Wednesday Aug. 9 will mark the beginning of the 14th annual Bike4Chai event, a two-day, 180- mile bike ride to benefit the children and families of Chai Lifeline, an organization for children battling serious illnesses. Hosted at the Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, the first day of the event offers three alternate loops of differing lengths that wind through the Pocono Mountains and return to the resort where the riders will spend the night. The second day is a 58-mile ride straight from Kalahari to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, New York Chai Lifeline’s overnight camp for children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses, where campers and riders come together for a celebration at the finish line.
This year, over 700 riders and 450 teams from all across the country will take part in the event, and a total of over $5 million has already been raised.
Team Passaic Clifton, started in 2019, is riding in honor of community member Rivka Shotkin, a teenager who was paralyzed from the chest down in a devastating skiing accident two and a half years ago. During the extremely difficult time following her accident, Rivka and the entire Shotkin family felt the support of Chai Lifeline, and this past January, just two years later, Rivka completed the 2023 Miami Marathon with Team Lifeline.
The event this year will be extra special for Team Passaic Clifton with the participation of Rivka’s younger brother, 14-year-old Yaakov. “Chai Lifeline did everything they could to make sure that my sister and my family were taken care of,” Yaakov wrote on his fundraising page, “I joined the challenge of Bike4Chai to raise money for Chai Lifeline so that they can continue giving others the support and care that they need,” he added. Despite being among the youngest riders at the event, Yaacov is excited to help raise money for such an important cause, his page says. He has already exceeded his fundraising goal of $5,000, with donations from over 40 proud supporters.
Shaya Eisenman, the captain of Team Passaic Clifton, said that the whole team is thrilled to be riding alongside Rivka’s brother in her honor. “We are all dedicated to helping Chai Lifeline continue the incredible work that they do,” he said, adding that this personal connection makes them all even more committed to the cause.
The team had its annual training ride and barbecue on June 27, where the whole team practiced together and had a chance to bond before the big event. “Every rider rides regularly,” Eisenman said, “but to be able to all ride together was an amazing experience.” Eisenman also noted that the event strengthened the feeling of camaraderie on the team and increased the excitement leading up to the ride.
Last year, Team Passaic Clifton raised an amazing $268,000 and this year they are hoping to reach $300,000. With over 800 donors, the team is already over halfway to its goal, and each rider is extremely grateful for every contributor, Eisenman said.
To learn more about Team Passaic Clifton visit www.bike4chai.com/team/view/172232/team-pc-riders. To make a donation, visit www.bike4chai.com/donate.
Shira Adler is a Jewish Link summer intern and a rising junior at Stern College. She lives in Teaneck.
