On Friday, August 5, as others may be wondering what they’re doing for the weekend, over 110 bicyclists from Wisconsin and beyond the border, including many Veterans, will join one of five scenic routes for the three-day, 800 plus mile Heroes Ride Bike Tour with three things in common: their love of riding bicycles, their support for our Veterans and their love of The Highground. This incredible event started in 1985 when Tom Miller biked 1,244 miles across Wisconsin to bring awareness and recognition to Vietnam Veterans and to raise funds for the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial—now known as The Highground. Tom rode 1,244 miles which represents the number of service men and women killed in action during the Vietnam War.
During the three-day tour, riders receive support, tasty meals and a safe place to lay their heads overnight from many community and Veterans organizations along their routes. On the morning of August 7, riders complete the last leg of their journey to arrive at The Highground around 10:30am. Every rider volunteered for this event, taking time off from work, away from family events and more to show their patriotism. The Highground staff and all the riders are thankful for the event and route sponsors: Stache Bike & Adventure–Eau Claire, Riverside Bike & Skate Shop–Eau Claire, Asher Lasting Exteriors–Eau Claire, C & W Med Rides LLC–Fort Atkinson, TVL Trucking Inc.–Whitewater, Dennis Fischer Trucking LLC–Jefferson, Our Lady of Sorrows–Ladysmith, Blue Hills Kiwanis–Bruce, VFW Post #9464–Cornell, Marshfield Police Association, American Legion Post #75–Fond du Lac, American Legion Post #218–Hayward, American Legion Post #425–Exeland, American Legion Post #268–Bruce, American Legion Post #353–Holcombe, American Legion Post #118–Thorp, J & L Auto Repair–Menomonie, Luk’s Auto Repair–Menomonie, Lowe Advertising–New Richmond, Kwik Trip, Church Electric, LLC–Fort Atkinson, Epic Real Estate–Fort Atkinson, Fort Health Care–Fort Atkinson, Marine Corps League Detachment 552–Fond du Lac, Munson, Inc.–Glendale, Next Home Success–Fort Atkinson, Riverstone Restaurant–Fort Atkinson and many more.
In its 38th year, the Heroes Ride is The Highground’s largest and longest running fundraiser. The event helps the organization to confidently continue its focus on programming for Veterans and families as well as provide education for visitors to better understand the tremendous sacrifices each and every service member has made. The Highground Veterans Retreats, Family PTS Support Group, Veterans Reunions and PTSD Book Program are known to relieve burdens and soften memories for many Veterans, their families and their friends.
For their continued generous contributions and support, each registered rider and SAG personnel receives an event t-shirt, recognition for their years of participation and sponsorship funds raised followed by a celebratory meal on the plaza and a short ceremony. Please join The Highground along the flag-lined road to help welcome our riders and support personnel as they cross the finish line.
The Highground is grateful for all returning riders and looks forward to welcoming new riders every year. There is still time to join the ride this year. Supporters who would like to participate are encouraged to contact the route leader for the route closest to them as soon as possible. All routes and contact details are available online at thehighgroundheroesride.com.
General event questions can be sent to Bonnie Pettis at events@thehighground.us or by calling 715-743-4224. Check out our website Calendar of Events for upcoming event dates, news and more.