The Highground Bike Tour Gears Up for Year 39 August 4–6
FOR THE WAUSAU TIMES
Neillsville–On Friday, August 4, The Heroes Ride Bike Tour rides for its 39th year. Bicyclists will saddle up for their three-day ride starting in Hayward, Cottage Grove (WI), Fond du Lac, New Richmond and La Crosse along scenic routes in support of and on their way to The Highground in Neillsville.
This annual event began in 1985 with Tom Miller riding 1,244 miles around Wisconsin to bring recognition to Vietnam Veterans and The Highground—at the time known as the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project. 1,244 represents the number of servicemen and women who were killed in action during the Vietnam War.
The Highground has since grown to include many more Veterans resources. The organization offers social programs and restorative retreats that help Veterans and their families overcome the challenging emotions associated with military service.
As the dedicated bicyclists physically prepare for their three-day tour, they also raise funds to support The Highground. The Heroes Ride is the organization’s largest and longest running fundraiser having raised over $93,000 in 2022.
There are many community and Veterans organizations and businesses that provide each route tasty meals and overnight accommodations along the way. On the morning of August 6, the riders will complete the last leg of their journey to arrive at The Highground around 10:30am.
Everyone rides for different reasons and riding has changed many lives. All the bicyclists and support personnel volunteer for this event demonstrating their support of our Veterans – past, present and future. For their continued generous contributions and support, each participant receives an event t-shirt, recognition for their years of participation and the amount of sponsorship funds they raise followed by a celebratory meal on The Highground plaza and a short ceremony.
The Highground invites supporters to help welcome the riders as they cross the finish line.