The SYclists Bike4Chai

You may have seen them in your neighborhood—weekend riders zipping down the street on their bicycles, exuding cadence, confidence and concentration. Riding groups across the country demonstrate that bike riding is not only good for the environment, but for physical and mental health as well. It provides the heart and circulatory system with a thorough workout, burning up to 700 calories per hour, and clears and calms the mind.

During the summer season, on any given Friday or Sunday morning, you can wave to one particular group who pounds the pavement through the picturesque streets of Deal, New Jersey, in an expression of camaraderie and competition. They call themselves the “SYclists” in a proud proclamation of who they are—a tight group of Syrian friends—and what they do.

Alan Shamah is the ride guide and “shepherd” of the group. As such, he researches routes to pedal past emerald-green farms, lush, leafy woodlands, and breath-taking ocean views. According to Shamah, biking is more about the experience than about the exercise; although he recognizes that there are many means by which to enjoy natural wonders, he insists that biking is the best way to appreciate stunning scenery while simultaneously covering considerable ground.

Shamah started the group with just three members. The men rode an average of 15-30 miles per run, stopping to rest every 10-12 miles. Today, they have grown to 15 riders and traverse 40-60 miles without interruption, mainly because Alan is “too impatient.” There has been a proliferation of groups in the region since then, and admittedly the SYclists rank as the B-pace ride but “look just as good on their bicycles.”

15 years ago, Abie Maleh moved in next door to Shamah, joining the many Syrian Jews who vacation in the beach town. A close relationship blossomed between the two Brooklyn boys. Now, not only do their families pray and play together, the men commute together regularly during the week and bike recreationally during the weekend.

Maleh is described by fellow riders as the “biggest jokester with the biggest heart.” There simply is no challenge large enough to faze him. Having participated in bike marathons before, including the 5-day ALYN Hospital’s “Wheels of Love” spanning Israel’s north and south, Maleh was anxious to create a local kosher bike tour. Moreover, he wanted to match the exhilaration and joy of a ride with a deserving mitzvah that would stand to benefit from his pedal pumping.

As a true visionary, Maleh saw enormous opportunity in the Chai Lifeline organization, whose 25-year mission has always been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended with a lifelong or life-threatening diagnosis. In particular, he was attracted to its flagship programs, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special. Each summer, 430 children from around the globe who are battling cancer and other debilitating illnesses are treated to unforgettable, overnight camp experiences. There, children and teens trade hospital rooms for helicopter rides, medical clinics for motorcycle sprees, and patient care for paintball adventures. Campers also enjoy traditional camp activities in the fully handicapped-accessible facilities and thrive under the undivided attention of the 1:1 camper/counselor ratio. At summer’s end, they return home with profound friendships, meaningful memories and restored spirits that renew their determination to fight illness all year long.

Maleh contacted Chai’s New Jersey regional offices, and insisted that he meet with Rabbi Yoel Margolese to ask how the Syrian community could lend support to Camp Simcha. That evening, Bike4Chai was born. Together with Rabbi Sruli Fried, they devised a 2-day, 150 mile bike tour, stretching from the Jersey Shore to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, New York. Maleh did not have to work hard to convince his riding partner to join in the charity effort.

Shamah eagerly agreed. “It’s easy to be an ambassador for such an amazing institution, especially when the organization is such a big part of the accomplishment,” he said.

Together, they set wheels in motion. In just six weeks they collectively recruited 40 riders; with each participant committed to bring in a minimum of $3,600 in sponsorships, the ride raised a whopping $206,000.

The morning of the Bike4Chai tour, Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010, dawned cool and cloudy. “G-d was on our side,” recalled Shamah.

Twenty bikers started their trek in Deal while 20 others began in Lakewood; all 40 participants met up at the 25-mile mark. Shamah said that observing rich scenic views, coupled with the unity that reigned among the men was “therapy for the mind and soul.”

