The Highground Veterans Memorial’s Heroes Ride Bike Tour

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 -- 11:01 AM

On August 1, 2025, the longtime Northern, Western, Eastern and Southwestern routes will again begin their annual bicycle ride toward The Highground.

Three of the routes will embark on a three-day journey, each covering an average of 60 miles per day, with the fourth route tackling a two-day ride, a true testament to the riders’ determination, preparation and resilience.

This cherished tradition continues to honor Wisconsin’s fallen while uniting generations of veterans and supporters in a shared mission. “Saddle up…and Move ‘Em Out” was the rallying cry in 1986 as the second Annual Veterans Memorial Bike-A-Thon hit the road, continuing a legacy born of honor and remembrance.

It began the year prior when Vietnam Veteran Tom Miller pedaled 1,244 miles across Wisconsin, each mile a tribute to one of the 1,244 Wisconsin men and women killed in action during the Vietnam War.

His mission: to bring visibility to the newly formed nonprofit, the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project (WVVMP), and to build a lasting tribute to his fallen comrades.

From those early miles sprang a movement. What began as a solo journey has evolved into The Highground Heroes Ride Bike Tour, a multi-day, multi-route ride bringing together veterans, families and grateful citizens.

This annual event continues to serve not only as a fundraiser for The Highground but also as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice that shaped our history.

This ride has become a bridge between generations: older veterans pass the torch to the next, with riders as young as 10 taking on the full three-day, 170-mile journey.

The tour has welcomed new faces, celebrated long-time participants, and sadly said goodbye to some who have passed on, each memory woven into the legacy of the ride. 

This isn’t a one-day, six-hour event. It’s the result of months of preparation and personal sacrifice. Riders endure blisters, sore muscles, fatigue, sunburn, windburn, chaffing, and, true to Wisconsin, the unpredictable elements.

And yet, when they roll into the Park on Sunday, August 3, they will be welcomed by Vietnam veterans and guests of the annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion.

“Seeing the two events come together last year was truly inspiring, the bicyclists expressing gratitude to the veterans for their service, and the veterans in turn thanking the riders for their unwavering support,” shares Chris Pettis, executive director of The Highground.

The Highground extends its deepest gratitude to all returning riders and looks forward to welcoming new participants each year. The Highground also thanks its generous sponsors and is preparing to receive these unsung heroes with the welcome they richly deserve.

It’s not too late to join this year’s ride. Interested supporters are encouraged to reach out to the route leader nearest them as soon as possible. The call goes out: Vietnam Veterans, please RSVP for the Vietnam Reunion.

Guests, join us in honoring these riders. Show your appreciation as we rally together in support of The Highground’s mission.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.