On Friday, August 2, the “Awesome Northern Route” bicyclists will pack their support vehicles and leave Hayward 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 for The Highground. The miles Tom rode represent the number of Wisconsin service men and women killed in action (KIA) during the Vietnam War.
A few of the Northern route riders begin their ride on Wednesday, July 31 from the Spencer Kwik Trip and then travel to Hayward where they meet the rest of their group. On Friday, August 2, their morning begins at the Veterans Center off Highway 27. On Sunday morning, August 4, the route begins the last leg of their journey. They will arrive at The Highground between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 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 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 Post 118, American Legion Post 218, American Legion Post 268, American Legion Post 353, American Legion Post 425, Blue Hills Kiwanis, Custom Heating & Cooling, Gross Auto Group-Neillsville, Marshfield Firefighter Association Local 1021, NEI Electric Inc., Our Lady of Sorrows, Teamsters Local Union No. 662, The Sports Den, VFW Post 9464, Bemis-Hunter American Legion Post 379, Bemis-Hunter American Auxiliary Unit 379, and New Moon Ski & Bike.
The Highground is grateful for all returning riders and looks forward to welcoming new riders every year. There is still time to join the ride. For registration and route information, visit thehighgroundheroesride.com. General event questions can be directed to Elizabeth Springer by email at events@thehighground.org or by calling 715-743-4224.
For information about The Highground, event updates and more, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us.
About the Park
The Highground started as the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project in 1984. It has grown to a 155-acre park whose mission is to Honor, Educate and Heal our Veterans, their families and all who visit. The Park includes over a dozen tributes, a museum, gift shop, pavilions, picnic areas and four miles of hiking trails. The private facility, which receives no ongoing federal or state funding, is supported by private donations and grants. The Park is free to the public and open 24/7/365. The Gift Shop and Museum are open daily from 10-5 (winter hours: 10-4). W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us.