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 Saturday morning, July 31, 2021,Terri Stott will begin her journey as the Southwestern Route for the third year. Departing from La Crosse, she will travel through Sparta and Black River Falls, where Terri and her family will stay the night. When asked why she participates in this event, Terri states “Married to a Marine, I have a special place in my heart for our military. My husband is also a Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (’03/’04) and so The Highground has become a place of both remembrance and healing. I learned about the Bike Tour in 2017 and have biked a self-contained route from La Crosse (as a solo rider) for the past two years. It is the reality of what we are biking for that keeps me going and it is the reason I’ve agreed to take the next step and become a route leader.”

The Southwestern Route will leave Black River Falls on Sunday morning and travel the last 32 miles to The Highground, arriving around 11:30am. Terri’s route will join the other four routes and together they will proceed 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. It’s not too late to participate. 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.