Now in its 37th year, the Heroes Ride Annual Bike Tour is the largest single annual fundraiser for The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville. As a key fundraiser, the Heroes Ride proceeds support The Highground’s efforts to provide and improve Veterans programs like the Veterans Weekends Retreats, facilitate homeless Veteran drives, and support PTS/PTSD programs for Veterans and their families.
On Friday morning, July 30, 2021, the Eastern Route, led by Curt and James Braatz, will depart from Appleton at 9am with an overnight stay at the VFW in King after completing 45 miles. When asked why he participates in this event, Curt states “My dad started riding in The Highground ride a year after Tom Miller originally started organizing the ride. I ride to continue my Dad’s legacy. I never served in the military, so this is my way to support our armed forces. Not to mention honor my Dad’s service.“
Bright and early Saturday morning, the group starts the second leg of their ride as they head for Marshfield with a stop in Plover for lunch. The group will stay at the Oak Avenue Community Center for the night, having completed 80 miles and leaving 30 miles to go on Sunday. At 7am on Sunday, the group leaves Marshfield and heads to The Highground with their anticipated arrival around 11:30am.
Once all five routes arrive, they will join together as one, proceeding down the flag-lined entrance to enjoy a light lunch and short ceremony before making their way home. The Highground cordially invites guests to join them in welcoming the groups to the Park.
Besides the fun and camaraderie of a multi-day bicycle event, each registered rider and SAG personnel will receive a 37th Annual Bike Tour t-shirt.
The Highground thanks all the riders who have returned year after year to take part in this amazing event and looks forward to seeing new riders join. Supporters are encouraged to contact the route leader for the route they would like to join this year as soon as possible to make planning easier. Contact details and more are available online at thehighgroundheroesride.com.
General questions can be directed to Bonnie Pettis at 715-743-4224 or by email to events@thehighground.us. Information about upcoming events, current news and more is available online here: thehighground.us/calendar.