Community members encouraged to welcome, support riders
By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
On Friday, Aug. 11, a group of bike riders will stop in Elkhorn when Project Hero passes through. Members of the community are encouraged to welcome and support them.
“We really want to engage the community in welcoming the riders as they come through town. We’re looking for people to be along the route with flags and welcome signs,” Chris Clapper, director of the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, said.
“Since they’ll be making a rest stop at the fairgrounds, we’d also love community members to stop by and visit with them while they’re here,” she added.
Project Hero and the Great Lakes Challenge is a veterans non-profit that uses cycling as therapy and rehabilitation, according to Jamie Lynch, of Project Hero.
Starting on Aug. 7, 150 wounded, ill and injured cyclists will be riding from Minneapolis to Chicago. On Aug. 11, the group will be riding from Madison to Lake Geneva and will make its final rest stop for that day at the new picnic pavilion at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.
“That day the veterans will be riding approximately 80 miles… We always try to rally support from local companies, fire and police departments and community members in the cities we pass through,” Lynch said.
Riders are expected to arrive at the fairgrounds beginning around 1:40 p.m., Aug. 11, and will likely arrive in three groups because riders will include veterans and first responded with different disabilities and skill levels.
Project Hero will be at the fairgrounds for 30 to 90 minutes “for a rest stop with snacks, water and people cheering on the riders,” Lynch said.
The chamber, Rotary Club of Elkhorn and Walworth County Fair are sponsoring the rest stop.
The riders will come into Elkhorn from the north on Highway H, turn right on Edgewood Avenue, left on W. 2nd Avenue, right on N. Broad Street, left on W. Jefferson Street, right on N. Wisconsin Street and left on E. Court Street to the fairgrounds.
When leaving Elkhorn en route to Lake Geneva, riders will turn right on N. Jackson Street, left on E. Centralia Street, right on McKenzie Lane, left on Proctor Drive, left on Koopman Lane and right on Highway H.
Those wishing to donate snacks, such as fruit and granola bars, or drinks, such as water and Gatorade, are asked to call the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce at (262) 723-5788.
“We really hope people will come out and support riders along the route and at the fairgrounds. Let’s show them what a great community Elkhorn is,” Clapper said.
For more information visit projecthero.org.
