomenal. We are expecting more than 300% the number of riders. This is great for cycling, NC wines, tourism and the MS Society.” said Max Lloyd, owner of Grove Winery. “It looks like Gears & Cheers is on its way to becoming one of the classic, must-do rides in the region.”
Gears & Cheers is a designated ride in the MS Society’s training ride series, and many of its participants train throughout the summer for one of the Society’s premier Southeast Cycling Series bike tours. Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood near Winston-Salem will be held on September 6 and 7 and Bike MS: New Bern will be held on September 13 and 14 in North Carolina.
For many cyclists riding to support the Society is personal. “I have been riding in MS bike tours since the 70’s after my mother was diagnosed with MS,” said cyclist Wayne Clark. “There weren’t any preventative treatments back then. Fortunately people with MS have more choices today. I ride for the camaraderie, to stay fit and to raise money for the important programs and research the National MS Society supports. I think of it as paying forward. I have a daughter of my own so I am hopeful research will determine the genetic link in MS soon.”
Grove Winery’s award-winning wines are crafted from vineyards first planted in 1993. The 44-acre farm features a small artisan winery and estate vineyards which are located on sloping, mineral-rich land in the Haw River Valley wine country. All grapes are hand-harvested and used for a limited production of about 3000 cases of premium wine each year.
Chinqua Penn Plantation is an acclaimed as an American architectural treasure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Plantation includes 27-rooms filled with elaborate furnishings from 30 countries, surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful gardens and historic landscape. Chinqua Penn features a wine tasting room showcasing award-winning wines made from local grapes. Visit www.chinquapenn.com for additional information.
The local chapters of the National MS Society assist over 10,000 people with multiple sclerosis, their families, caregivers and health care professionals by providing emergency care, wellness programs and advocacy efforts throughout North Carolina. In 2006, the Society devoted $126 million to programs that enhanced more than one million lives and more than $46 million to support research. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society today at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-FIGHT-
