19 to Bike Over 150 Miles for Kids with Illnesses

Adam Eisenberg is looking forward to once again reaching the finish line next week after riding his bicycle for more than 150 miles.

The North Woodmere resident is one of 19 men from the Five Towns area that is participating in Bike4Chai, a two-day trek on Aug. 8 that starts at the Jersey Shore and ends at Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY.

“It’s tough to ride all those miles, but watching the video of the riders coming into the camp with the kids cheering is quite emotional,” Eisenberg said. “That’s the real push. Once you do it, it’s indescribable.”

Riders from across the United States as well as a few from other countries have already raised $1.4 million for Camp Simcha, which lets children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses forget about being sick for two weeks and just have fun, free of charge.

“The Five Towns riders are really a key, vital component of the ride,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, director and founder of Bike4Chai. “They’re a solid group … [and] put tremendous efforts in fundraising.”

Bike4Chai started in 2009 when one of the camp’s counselors wanted to bring his bicycle to camp, but the bus driver wouldn’t let him. So he decided to bike his way there, Fried said. The lone rider raised $20,000 and kicked off an annual event that has grown significantly since.

“It’s a very important organization that’s deep in our hearts,” said Woodmere resident Allan Lieberman, who along with Eisenberg rode in last year’s trek. “Not only do the children look forward to the two weeks of summertime experience as the highlight of the year, but it’s also important to the parents.”

The Bike4Chai riders train together with the assistance of  Czar Augerlo and Justin Fuchs. The group goes out on Sundays for rides that can be close to 80 miles and on the hills of the north shore in Suffolk County.

“It’s a great organization and the money is going to a great cause,” said Fuchs, the owner of the store. “We know how important it is.”

Augerlo also trained with a group of Five Towns women who participated in the Le Tour de Simcha, a women-only trek that benefits Camp Simcha.

With the proceeds from both rides, Camp Simcha will be able to expand and take in more children.

“It’s a hobby, but it’s for a more noble cause,” Lieberman said. “That’s what causes us to train harder.”

Greatly benefitting the lives of the camp’s children and seeing the joy on their faces is what makes Bike4Chai’s finish line “the greatest in the world,” as Fried puts it.

“You see where the money goes, that’s important,” Eisenberg said. “It’s going to make a big impact on a lot of kids.”

To see all of the Five Towns riders and their donation pages, click here.