Tinton Falls mayor to ride in annual MS fundraiser

At the start of last year's bike tour are (l-r) Deidre Senkewicz, Marybeth Maclearie, John Senkewicz and Tinton Falls Mayor Peter Maclearie.

Tinton Falls Mayor Peter Maclearie will once again be riding in the 170-mile "Coast the Coast" bike tour benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its Mid-Jersey Chapter.

He will be riding as a team with his 17-year-old daughter, Jaqueline, and his neighbors, John and Deidre Senkewicz, on May 19 and 20.

Maclearie said over 3,000 cyclists and volunteers participate in the annual fundraising event. Maclearie rode in last year's bike tour. The tour starts at Monmouth University in West Long Branch and ends at the Coast Guard Station in Cape May.

"I've been called crazy because of some of the things that I've done in my life and last year while doing this I was convinced, myself, that I am crazy," admitted Maclearie.

He said last year the weather was horrendous. "We rode straight into a head wind for two days, a steady 20 mph wind straight in our face."

He explained that his daughter and his wife drove in a backup car in case he needed them, and they also picked up people who needed help along the way.

"My daughter enjoyed it so much, she said, 'I have to do this next year,' " he said.

Maclearie said he bought her a good bicycle for her birthday last fall and in October they did a 50-mile bike ride.

But this year, they each have an additional challenge. Maclearie sprained his ankle a couple of weeks ago, badly enough that it is in a cast and he is on crutches. Then last week, Jaqueline sprained her ankle, not quite as badly, but they will both be riding with ankle injuries.

"My goal is to get out on the bike on Saturday and see how it feels. I'll go as far as I can go," said Maclearie who rides a bicycle designed for long distance and speed.

He explained that the cause has special significance to him for many reasons.

"Ever since I agreed to attempt this ride last year I've learned of several friends and a cousin who have been diagnosed with MS."

With the help and support of sponsors, Maclearie hopes to make a difference in the lives of those with MS. The goal of the event is to raise $1 million in an effort to fund a miracle cure.

"By riding in this tour, I am taking part in making that miracle happen for so many families," he said. "My personal goal is to raise as much as I possibly can, but any pledge amount will be greatly appreciated.

Anyone interested in supporting Maclearie's goal can make checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and mail, preferably before May 20, to him at Pete Maclearie, 58 Glenwood Drive, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.