Riders participate in last year’s Black Tie Tour. This year’s ride takes place June 28, 2015 to benefit the Rutgers Cancer Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Hopsital Hamilton.
By Deanna Harkel
We may be familiar with black tie weddings and black tie galas, but a black tie bicycle tour? Perhaps not. Which is exactly what the founders of the second annual Black Tie Tour had in mind.
“We like to describe it as a ‘gala’ on wheels,” said lead event organizer Sean Nouvel, a Hamilton resident.
The event slogan, “Uplifting Hopes Using Our Spokes” reflects the intentions of the day. The tour, which takes place on June 28, is dedicated to cancer fighters and their families, with proceeds being donated to the Rutgers Cancer Institute at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.
“This is a local event, with local organizers and sponsors, that will benefit local people,” said Tony Nini, 55, founder and vice president of Riders for a Cause.
According to their website, Riders for a Cause is a registered nonprofit with an all-volunteer staff dedicated to “combining our passion for bike riding with our commitment to making an impact within our communities.”
“We have all been impacted by cancer,” Nouvel said. “Everyone involved has a close friend or family member who is fighting cancer or is a cancer survivor themselves.”
One of those survivors and fighters is Nini, who was the initial inspiration for the event. Diagnosed in 2010 with Stage 3 colon and appendiceal cancer, he had parts of his colon and small intestines removed and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He was declared in remission in early 2011, but the joy was short lived, as he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma two months later.
“I became interested in biking in June of 2012,” Nini said. “It was hard for me to do certain types of exercises because of complications. Biking is a great sport that I can do without feeling physically handicapped.”
Phil Pratico, resident of Lawrenceville and owner of F. Phil Pratico Jewelers in Hamilton and Felice Pasquale Fine Jewelry in Robbinsville, was initially contemplating organizing a charity bicycle tour after completing an 87-mile ride for multiple sclerosis in 2012. He changed his mind after Nini shared his story with Pratico while the two participated in a friendly 35-mile group ride on a course that climbed 3,450 feet. A day before the ride, Nini had undergone chemotherapy treatment.
“Tony was breathing very heavy but stayed with us to the end,” said Pratico, 62. “I was amazed.”
Pratico decided on the spot that the ride would be dedicated to cancer fighters and their families. The initiative took off and Riders for a Cause became a non-profit organization with an eight-person Board of Directors and Pratico as president.
The 2014 Black Tie Tour raised $6,000. The money was donated to the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, who used it to purchase lymphedema sleeves, as they are often times not covered by health insurance. This year, the goal is $50,000. As of mid-May, they had raised $46,000.
“It’s very exciting,” said Willie Colon of Robbinsville, 46, and member of Riders for a Cause Board of Directors.
Grand Bank, N.A. of Hamilton is the largest corporate sponsor with a donation of $5,000. Other community sponsors include Blend Bar & Bistro, PSE&G, Ed Nini Construction and Villaggio Iccara.
Riders have the option of selecting from two courses: a beginner friendly 25.4-mile route with an elevation gain of 1,016 feet, and the more challenging 50.6-mile route with a gain of 1,691 feet. Both routes begin and end at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Imlaystown. The courses have rest stops, where riders can expect a few surprises including upscale nutritional products, DJ’s and professional photography by Memory Makers Studio. Black Tie Tour volunteers will be presented as “butlers,” who will try to provide a first-class experience for all riders.
The event registration fee is $95 with a $150 minimum fundraising requirement. All riders will receive a commemorative jersey from cycling outfitter Louis Garneau, a finish-line buffet by Villaggio Iccara, post-ride massages and entry into a raffle for prizes that include bicycles donated by Bernie’s Bicycle and Hart’s Cyclery and Fitness. The event is limited to 125 participants, and registration is open through the morning of the event.
As an added bonus, riders and their families will have the opportunity to spend some time soaking in the many equestrian activities taking place at the horse park that day.
“This really is a family-friendly event,” Colon said. “Even if you’re here only to support the riders, there will be things to do.”
Riders for a Cause is still looking for sponsors, volunteers and riders. Those involved are hoping to garner community support for an event that will benefit a cause that has affected everyone at some point.
“We have all been touched one way or another by cancer,” Colon said. “This event that is taking place right here in our community, the proceeds are going to people who reside here. That’s why this event is so special.”
For more information, visit blacktietour.com or email info@blacktietour.com.
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