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 amazing Gold Star Family members and others in the community as they share stories of the lives of our Illinois Fallen Military Service Members. 

On September 23, 2025 cyclists will begin a 500-mile bicycle journey, known as the Gold Star 500, through communities starting in Springfield, Gibson City, Paris, Flora, Pickneyville, and end in the ride in Litchfield. This is our ninth 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, we are keeping 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, corporate & business sponsors and grants, and generous individual donations. As an all volunteer organization, over 95% of all funds are used 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. https://www.dropbox.com/s/rj415bg4wjnt5z5/gsm%20-%20peoria%20welcome%20%2810.2.19%29.mov?dl=0

Come and join our mission. 

www.goldstarmission.org

If you have specific dietary or nutritional requirements or choices when you ride, we recommend that you bring your own supplies.

Note:  The Gold Star Mission will  provide the routine water, Gatorade/PowerAde drinks, nutrition bars, fruit, and other items to sustain your energy requirements throughout the ride.

22 Sep 25 – Pre-ride orientation and safety meeting. Time: 5PM Location: TBD   *MANDATORY FOR ALL*

Day 1 – 23 Sep 25 - Springfield to Gibson CIty   
Day 2 – 24 Sep 25 – Gibson City to Paris
Day 3 – 25 Sep 25 – Paris to Flora
Day 4 – 26 Sep 25 – Flora to Pickneyville
Day 5 – 27 Sep 25 – Pickneyville to Litchfield

A few rules of engagement on the ride…

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 vehicle 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 finish the ride as a member of the support crews.

Occasionally, due to hills, climbs and rider performance, the riding group may spread out. However, for safety, we will resume our pack riding ASAP. 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.

Each day will include schedule breaks with a few optional short breaks if needed.  We do not like to travel over 25 miles without a break.  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, survivors, distance, conditions, etc.

Details Forthcoming.

Volunteers are needed for all of our events throughout the year. 

Volunteer tasks/teams supporting the Gold Star 500 include:

• Pre ride activities.
• SAG vehicle support teams during the rides
• Rest stop support crews
• Overnight support crews
• Medical support staff (for immediate care and assessment needs in case of accident)
• Lead vehicle DJ
• Final ceremony activities
• and a few other key volunteers TBD

Volunteer tasks/teams supporting the General Logan 200 include:

• Pre ride activities
• SAG vehicle support teams during the rides
• Rest stop support crews
• Medical support staff (for immediate care and assessment needs in case of accident)
• Lead vehicle DJ
• and a few other key volunteers TBD

Volunteers can sign up multiple ways:

• via this website (bike sign up)
• www.goldstarmission.org

If you feel you have something else to offer, you can sign up and communicate that through the registration sites or via email  operations@goldstarmission.org.

General Information 

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. 

The 2025 9th Annual Gold Star 500 is a journey like no other! This fully supported 500+ mile/5-day endurance cycling event across the state honors and preserves the memories of our Fallen Service Members who gave their lives in service of our great nation. In addition to the 5 day, 500-mile ride, we are keeping 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.

The very idea of cycling 500 miles is difficult to comprehend fully, for each day, the riders will average 95-120 miles a day. The ride will be demanding and rewarding. Each day the riders can expect to experience the challenge of cycling over great distances. And at the same time, encounter Gold Star Families and others in the community who knew these Fallen Service Members and hear the stories of their lives. The challenge and sometimes discomfort will pale in comparison to the pain and suffering endured by the service members, the Gold Star families, their teammates, and their community. Our desire for this ride is to convey a message of self-determination, sacrifice, and resolution, representing, to a small degree, the spirit of those honored. The riders will start and finish together riding in peloton fashion. Every year participants and volunteers alike have experienced the challenge and accomplishment of the long distance each day, and the inspiration from the stories of our Fallen Service Members that translates into teamwork, and brotherhood experienced by our Fallen during their service to their nation. You can ask our previous riders, each year is a whole new experience!

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!  
Just like last year, we will maintain the 5-day, 3-day, and 1-day options.

