Gold Star Mission 500

2023 Gold Star 500

General Information The 2023 Gold Star 500 is an endurance cycling event which honors the service and sacrifice of service members and servicewomen who gave their lives in service in honor of our great nation. The very idea of cycling 500 miles is difficult to comprehend fully, for each day, the riders will average 90-125 miles a day. The ride will be difficult and arduous. Each day the riders can expect to experience the extreme discomfort of cycling over great distances. However, this discomfort will be a reminder of the pain and suffering endured by the service members, the Gold Star families, their teammates, and their community. The rider’s pain will pale in comparison to the unimaginable pain felt by those who knew these Soldiers and Airman. However, our desire is for this ride to convey a message of self-determination, sacrifice, and resolution, representing, to a small degree, the spirit of those honored. The riders will start together, the riders will finish together, and the riders will experience pain and joy together, thus exemplifying the military mentality of teamwork. Registration Fee Due to costs associated with the ride, each rider will pay a $450 registration fee before being accepted on the ride. With a paid registration, each rider will receive free provided lodging each night in a National Guard Armory, transportation for bags between overnight locations, three meals daily, rest stop nourishment, 2 rider jerseys, and a GS 500 participation medal (new for this year). The registration fee also covers the registration website transaction fee and other minor costs associated with the ride. Once you have completed the registration and paid the $450.00 you will be contacted by operations@goldstarmission.org and given a link to order (which is covered in cost) 2 bike jerseys. We will have cycling bibs available for ordering at your own costs. Schedule The 2023 route is programmed for an estimated 500 miles. 18 Sep 23 – Pre-ride orientation and safety meeting in Springfield. Time: TBD *MANDATORY ATTENDANCE* Ride Day 1 – 19 Sep 23 - Springfield to Litchfield ~99 miles Ride Day 2 – 20 Sep 23 - Litchfield to Sparta ~104 miles Ride Day 3 – 21 Sep 23 – Sparta to Harrisburg ~108 miles Ride Day 4 – 22 Sep 23 – Harrisburg to Effingham ~109 miles Ride Day 5 – 23 Sep 23 – We will finish in Springfield ~90 miles Each day will include schedule breaks every 15-25 miles. At each break, riders will have an opportunity to refill bottles and stock up on nourishment. They will also be briefed on any upcoming destinations, including the expected route, distance, conditions, etc. All riders should plan to have your bikes serviced prior to arriving to participate in the ride. There will be minimal maintenance support on the road during the ride. We will coordinate with local bike shops for any additional needed support. Any expenses from this additional service (parts and above normal labor costs) will be the negotiated and paid in full by the rider. Regular training before the event is highly encouraged. Though Illinois is a fairly flat state, elevation change is inevitable. Due to hills, climbs and rider performance, the riding group may spread out at times. However, for safety, we will regroup our peloton riding as soon as possible. For the safety of the group, riders who break away from the group, either faster or slower, will be asked to adjust their riding or ride in the support truck. Riders who cannot keep up with the pace and who begin to slow the pack will, out of respect for the group’s schedule, take a break from riding and get in a support truck until they are ready to rejoin the group at the group’s pace. Riders must be physically capable of completing the ride and riding in challenging conditions (hills, wind, rain, and heat). Due to safety concerns, riders who need repeated assistance from other riders will not be allowed to continue the ride. Fundraising This is a charity ride. Each rider is always encouraged to make the effort to raise donations to support our scholarship program. Each individual scholarship ($1,000) issued is named in honor of an Illinois Fallen Service Members since 2001. This can be accomplished through various means including the Gold Star 500 registration website (BikeSignUp) donation tools, Gold Star Mission website Donate Page, Facebook fundraising (rider will be expected to provide proof of Facebook fundraising efforts), and cash donations collected and turned into GSM. www.goldstarmission.org

