Western Route of The Highground's Heroes Ride Bike Tour Leaves August 4th
Saturday, July 13th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM
On Friday, August 4, the Western Route bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave New Richmond to begin their three-day journey to The Highground for the 40th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour.
This event started in 1985 with Tom Miller biking 1,244 miles across Wisconsin to bring awareness and recognition to Vietnam veterans and to raise funds to lay the foundation of The Highground.
The miles Tom rode represent the number of Wisconsin service men and women killed in action (KIA) during the Vietnam War. Some of the riders can’t start the same day or they cannot do the entire three days.
They meet up with their route when and where they can to participate for a worthy cause. Lunches and snacks are provided by veterans groups or donated by local businesses. Early Sunday morning, August 4, the route begins their last trek to The Highground.
They will arrive at the Highground between 10:30 and 11:30am to be greeted by supporters as well as Vietnam veterans and guests who will be attending the Vietnam Reunion that day. This isn’t a one-day, six-hour event.
The riders spend months preparing, training and gathering their sponsors to endure the 2-3 days of blisters, sore muscles, fatigue, sunburn, windburn, chaffing, and of course the Wisconsin weather.
They arrive at The Highground on that first Sunday of August, quietly, with only their fellow riders welcoming them. They gather on the plaza for the “Heroes Family” meal, and they welcome the short ceremony that follows, allowing them the time to return home and rest before tackling their work week.
It is, without a doubt, the most understated event of the year. To help make the 40th year of the Heroes Ride Bike Tour an unforgettable experience, The Highground designed this year’s event t-shirts with the original event logo from 39 years ago.
Riders also have the option to purchase the 40th Anniversary bicycle jersey with the same design. The Heroes Ride is The Highground’s largest and longest running fundraiser, raising over $95,000 in 2023.
The ride has helped the organization confidently continue its focus on veterans programs that offer social groups and restorative retreats to veterans and their families to help them overcome the challenging emotions associated with military service.
The Highground extends a special thank you to the following supporters:
- American Legion Auxiliary Unit 301,
- American Legion Post 301,
- Benck Mechanical Inc.,
- Bernards Northtown Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram,
- Deer’s Bar,
- Gibby’s Lanes,
- J&L Auto Service,
- Ready Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill,
- VFW Post 1039,
- VFW Post 305,
- VFW Post 6550,
- VFW Post 8514,
- Beehive Botanicals,
- Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC & Winery,
- Kwik Trip Inc.,
- And Lowe Advertising.
The Highground is grateful for all returning riders and looks forward to welcoming new riders every year. There is still time to join a route near you. For registration and route information, visit thehighgroundheroesride.com.
General event questions can be directed to Elizabeth Springer by email to [email protected] or by calling 715-743-4224. For information about The Highground, event updates and more, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.