At first, speeds of 20-25 miles per hour were achieved, and Yoel Margolese worried that the riders would hit their markers too early and disturb his carefully planned itinerary. But then, at the 50-mile mark, everything came to a screeching halt. To say that North Jersey is hilly is an understatement. Maleh glanced up from the trail and saw Mount Everest.

“I promised myself never to walk up a mountain; that day I broke my promise,” he said.

Even when Maleh resorted to walking his bike uphill, he caught himself falling backwards. At that point, he realized that the group was in for the hardest ride of their lives. During that particularly difficult climb, as well as every subsequent climb, riders encouraged, coaxed and cajoled each other to continue. They reminded their peers that their aching legs and burning muscles paled in comparison to the pain that the children in Camp Simcha dealt with daily. Encouraged by those motivating words, the riders began to crawl up the steep slope.

Extensive preparations for the two-day event served the bikers well. A vehicle drove at a short distance behind to pick up any lagging riders. EMT professionals rode along to offer medical support—a service that thankfully was not needed. Pre-determined rest stops gave the riders the chance to catch their breath and refuel. Gatorade, gel packs, crackers and peanut butter sandwiches were distributed to replenish stores of energy and electrolytes. In addition, bathroom facilities were also available. At approximately 6 pm that evening, after 10 hours and 100 miles of grueling physical exertion, the weary riders pulled into The Mineral Spa at Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon, NJ, who provided them with plush accommodations. Over good food and good company, they shared a lavish barbecue with all the fixings, watched a stirring video presentation and listened to a heartfelt speech by a grateful Camp Simcha parent. While most were too exhausted to take full advantage of the beautiful facility, some capitalized and enjoyed the spa amenities.

Day two defied description. “You have to experience it to understand it,” insisted Alan.

The ride resumed at 8:30 am the next morning, following a recuperative rest, prayer services and a healthy and hearty breakfast. Together, bikers crossed the final 40 miles, an uphill stretch that pulled into Port Jerves and passed Hawk’s Nest, an incredibly scenic road overlooking the Delaware River. Finally, Camp Simcha was within sight. The cyclists regrouped a mile out and waited to be invited in. Organizers then asked the big-hearted heroes, Maleh and Shamah, to lead the entourage amid sirens and helicopters—fanfare that was warranted and well-appreciated. Forty feet before the finish line, the group encountered dozens of campers in wheelchairs, and inquired about their presence. With excitement, the campers eagerly replied that they wanted to ride in together. Campers and staff members lined the road to greet the riders in an emotionally charged reception. Music blared and there was singing and dancing in the street as the children expressed their thanks with hugs and high-fives. In that moment, all the effort, sweat and tears that were invested into the race were suddenly worthwhile. All those who rode together, cried together with the glaring realization that the dollars and cents that they had worked so hard to collect would be well-spent. Although they had indeed triumphed over challenge, the campers did more for them than they had done for the campers.

It was difficult for reality to resume after experiencing such highs and receiving such a positive response. Still, Maleh and Shamah now shift their sights to this summer’s upcoming Bike4Chai ride scheduled to take place on August 3rd and 4th, 2011. They endeavor to host 100 riders in this year’s tour with the hopes of raising $500,000. Towards this end, they are redesigning the ride to make it more physically feasible for younger and older riders. They now welcome new bikers who may doubt their ability and stamina to handle the full 100 miles to join in just the second day’s 50-mile route, affording them the opportunity to experience the intensity of the grand entrance into Camp Simcha. Maleh promises another unforgettable experience that will deliver exhilarating moments, excruciating moments and tear-jerking moments.

For the second year in a row, cyclists throughout the tri-state area are gearing up to put the pedal to the metal. Do not hesitate to join. This is the time to throw off your training wheels and exercise your power to make a difference. Don’t think you can make the full bike trek? Sponsor a friend, neighbor, acquaintance, or associate instead.

Join today at www.bike4chai.com and answer the call.