Gold's Gym to Ride in the Tour de Cure

A group of about 50 people will ride in Basking Ridge Sunday as part of the team in the Tour de Cure, a cycling event benefitting the American Diabetes Association.

Gold's Gym co-founder Mike Epstein started the team in 1993 with a group of 10 people.

"The reason why I started everything is my mom is diabetic and she has been ever since I can remember," Epstein said.

The 10-person crew grew to become much more. Epstein approached Gold's Gym corporate to pitch the idea of Gold's Gym teams across the country participating in the Tour de Cure.

Today Gold's Gym is a national sponsor of the Tour de Cure, with hundreds of teams riding under as part of Gold's Gym teams, raising around $350,000 each year.

Gold's Gym and the American Diabetes Association are a perfect marriage, Epstein said. Preventing diabetes involves diet and exercise.

"This is exactly what Gold's Gym is trying to do," he said.

Epstein's team is always among the biggest in New Jersey. The Paramus Gold's Gym team was the top fundraiser in 2011, raising $11,300.

Team members don't have to be part of the gym, Epstein said.

"We have all sorts of members," he said. "We have everyone from a beginner to advanced."

The Basking Ridge Tour de Cure includes rides of 13, 30, 50, 65 or 100 miles. Most of the team takes the 30-mile ride, but a few try the 100-mile ride, Epstein said.

Gold's Gym lets team members train by taking spin classes at the gym.

Epstein said the team is still taking members and donations. Visit the Gold's Gym website to learn more.

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