Project hero, an organization which supports veterans in their fight against disabilities, and PTSD came through the area as part of the Great Lakes Challenge, which began in the Saint Paul. The group stopped in Goodhue, Bellechester, Zumbrota, Pine Island before ending their 66.7 mile day in Rochester on August 22.
Their stop in Goodhue was sponsored by the Goodhue Lions, and the Bellechester American Legion. The stop in Bellechester was sponsored by the Bellechester Community Center and the Bellechester American Legion. The hero Project was escorted into Goodhue by the Goodhue County Sheriffs Office, the Goodhue Fire Department and the Bellechester American Legion. With the excruciating heat and humidity, the air conditioned layovers at the Lions building and Bellechester Community Center were much appreciated. While there, the group enjoyed a water and Coca-Cola, break while eating homemade brownies, desserts and pickles. Desserts were provided by women of the BCCA and Bellechester American Legion.
From Bellechester the group stopped at the Zumbrota VFW for lunch before continuing to Pine Island. In Pine Island the Project Hero bicyclists rode into town at approximately 2pm. They were welcomed to town by spectators lining the street. They were grateful for a water spray by the Ojne Island Fire Department. They stopped at the Pine Island Legion for a 30 minute break and were presented with a check for $3,500 from the June fundraiser with the PI Fire department. Following this stop they proceeded on to Rochester where they stayed overnight before continuing their trek to LaCrosse the next day. Their six day ride ended in Madison, Wisconsin. The group carried a US flag with them in memoriam of the fallen.
