At Cyber Advisors, we believe that giving back isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a core part of who we are. Through our Cyber Day of Service program, employees are encouraged to take a paid day off to volunteer with organizations that matter to them. Whether it’s a local nonprofit, a school event, or a cause close to the heart, we want our team to feel empowered to make a difference.
The Highground is a unique veterans memorial park dedicated to honoring those who have served while also supporting important programs, including veteran suicide prevention initiatives. The park operates entirely through fundraising and community support, making events like the Highground Heroes Ride essential to its mission.
For Mike, the ride was both a personal challenge and a meaningful way to give back.
The three-day event covers approximately 158 miles, with cyclists starting from several locations throughout Wisconsin before converging at The Highground. Along the way, riders are supported by volunteer crews, rest stops, and fellow participants united by a common purpose.
Although Mike spent nearly a decade cycling and competing in triathlons, he stepped away from the sport for several years. When he decided it was time to focus on his fitness again, the Heroes Ride gave him the motivation he needed to get back in the saddle.
"If I don't have something on the calendar, I'll put it off," Mike said. "This ride meant something to me, and it was the perfect reason to get back on the bike."
Mike first discovered the event through a local cycling club, where fellow riders, including several veterans, encouraged him to participate. Since then, he has completed the ride five times, raising awareness and funds through social media, email outreach, and word-of-mouth support from friends and family.
While the miles, weather, and physical challenge are significant parts of the experience, Mike says the most meaningful moment comes at the finish line.
As riders enter The Highground, they are greeted by cheering supporters, ringing bells, and veterans whose lives have been touched by the organization's mission.
"I've never served myself," Mike shared. "Being a Type 1 diabetic since I was two years old, military service was never an option for me. This is my way of trying to give back to those who have served."
He recalled seeing veterans overcome with emotion as the riders arrive, a powerful reminder of why the event matters.
This year's ride also highlighted the strong sense of community that surrounds the event. Mike was inspired by a fellow rider's 21-year-old granddaughter, who joined the ride to support her grandfather and completed all three days despite not being a regular cyclist.
From riding through rainstorms on Friday to battling summer heat on Saturday, participants pushed through changing conditions together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Mike's story is a wonderful example of what the Cyber Day of Service program is all about: using our time and talents to support causes we care about while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Thank you, Mike, for representing Cyber Advisors and for your dedication to supporting veterans and the important work of The Highground.
To learn more about The Highground and the Highground Heroes Ride, visit their website and explore opportunities to donate, volunteer, or participate in future events.