2023 Virtual Gold Star 200

2023 Virtual Gold Star 500

General Information Our 2023 virtual ride conducted throughout September is redesigned to allow riders to participate and be involved with the 500 remotely. The 2023 Virtual Gold Star 500 ride takes into account those who cannot be physically present during the main event. This gives you a chance to complete the 500 miles at your own pace during the month, while being connected to the 5-day 500 mile riders. Most importantly, they are another cycling event that honors the service and sacrifice of service members and servicewomen who gave their lives in service in honor of our great nation. The virtual ride provides riders the opportunity to accomplish either 200 or 500 miles at a more relaxed pace, but still requires some effort to accomplish the overall distance of 500 miles over the span of June. The virtual options still reflect our desire to convey a message of self-determination, sacrifice, and resolution, representing, to a small degree, the spirit of those honored. You will be able to ride on your own, or ride with friends to accomplish the miles together also exemplifying the military mentality of accomplishing the mission through teamwork. We have removed the “competition” aspect of the virtual ride this year and will instead issue a specially designed t-shirt for registering and a medal for those who complete and log their goal of 200 and 500 miles. Registration costs. Cost to register for the Virtual Ride is $60. The registration fee covers the costs of the registration website transaction fee, purchasing and shipping costs for the rider medal and t-shirt, and other minor costs associated with advertising the ride. Each registered rider completing their respective goal will receive a specially designed medal for our virtual events that will bear unique Gold Star Mission markings and our tribute slogan of Always Remember – Never Forget! Schedule Registered riders will participate on their own time throughout the month of September. Services There are no services associated with the Virtual Ride this year. Training/Logging miles Accomplishing and tracking the mileage? You can utilize your own routes and trails to accumulate the mileage. The required method of tracking miles this year will be via the registration website “Results” option. Each rider will be required to log their miles into the Results link on the registration website. This will serve as the record of completing your 200 or 500 mile goal and determine if you will receive the respective medal. All participants will receive the respective t-shirt. We also recommend that riders utilize the STRAVA app to record their mileage. The Gold Star Mission has established our own club on STRAVA called the Gold Star Mission Club, located in Springfield, IL. You can join the club and sync your bike computer or phone app to STRAVA. In your STRAVA account profile, you will have to select that your mileage be shared to the club. Once selected the mileage will automatically be recorded to the club. This also serves as a motivator when comparing your distances with other Gold Star Mission riders. Safety Riders will adhere to all local, state and federal laws and guidelines that apply to their area just as they would on a non-virtual event ride. Please adhere to all safety precautions that you would normally utilize to ensure the safest experience supporting our Fallen Service Members. We always recommend that you wear a helmet when riding. Scholarship Donations This is a charity ride. Each rider is always encouraged to make the effort to raise donations to support our scholarship program. Each individual scholarship ($1,000) issued is named in honor of an Illinois Fallen Service Members since 2001. This can be accomplished through various means including the Gold Star 500 registration website (BikeSignUp) donation tools, Gold Star Mission website Donate Page, Facebook fundraising (rider will be expected to provide proof of Facebook fundraising efforts), and cash donations collected and turned into GSM.

2023 General Logan 200

General Information and Registration costs: The 2023 General Logan 200 is an extreme endurance cycling event which not only honors the service and sacrifice of service members and servicewomen who gave their lives in service of our great nation, but also recognizes Illinoisian, General John A. Logan. Named in honor of General John A. Logan, the ride pays homage to the Murphysboro native whose General Order No. 11, called for a national day of remembrance for the Civil War casualties, which is the basis for what is now celebrated as a national holiday on Memorial Day. Additionally, all proceeds go to support building the Gold Star Families Memorial monument in Springfield, IL. The ride traverses a 200+ mile route from the General Logan Museum in Murphysboro, IL to Springfield, IL. Riders begin their journey at midnight and successfully ride into Springfield less than eighteen hours later. As the riders navigate through the southern portion of the state, they stop in multiple communities and spread the word and mission of the organization. In addition to sharing, at every rest stop the riders pause to honor the Fallen Service Members from that area. The ride culminates at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield where the Woody Williams Foundation is supporting the establishment of a Gold Star Families Memorial monument. Schedule July 8, 2022 – Assemble in Springfield and ride to Murphysboro. Prepare for departure. July 9, 2022 – Ride from Murphysboro to Springfield. Services Throughout the day you will have scheduled breaks every 15-25 miles. At each break, riders will have an opportunity to refill bottles and stock up on nourishment. They will also be briefed on any upcoming destinations, including the expected route, distance, conditions, etc. Training Due to the distance of this ride, it is imperative that you train and are prepared to ride the entire distance. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of our Virtual 200 and 500 ride during the month of June. Set your goal for 500 miles and that will help you prepare for the General Logan 200. Safety Riders who cannot keep up with the pace and who begin to slow the pack will, out of respect for the group’s schedule, take a break from riding and get in a support truck until they are ready to rejoin the group at the group’s pace. Riders must be physically capable of completing the ride and riding in challenging conditions (hills, wind, rain, and heat). Due to safety concerns, riders who need repeated assistance from other riders will not be allowed to continue the ride. Occasionally, due to hills, climbs and rider performance, the riding group may spread out. However, for safety, we will resume our pack riding as soon as possible. For the safety of the group, riders who break away from the group, either faster or slower, will be asked to adjust their riding or will ride in the support truck. Registration Costs Due to costs associated with the ride, each rider will pay a $200 registration fee before being accepted on the ride. The fee will cover all costs associated with fuel costs for each support vehicles, food costs for meals including rest stop nourishment, registration website transaction fee, and other minor costs associated with the ride. This is a charity ride. Each rider is always encouraged to make the effort to raise donations that also go towards the Gold Star Family Monument. This can be accomplished through various means including the General Logan 200 registration website (BikeSignUp) donation tools, Gold Star Mission website Donate Page, Facebook fundraising (rider will be expected to provide proof of Facebook fundraising efforts), and cash donations collected and turned into GSM.

