You might think that it’s hard to get back onto a bicycle after riding for 110 miles the day before. But this morning, every cyclist had a big smile on his face and seemed ready for a new day of hills and challenges.

At 7:40, only a few minutes behind schedule, the cyclists rode out of Minerals Hotel in Vernon. They pumped their fists and waved for the cameras, full of energy and ready to give it all for the kids of Chai Lifeline once again.

Seven hours later, they had regrouped at the last rest stop, only a mile or so away from Camp Simcha. The final rest stop serves as the staging area, a comfortable place where the faster cyclists wait for the rest of the group so that everyone can enter Camp Simcha together.

Meanwhile, the entire camp was preparing. Campers and staff rehearsed their song and dance presentation. Spouses and invited guests stood at the fences, drinking water and laughing. Nachum Segal broadcast from a booth. The Camp Simcha DJ kept everyone entertained. Campers staged a parade into camp to the cheers and applause of everyone.

And we waited.

On cue, at 3:00, the first cyclists rode into camp. The air was electric with their energy and the applause of the crowd. After 180 miles, the cyclists were sweaty but triumphant. Friends linked arms as they rode in. Fathers and sons shared a special bond. One cyclist had put on a Superman cape. As he came into camp he extended one arm and one leg and flew. Others had crazy helmet toppers. They came through the camp gates and under the arch of the Worlds’ Greatest Finish Line and into the arms of campers and staff who had waited all day to dance and sing with them. Their bicycles were whisked away by the efficient volunteers who parked them in long rows for transport back home.

When the cyclists made their way to bleachers inside a huge tent, it was the campers’ turn to shine. They sang a song written for them, dancing to moves choreographed by talented staff members. The riders had a chance to really see the children for whom they had spent two days in the saddle, and they were spellbound. They weren’t watching “sick kids,” they were being sung to by children – children who have an illness, but young people who are children first. The riders couldn’t contain their enthusiasm, and it was hard to parse what was louder, the song or the cheers.

Bike4Chai is renowned for its attention to detail, and the last hour was as organized as the first. Riders’ bags waited for them outside portable showers. Inside another tent the famous post-ride barbecue included delicious meats, salads, and sides in addition to hot dogs and hamburgers. Cyclists were able to eat, socialize, and clean up at their leisure. And when they had their fill, they said goodbye to camp for another year and made plans for the 2017 ride.

For more information about Bike4Chai or to donate, please visit www.bike4chai.com.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)