41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls on in Hayward Aug. 1

On Friday, August 1, cyclists with the “Awesome Northern Route” will load their support vehicles and begin a threeday journey as part of the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour.

This powerful tradition began in 1985 when Tom Miller rode 1,244 miles across Wisconsin—each mile representing a Wisconsin service member who lost their life in the Vietnam War. His mission was to raise awareness, honor Vietnam Veterans, and support the founding of The Highground. Today, the event lives on as the annual Heroes Ride.

A few of the Northern Route riders will kick off early, departing from the Spencer Kwik Trip on Wednesday, July 30 and pedaling to Hayward to join the rest of the group. The full team officially starts their ride on Friday morning from the Veterans Center off Highway 27. Their final stretch begins Sunday, August 3, and they are expected to arrive at The Highground between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. There they will be welcomed by Vietnam Veterans and guests attending the 2025 Vietnam Veterans Reunion.

This ride is far from a casual weekend outing. Riders spend months training, preparing, and rallying support to tackle two to three days of physical challenges— blisters, sore muscles, sun and windburn, chafing, and unpredictable Wisconsin weather. The welcome they receive at The Highground is powerful— the heartbeat behind a mission that has inspired healing and remembrance for over four decades. Riders gather for the “Heroes Family” meal and a brief ceremony before heading home. It is, without question, one of the humblest yet meaningful events of the year.

The Heroes Ride is The Highground’s largest and longest-running fundraiser, generating over $74,700 in 2024. Proceeds from this incredible event fuel life-changing veteran programs and help The Highground with operating expenses.

The Highground proudly welcomes returning riders and eagerly invites new participants each year. There's still time to get involved— joining the Northern Route empowers a legacy of honor, education and healing for veterans and their families.

Visit thehighgroundheroesride.com today. For information about upcoming events and more, visit their website or follow them on Facebook at Facebook. com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial. The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground. us.