NEILLSVILLE TO ASHLAND NO PROBLEM FOR KINGSBURY
Friday, July 31st, 2009 -- 11:03 PM
This is Paul Knoff in Ashland, WI.What a day it's been. We started our journey at 8 a.m. at The Highground Veterans' Memorial Park in Neillsville.
Tom Kingsbury, 56, Loyal, is biking around the state to raise awareness for The Highground and money for the Persian Gulf Veteran's Tribute. He'll make 30 special stops along the 1,500-mile journey.
The first stop came at around 9 a.m. in Loyal. A huge crowd was on hand to cheer him on. Despite its size, Loyal has two Gold Star Families from the Persian Gulf wars. These families have lost loved ones in combat.
Tom then pedaled to Phillips (96 miles). He was slated to pull in at around 2:30 p.m., but got there an hour early! He was flying.
Everyone at the VFW was great and very appreciative of Tom's efforts. Many had been to The Highground and commented on what a special place it is.
Tom then had one last 80-mile push to Ashland. The weather was picture perfect, a bit cool with no strong winds.
Tom, again, arrived nearly an hour early, but the local veterans' groups were able to mobilize quickly for a ceremony at the Ashland County Courthouse.
Tom is doing well. His support team has been doing an excellent job.
He leaves Ashland Saturday at 7 a.m. for a quick 155-mile jaunt to Spooner and Clear Lake.
Follow his progress by clicking here: [url=http://thehighground.org/bicycle-tour/25thAnniversaryBikeRide.html]http://thehighground.org/bicycle-tour/25thAnniversaryBikeRide.html[/url]
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.