The skies were blue and the rain held off on Memorial Day as over 200 motorcyclists roared into the Park, joining The Highground and their guests to honor those who lost their lives in war or those who lost the war within.
This year’s Honor Ride raised over $8,000. All proceeds will directly support The Highground Veterans programs which includes the Veterans Weekend Retreats, homeless Veterans drives and PTS/PTSD programs for Veterans and families. The funds were raised through generous sponsors, rider registrations, rider donations and a raffle.
With months of preparation, the 2021 routes were planned and led by volunteers: Neillsville – Mark Dawson; Appleton/King/Waupaca/Wisconsin Rapids – Bill Flemal; Richland Center/Tomah – Dominic Anderson; Medford – Dean Hommel; Eau Claire – Wade Hartung; Reedsburg – Del Scanlon; and our newest route from Minocqua – Kenneth Lanie. The routes joined together at the Neillsville American Legion for the traditional parade through Neillsville before heading to The Highground for lunch, provided in part by Thrivent Financial and The Highground volunteers. Many of the riders stayed for the 3pm Memorial Day ceremony and dedication of the USS Frank E. Evans “Lost 74” tribute.
The Highground is tremendously grateful to the riders, volunteers and supporters who were involved with this year’s Honor Ride, and looks forward to seeing everyone in 2022. A special thank you goes out to the Honor Ride sponsors who helped make this event a success: Central Wisconsin Broadcasting WCCN/WPKG; American Legion Post #73 – Neillsville; Marc-On Shooting; Bull Falls Harley-Davidson; Throttle Crue Rc; Scheels; Munson Bridge Winery; Citizens State Bank Of Loyal; Hefko Floral Co.; Marks Made 4 U Furniture And More; Vojtik’s Stockyard Food; Thrivent; ET Foods.
The 12th Annual Honor Ride will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2022. Supporters will be able to join a route, start a new route or ride as an individual. For Veterans who don’t own a bike or have conditions that may limit their ability to ride on their own, there are bikers who would be honored to have them as a passenger for the parade through Neillsville. Contact Bonnie at 715-743-4224 or events@thehighground.us for more information.
For riders who don’t want to wait that long, The Highground’s 21st Annual Ride to Remember is coming up on Saturday, August 21. More information about that ride is available on our Calendar of Events page.