Rep. Blaine Wilhour encourages residents to come out and support these cyclists and a great cause in support of Gold Star Families.
Ride for a reason on a once in a lifetime journey experiencing the challenge of cycling over great distances and at the same time, encounter Gold Star Families and others in the community who share stories of the lives of our Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.
On September 24, 2024 cyclists began a 500-mile bicycle journey, known as the Gold Star 500, through communities like Metropolis, Mt Vernon, Mattoon, Bloomington, Princeton, and Rockford. This is their eighth annual event which works to preserve the legacy and honor of those military service men and service women from Illinois who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of service to this great nation. In addition to the 5 day, 500-mile ride, they have the options for 1-day and 3-day rides. All proceeds go to fund scholarships and our Fallen Hero History Project Videos honoring the lives of our Fallen Military Service Members, thus preserving their legacy forever.
This ride raises funds through event registration, fund raising and generous donations, and uses those funds to carry on the names and the stories of the Fallen Military Service Members. Want a small taste of what it is like to be on the ride, watch this video HERE.
The 2024 route is programmed for an estimated 500 miles.
Ride Day 1 – 24 Sep 24 – Metropolis to Mt Vernon ~101 miles
Ride Day 2 – 25 Sep 24 – Mt Vernon to Matton ~104 miles
Ride Day 3 – 26 Sep 24 – Mattoon to Bloomington ~102 miles
Ride Day 4 – 27 Sep 24 – Bloomington to Princeton ~112 miles
Ride Day 5 – 28 Sep 24 – Princeton to Rockford ~101 miles