Just five months after 150 cyclists biked 150 miles for Chai Lifeline’s 3rd annual Bike 4 Chai fundraiser, Chai Lifeline New Jersey has announced the opening of this year’s fundraiser. Chai Lifeline Lakewood tells TLS they hope to raise $1,000,000 through this year’s bike-ride, which will take place on August 8th.

“Bike 4 Chai has gone from one lone rider and has turned into an incredible fundraiser for Chai Lifeline and has put smiles on hundreds of kids’ faces”, says MSW, NJ Regional Director Rabbi Sruly Fried. “Bike 4 Chai 2012 promises to be bigger and stronger than ever, with our goal of raising the extraordinary amount $1,000,000 dollars”, Fried says.

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 organiztion is aiming for $1,000,000.

Chai Lifeline tells TLS that the first 100 riders in this year’s fundraiser – which will be capped at 200 riders – will receive a special free pair of Cyclng 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. Registration for the 2012 ride opens January 15.

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