The 1-day option highlights:
- Ride on any day!
- Over 100 miles!
- $150 registration fee.
- Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

Registration Fee

Due to costs associated with the ride, each rider will pay a $150 registration fee before being accepted on the ride. Included with your registration:
- 1 custom Primal Wear jerseys and GS 500 participation medal
- 3 meals each day, snacks and water/Gatorade at each rest stop (every 15-25 miles)
- Illinois State Police escort managing traffic around the peloton and support vehicles
- Overnight accommodations (typically high school gyms)
- Baggage transfer
- Constant ride monitoring by ride captains for safety and encouragement
- SAG/mechanic support
- Lead vehicle providing motivational music all day
- Lasting friendships 
- 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 $150.00 you will be contacted by operations@goldstarmission.org and given a link to order (which is covered in cost) 1 bike jerseys. We will have cycling bibs and wind/rain jackets available for ordering at your own costs.

The 3-day option highlights:
- Ride 23-25 Sep or 25-27 Sep!
- Over 300 miles!
- $300 registration fee.
- Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500

Registration Fee

Due to costs associated with the ride, each rider will pay a $300 registration fee before being accepted on the ride. Included with your registration:
- 1 custom Primal Wear jerseys and GS 500 participation medal
- 3 meals each day, snacks and water/Gatorade at each rest stop (every 15-25 miles)
- Illinois State Police escort managing traffic around the peloton and support vehicles
- Overnight accommodations (typically high school gyms)
- Baggage transfer
- Constant ride monitoring by ride captains for safety and encouragement
- SAG/mechanic support
- Lead vehicle providing motivational music all day
- Lasting friendships 
- 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 $300.00 you will be contacted by operations@goldstarmission.org and given a link to order (which is covered in cost) 1 bike jerseys. We will have cycling bibs and wind/rain jackets available for ordering at your own costs.

The 5-day option highlights:
- Ride 23-27 Sep!
- Over 500 miles!
- $450 registration fee.
- Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/GoldStar500Registration Fee

Registration Fee

Due to costs associated with the ride, each rider will pay a $450 registration fee before being accepted on the ride. Included with your registration:
- 2 custom Primal Wear jerseys and GS 500 participation medal
- 3 meals each day, snacks and water/Gatorade at each rest stop (every 15-25 miles)
- Illinois State Police escort managing traffic around the peloton and support vehicles
- Overnight accommodations (typically high school gyms)
- Baggage transfer
- Constant ride monitoring by ride captains for safety and encouragement.
- SAG/mechanic support
- Lead vehicle providing motivational music all day
- Lasting friendships 
- 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 and wind/rain jackets available for ordering at your own costs.

Schedule

The 2024 route is programmed for an estimated 500 miles.
22 Sep 25 – Pre-ride orientation and safety meeting. Time: 5PM Location: TBD  *MANDATORY FOR ALL*
Ride Day 1 – 23 Sep 25 - Springfield Gibson City  
Ride Day 2 – 24 Sep 25 – Gibson City to Paris 
Ride Day 3 – 25 Sep 25 – Paris to Flora
Ride Day 4 – 26 Sep 25 – Flora to Pickneyville
Ride Day 5 – 27 Sep 25 – Pickneyville to Litchfield

Cyclist participating in the 1-day and 3-day option will be responsible for their own transportation from your home of record to the starting location of the day you are riding. It is preferred that you arrive the night before to get the latest changes and complete your ride prep the night before. You will also be responsible for your return transportation to your home of record.

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, especially in Southern Illinois. 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 Fallen Heroes History Project videos and scholarship program. Each 30-minute video ($3,000) and scholarship ($1,000) honor one of our Illinois Fallen Service Members since 2001. The fundraising can be accomplished through various means including the Gold Star 500 registration website (RunSignUp.com) 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.

Always Remember – Never Forget!

www.goldstarmission.org

WHY TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES

ENCOURAGING AND BUILDING SELFLESS SERVICE

ENLIST PUBLIC SUPPORT OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES

PROVIDE UNIQUE PROGRAMS HONORING THE FALLEN HEROES