PHOTOS & VIDEO [Over 100 photos] [Video updated 11:35 a.m.] of this morning’s Bike 4 Chai departure. The riders departed Pine Park at approximately 8:30 a.m. cheered on by family and friends.

BEHIND THE SCENES: WHAT IT TOOK TO PLAN THE Bike4Chai RIDE FOR CAMP SIMCHA FOR A GROUP OF 40 MEN CYCLING 135 MILES TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN OF CAMP SIMCHA

A group of professionals from Lakewood, Deal, Brooklyn and Monsey got together to raise money for children battling cancer and other serious illnesses so they can attend Camp Simcha this summer. Camp Simcha is the emotional lifeline for the children that attend as well as for their families. The riders will begin the 135 mile bike ride from Lakewood and Deal to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. They will ride the entire route from the Jersey Shore to the mountains in just two days.

The Bike4Chai bicycle ride started TODAY, August 3rd at 8:30am in Pine Park in Lakewood, and ends on August 4th with a triumphant entrance into Camp Simcha. This ride has been organized by Chai Lifeline of Lakewood.

The group of bike riders, comprised mostly of professionals, has set a very noteworthy goal of raising enough funds to allow 40 children to attend Camp Simcha. The cost for each child to attend this special medically-equipped camp is $5,000. “We set a goal of raising $200,000,” explained Yoel Margolese, Chai Lifeline event organizer. The ride has already raised over $180,000 and that number continues to go up significantly each day.

Organizing the bike ride for 40 cyclists has been a feat unto itself. A myriad of details has gone into planning the event. “There is tremendous curiosity about the behind-the-scenes details of the ride,” said Margolese. To prepare, the riders have been training hard both individually and together as a group. In coordinating a new route, the Bike4Chai group spent many hours planning the exact map of the ride so that it’s safe, scenic and pleasant. “The route was carefully mapped to avoid dangerous roads and high-traffic thoroughfares,” said Margolese. “Rest stops were placed strategically approximately every 15 miles. Once the route was identified, we had to actually ride the route several times to mark the trail with spray paint every step of the way as well as to identify new road construction and detours.”

The fastest riders are expected to ride about 18 miles per hour. The slower riders will bring up the rear averaging at least 10-12 miles per hour. “There has been a tremendous level of support for this event,” said Margolese. “Volunteers have agreed to staff not only the Rest Stops but also drive the three SAG Wagons along the route. The first SAG Wagon will drive to the first Rest Stop. The second will then drive on to the second Rest Stop and then the third will drive on to the third Rest Stop. At that point, the first SAG Wagon will leapfrog ahead and drive on to the fourth Rest Stop and the process will continue that way. Each Sag Wagon will have inner tubes in case a bicycle tire goes flat. One of the volunteers is a paramedic who can provide first aid in case a rider has a fall or accident. We have also made contact with every bicycle repair shop along the route to ensure quick service in case a bicycle breaks.”

To assist with nourishing the riders, a large motor home will serve breakfast and lunch at key stops. Each rest stop will also have energy bars, Gatorade, and water for the riders.
Sponsoring the ride are:
• Itcha Meir Greenwald, Greenwald Caterers – providing ice and fruit
• Hillel Newhouse, Four Corners Bagels – providing breakfast and lunch
• Brielle Cyclery – providing bike checks
• Avrohom Moshe Muller, Kosher West – providing Gatorade

Every year, Camp Simcha provides a full array of camp activities, from archery to water activities, along with special events such as helicopter rides and concerts, to 430 seriously ill children. A state-of-the-art medical center, dedicated medical team, and specially-trained counselors ensure that even children on chemotherapy can enjoy two weeks of uninterrupted fun. Campers return home enriched by their experiences, filled with happy memories, and armed with a community of friends who will help them through the rough patches in their lives. To learn more about Camp Simcha and its remarkable tuition-free programs, go to www.campsimcha.org.

To make a 100% tax-deductible donation, see how much has been raised so far and show your support to the riders, please go to www.bike4chai.com

Keep updated with the Bike4Chai ride by checking out TLS.