67 MILE BIRKY CHALLENGE!
June 1st, 2024

The 14th annual Birky Challenge bicycle ride will take place on June 1, 2024. The ride is in of honor fallen Police Officer Craig Birkholz, Badge #67. Officer Craig Allen Birkholz was killed in the line of duty on March 20th, 2011. After he was killed officers and citizens from around the area wanted to honor Craig by starting the Birky Challenge bike ride. The ride features a 25, 40, or 67-mile bike ride through the Kettle Moraine area. The name “Birky Challenge” is a reference to workouts Officer Birkholz would challenge other officers to at the Fond du Lac Police Department. Officer Birkholz would use these challenges to inspire greatness in others.

The Birky Challenge originally started in an effort to raise money for a scholarship in honor of Officer Birkholz. We are proud to say that we have fully funded this Scholarship and will be awarding worthy candidates for our lifetime. Due to this good fortune, the Birky Challenge is now being run by the Wisconsin Riders. The Wisconsin Riders is a group of Police Officers and Survivors, who ride bicycles in honor of officers that made the ultimate sacrifice. The Wisconsin Riders not only raise awareness for those officers but raise money for different charitable causes.

The Police Unity Tour is one of the charities which the Wisconsin Riders raise money for. The Police Unity Tour’s motto is “We ride for those who died”. The Police Unity tour raises awareness for officers that died in the line of duty and raises money for the National Law Enforcement Memorial. They do this by organizing a bike ride that starts in areas all around the United States and meets at the memorial in Washington D.C. during Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial is the only memorial in Washington D.C. that continues to add names each year.

Law Enforcement United is a similar charity that raises money for COPS or Concerns of Police Survivors. This organization focuses on those that remain when a loved one is killed in the line of duty. COPS provides support for spouses, family, co-workers, and other loved ones who are dealing with incredible loss. COPS also hosts a kids camp which is held right here in Wisconsin. Children of officers who have died in the line of duty from all across the country come to Wisconsin for a week-long camp. At this camp children are able to meet people who are going through similar experiences and counseling is provided.

If you have any questions about the Birky Challenge. Please send them to [email protected]

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