Bike 4 Chai has gone viral. In just 8 days after announcing the opening of its 2012 Bike 4 Chai tour, 70 riders – including 23 first-timers – have already signed up for the 4th annual 150 mile bike ride, and the event is still 7 months away. 

The goal for the 2012 bike tour – being capped at 200 riders – is to raise $1,000,000.

In 2009, one biker – Dovid Egert – who enjoyed long bike rides made the trip to the camp in attempt to raise money for the camp, and raised $10,000 for the cause. But then, it went viral.

In 2010, Bike 4 Chai raised $200,000, with 40 riders.

Last year, with 150 riders, the non-profit organization raised a whopping $550,000.

This year, the organization is aiming for $1,000,000.

Chai Lifeline tells TLS the first 100 riders in this year’s fundraiser will receive a special free pair of Cycling Socks. Other incentives for the riders raising the most, will be announced in the coming months.

Bike 4 Chai offers several different options for the bike-ride. Riders can choose from a 50, 75 or 100 mile ride the first day, relax in a beautiful resort overnight, and then ride the remaining 50 miles into camp.

The 150 mile and 2 day trip will kick off from the Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park on Wednesday, August 8 at 7:00 AM, and conclude on August 9, 2012 at 4:00 PM.

Click here to be redirected to Bike 4 Chai’s ‘Riders’ page.

See exclusive video below, and photos here, of the 2011 departure from Asbury Park. TLS.