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At 7:30 AM Wednesday morning, a ribbon was cut for 200 bikers who are making their way from Asbury Park NJ to Camp Simcha, located in Glen Spey NY, and raising over $1.7 million.

The bikers will ride for two days with a sleep-over on the way, ending the tour in Camp Simcha on Thursday.

Dovid Egert, the lone rider in 2009, was among the 200 riders this year.

“It all started four years ago, I was little nuts in my head!”, says Dovid. “I decided to bike up to Camp Simcha, because the camp said there are no bikes on the bus. I said no problem, so I biked up to camp without the bus!” That year, Dovid raised $10,000 for the camp for ill children.

The second year, Eliyahu Zaks of Lakewood NJ put all his effort into organizing more riders, and 40 people made the trip – raising $200,000, as was reported by YWN.

Bike4Chai then went viral, and by year three (2011), there were approximately 100 bikers, and close to $500,000 was raised – as was reported by YWN.

The ride concludes on Thursday afternoon, amid much warranted fanfare, with an intense grand entrance into Camp Simcha Special. The chronically ill boys attending the camp are eagerly awaiting the event: last summer, Bike4Chai’s emotional entrance was a summer highlight for riders, campers and staff members alike.

Bike4Chai 2011 promises to be another unforgettable experience with exhilarating, excruciating and emotional moments. Riders raise a minimum of $3,600 in sponsorships by reaching out to family and friends.

If you’re not riding, you can still experience the power of Bike4Chai and make a real difference in the lives of seriously ill children. sponsor a rider today by visiting www.bike4chai.com and answer the call: “On your mark, get set, go!”

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos by Hillel & Yitzy Engel.

(Eli Gefen – YWN)