Posted on 01/20/16
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 20, 2015 - On July 7th, 2014, I biked 72 miles, the most difficult distance I’ve ever traveled. Those 72 miles were miles of determination and perseverance, and miles of hope and joy. I biked to raise money for an organization we’ve all heard of, Chai Lifeline. Chai Lifeline is an incredible organization that provides assistance to children and families struggling with illness. They go above and beyond to make sure the entire family is cared for; from basic assistance such as meals, rides, and respite volunteers to family retreats, and everything in between. Chai Lifeline also has a summer camp, Camp Simcha, for children who are battling cancer or other long-term illnesses.
A friend of mine worked in Camp Simcha, and hearing her speak about it inspired me to get involved. I found out about Tour de Simcha, an all-ladies’ bike ride, where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to bike and raise funds for a cause they all believe in. Tour de Simcha is a 72-mile bike ride beginning in New Jersey and ending at Camp Simcha, “The World’s Greatest Finish Line,” in Glen Spey, New York. I’ve always wanted to make a difference, and I knew that Tour de Simcha was my chance to do something great, not just for myself but for other kids who, unlike me, cannot attend just any summer camp.
After months of rigorous training, the big day arrives. I reach the hotel that the ride starts from with my friend and discover that we are the youngest riders by far. No one seems to mind; in fact they are inspired by our resilience and dedication to the cause. Both bikes and bikers are carefully prepared by Tour de Simcha’s professional biking team. We are treated to a delicious party the night before and a quick power breakfast when morning arrives. Every rider receives GPS trackers…and then we’re off!
Adrenaline is pumping, the cool morning air is refreshing, and the excitement is tangible. The roads are marked with easy-to-follow directions. Every 12 miles there is a fully stocked rest stop, giving us the opportunity to take a short break and recharge. As the hills increase, the temperature rises, but we aren’t ready to stop. The knowledge that we will soon be united with the special campers keeps us going.
Along the route, support vehicles whiz by, ready to provide assistance for any rider in need. Tour de Simcha volunteers cheer us on. A mile before camp, the riders regroup to bike into camp together. We are tired, sweaty, and wiped out, but we’ve done it.
As we finish the last stretch, the sound of music gets louder, and then we see the entire camp assembled to greet us. Everyone’s cheering, singing, and dancing; the simcha is tangible. The campers proudly present their camp song, and each biker is given a well-deserved medal.
When I participated in Tour de Simcha, the staff was there to guide me every step of the way. They do their utmost to make it a pleasant experience for each rider. Since the goal is to raise funds for Chai Lifeline, there is a $2,500 fundraising commitment. This number may seem daunting, but once you ask friends and family to support you, you’ll see that people want to give to such a worthy cause. The Tour de Simcha staff makes this manageable by sending you personalized business cards to hand out, and they even have a pamphlet with tips on fundraising. Since I was in ninth grade at the time, I didn’t have business contacts, but I did have family and friends who cared, and they were the ones who helped me get to that finish line.
To physically prepare for the ride, I attended cycling classes at the JCC, and when the weather got warmer, I trained with the other women from Baltimore. We biked way out in Owings Mills where it’s hilly. The rides energized me and affected my whole day. We were lucky that we had such great biking roads; it made the tough hills on the actual ride seem like we were just going out for a regular ride.
Anyone can do Tour de Simcha. For those who want a shorter option, there are shorter rides available, in addition to the 72-mile version. Tour de Simcha is a great motivation to exercise more, and there is no greater feeling of accomplishment than riding into Camp Simcha and seeing the look of gratitude on the campers’ faces. I personally gained so much from this experience, and I am looking forward to riding again this year. Our goal is to continue the growth of Team Baltimore, so if you are interested in the experience of a lifetime, sign up today!
For more information, please visit http://www.chailifeline.org/events/letourdesimcha/, or contact Tova Ambush at tovato613@gmail.com