I spoke with Avi Yagudaev, who gave me an inside look into the legendary undertaking of Bike4Chai, a renowned cycling event benefitting Chai Lifeline that has taken place since 2010. This year, a record number of cyclists - more than 675 - united for the largest Bike4Chai experience to date. On Tuesday evening, August 8, the festivities kicked off at the Kalahari Resort with a buffet hospitality dinner where fellow riders of the 14th Bike4Chai ride spent time connecting. When you’re a part of Bike4Chai, you’re a part of a dedicated team making a difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses.
Bike4Chai began humbly in 2009 with a solitary rider, Dovid Egert, a devoted Chai Lifeline volunteer who raised $10,000 in donations sponsoring a 135-mile bike ride from his home in Lakewood, NJ, to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. His revolutionary ride provided the children at camp with the summer of a lifetime; it also sparked an enormous innovation in fundraising. The next year, Yoel Margolese, along with lay leaders Alan Shamah, Abie Maleh, and Elliot Zaks, were joined by 38 inspired riders and established Bike4Chai.
“The guys train all year for this special race,” explained Yagudayev. “The riders must learn to push through challenges from the elements like rain.” This year riders found themselves travelling fifty to eighty miles in wet conditions. “The riders are only qualified if they raise $5,000.”
Early the next morning, riders set out on three clearly marked routes (50, 70, or 100 miles) for an endurance ride that winded through the picturesque hills of New Jersey and the Pocono Mountains. Fully-stocked rest stops - complete with food, supplies, and entertainment - provided riders with an opportunity to refresh and recharge every 20 miles. SAG, mechanical, and medical support was available throughout the ride to remedy any problem that arose. Eventually, cyclists returned to Kalahari Resort to relax and take part in the grand pre-ride Pasta Party where they shared the breathtaking scenery and incredible unity as they envisioned triumphantly crossing a finish line the next day.
“The ride came to a complete standstill,” said Tzvi Yagudaev, a rider from Queens. “It was quite scary. We saw a bear on the side of the road.” Riders are fully equipped with everything needed for a successful ride from signature jerseys to insulated water bottles and gear to meet every need throughout the ride.
Day two’s route unfolded through the Pocono Mountains and upstate New York, ending their 165-mile journey one mile before Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s overnight summer program for children and teens with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses. Then, the riders regrouped and were treated to a well-deserved celebratory barbeque. Multiple route options challenged even the most advanced riders. Continual support leading up to and through the event, combined with the pure joy that greeted the riders as they crossed The World’s Greatest Finish Line at Camp Simcha in a jubilant, unified group. Knowing they would be welcomed by the ecstatic campers, staff, friends, and families for a celebration encouraged riders of every skill level throughout the ride.
The record number of riders this year comprised all ages and skill levels, and included business executives, rabbis, a NASA rocket scientist, professional athletes, cancer survivors, and those who ride in honor or memory of a loved one. Joining the peloton were 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, and former professional cyclists George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde.
“Bike4Chai represents the very best of us,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, Executive Director of Bike4Chai. “In a world often divided, it is truly inspiring and heartening to see hundreds of people of all backgrounds united in one cause: to support the children and families served by Chai Lifeline.”
Chaiyanu Israel is a phenomenal program where the organization flies in Israeli children with afflictions for a Camp Simcha experience. However, the kids first receive a New York City tour with stops in sites like Times Square. “The volunteers establish strong bonds with all the campers, but the friendship with the Israelis is truly heightened,” explained Yagudayev’s niece. Camp Simcha’s campers range from chassidim to modern Orthodox and non-frum, united in helping one another. “It is common for us to complain about issues we face in life. My friends and I saw how children suffered with ailments like not being able to walk or function properly and this taught us to be content with our lot in life and that everything is from Hashem.”
Chai Lifeline, a leading international children’s health support network, provides unparalleled assistance and year-round services to thousands of families confronting illness, crisis, and loss. “Chai Lifeline’s support for more than 6,000 families throughout the year doesn’t take a break, and neither do all those who work incredibly hard to fundraise and train for Bike4Chai,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO. “Summers at Camp Simcha are the highlight of the year for our kids and it’s only possible due to the support of our community and the dedication of our Bike4Chai riders.” Yagudayev’s niece, a volunteer at the registration desk, spoke of the unity of fellow volunteers on WhatsApp chats run by the organization. “Volunteers are readily available to brighten the day for children suffering in a hospital and ease the burden on families.” About Camp Simcha, she elaborated further, “Children in camp are going through chemo. In many ways the camp’s infirmary is a mini-hospital for these youth who partake in lively concerts and programming.” The camp’s kitchen and wait staff is also ready to accommodate any desire. Fleishig and milchig options from mac and cheese to steak are prepared near instantaneously for the children. “Whatever the kids want, they get,” explained the volunteer. “Camp Simcha is ready to provide any amount of happiness for these children who experience terrible pain throughout the year.”
To learn more or to donate, visit www.bike4chai.com.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