2023 Gold Star 500 Volunteer

To support the Gold Star 500 ride, we need close to 30 volunteers. This is a charity ride. Our support volunteer members are also encouraged to raise donations ($400-500 is a great goal) as well using all the same methods as the riders. This can be accomplished through various means including the Gold Star 500 registration website (BikeSignUp) donation tools, Gold Star Mission website Donate Page, Facebook fundraising (rider will be expected to provide proof of Facebook fundraising efforts), and cash donations collected and turned into GSM. Volunteers can sign up to support: Pre-ride activities in Springfield, during the ride on the rest stop crews, or at the final ceremony activities in Great Lakes Naval Station. If you feel you have something else to offer, you can sign up and communicate that through the registration sites or via email. A Volunteer coordinator will contact all volunteers once they are signed up to provide more details via email or phone. Volunteer coordinator email: volunteer@goldstarmission.org www.goldstarmission.org

General Logan 200 Volunteer

To support the Gold Star 200 ride, we need close to 10 volunteers. This is a charity ride. Our support volunteer members are also encouraged to raise donations ($400-500 is a great goal) as well using all the same methods as the riders. This can be accomplished through various means including the Gold Star 200 registration website (BikeSignUp) donation tools, Gold Star Mission website Donate Page, Facebook fundraising (rider will be expected to provide proof of Facebook fundraising efforts), and cash donations collected and turned into GSM. Volunteers can sign up to support: Pre-ride activities in Decatur, during the ride on the rest stop crews, or at the final ceremony activities in Springfield. If you feel you have something else to offer, you can sign up and communicate that through the registration sites or via email. A Volunteer coordinator will contact all volunteers once they are signed up to provide more details via email or phone. Volunteer coordinator email: volunteer@goldstarmission.org www.goldstarmission.org

GS 500 3-day/300 mile Ride (19-21 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! You can now ride 19-21 September 2023. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 3-day option highlights: - Tuesday thru Thursday (19-21 September). - Right over 300 miles! - $300 registration fee. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 3-day/300 mile Ride (21-23 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! You can now ride 21-23 September 2023. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 3-day option highlights: - Tuesday thru Thursday (21-23 September). - Right over 300 miles! - $300 registration fee. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 1-Day/100 Mile Ride (19 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! We are offering limited 1-day spots. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 1-day option highlights: - Tuesday (19 September). - Right under 100 miles! - $150 registration fee. -Transportation is the rider's responsibility. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 1-Day/100 Mile Ride (23 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! We are offering limited 1-day spots. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 1-day option highlights: - Saturday (23 September). - ~90 miles - $150 registration fee. -Transportation is the rider's responsibility. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 1-Day/100 Mile Ride (20 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! We are offering limited 1-day spots. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 1-day option highlights: - Wednesday (20 September). - Right over 100 miles! - $150 registration fee. -Transportation is the rider's responsibility. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 1-Day/100 Mile Ride (21 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! We are offering limited 1-day spots. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 1-day option highlights: - Thursday (21 September). - Right over 100 miles! - $150 registration fee. -Transportation is the rider's responsibility. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

GS 500 1-Day/100 Mile Ride (22 Sep)

Due to positive feedback! We are offering limited 1-day spots. We have truly been blessed to have 34-40 riders annually participate over the years of the Gold Star 500! The GS500 is our premier event, with many communities involved and thus raising a tremendous amount of awareness for our Fallen Heroes! We understand, however, that not all can take five days off from work to do the full GS 500. This is great alternative, and still will provide plenty of challenge. The 1-day option highlights: - Friday (22 September). - Right over 100 miles! - $150 registration fee. -Transportation is the rider's responsibility. - Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500