Whether it was riding their normal routes or completing routes around their hometowns, the pandemic didn’t stop riders from across Wisconsin as they joined together on Sunday, August 2, to complete the 36th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour.
Three routes began their journey to The Highground Veterans Memorial Park days earlier from several locations throughout Wisconsin. Along the way, the riders collected pledges and donations for their trip from individuals and corporate sponsors. The Western Route, consisting of 36 riders and led by Jerry Simon and Randy Meyer, started in New Richmond. Six riders for the Eastern Route started their ride in Appleton, led by Jim and Curt Braatz. Four riders joined the Southwestern Route out of La Crosse, led by Terri Stott.
Due to limitations for overnight stays and meals along the way, the Northern and Southern Routes decided to complete their rides, equal to the miles of the original route, around their hometowns instead of making the trip to The Highground. Joan Cervenka led some of the riders from the Northern Route out of Hayward. This year, Chris Pettis, Executive Director at The Highground, joined riders from the Northern Route on Friday. Led by Mike and Kathy Gleisner out of Marshfield, Chris completed 45 miles with that group. On Sunday, Chris joined the Western Route in Osseo to complete their last 40 miles to The Highground.
Over $40,000 was raised this year to support The Highground’s continuing mission to Honor, Educate and Heal our Veterans, their families and all who visit. The Highground staff and Board of Directors is grateful for the generosity of this year’s sponsors: American Legion Post 75, American Legion Post 111, Beehive Botanicals, Bell International Labs, Central Wisconsin Broadcasting, Citizens State Bank of Loyal, Falls Meats Services, Fusion Metal Products, JBC Screenprinting & Embroidery LLC, J & L Auto Repair, Lakeside Foods, Lowe Advertising, Luke’s Auto Repair, Marine Corps League 552, Moraine Motel LLC, Navy Club USA Ship 75, New Moon Bike & Ski (Hayward WI), Oshkosh Cyclery Inc., Skyward, Thrivent Financial, VFW Post 10808, VFW Post 1904, and VFW Ringle-Hatley Post 8342.
Check back here for more information about the 37th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour which will be held July 30–August 1, 2021. Event updates and more are available on our Calendar of Events page.