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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 Hayward Legion will host a breakfast for the Northern Route, getting them ready for their 170 mile journey. At 8:30am, the group, led by Mike and Kathy Gleisner, will start their tour from the Veterans Center just off Highway 27. Friday’s ride takes them through Couderay for lunch, hosted by the American Legion Lorretta/Draper Post #394. Then it’s off to Ladysmith, with 70 miles done for the day, for an overnight stay at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. The Bruce American Legion Post #268 and the Bruce Kiwanis Club provide supper and breakfast, respectively.

At 8am on Saturday morning, the riders leave for Thorp via Cornell where VFW Post #9464 will provide them with lunch. After completing 65 miles for the day, the Thorp American Legion Post #118 will provide dinner, breakfast and a place to lay their heads for the night.

Bright and early Sunday morning, the group heads out for the last 35 miles, reaching The Highground 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 here: thehighground.us/calendar.