PLYMOUTH — A bike ride through the picturesque landscape of New Hampshire is doing more than just offering a physical challenge; it’s providing a platform for mental health awareness and support. The Highs & Lows Tour, now in its third year, combines the enjoyment of cycling with a mission to improve mental health resources and reduce stigma.
Founded in 2022 by a group from Plymouth Regional High School, the Highs & Lows Tour aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention, while also generating funds for NAMI NH and fostering a supportive community. This year’s event is set to kick off in Holderness on Saturday, August 10.
The idea for the tour originated with Tom Dearborn, who was inspired by the increased focus on mental health during the pandemic. “During the pandemic, mental health concerns became more visible,” Dearborn said. “I proposed the idea of using cycling to address these issues, and the response was overwhelmingly supportive.”
Dearborn’s initial vision for a three-day, 300-mile ride around the state evolved into a more manageable one-day event after the first year’s success. The 2022 “beta test” of the ride attracted 40 participants for a 100-mile route. Building on this, the 2023 event offered three distance options and drew 120 cyclists. This year, Dearborn hopes to double that number.
The 2024 Highs & Lows Tour features four route options, accommodating cyclists of varying skill levels. The distances include a 26-mile route with 1,325 feet of elevation gain, a 44-mile ride with 1,991 feet of gain, a 65-mile “metric century” with 3,493 feet of gain, and a challenging 108-mile route with 5,373 feet of elevation. Each route will be supported by ride captains and support vehicles providing necessary assistance.
In addition to the cycling routes, the Holderness School campus will offer a range of activities, including a climbing wall, bounce house, lawn games, food trucks, live music, and raffles. Representatives from mental health services will be present to provide information and support.
For many participants, the ride is more than just a physical challenge; it represents a personal journey. Rob Cass, a Virginia resident and longtime friend of Dearborn, shared his personal connection to the event. “In 1977, my mother committed suicide,” Cass revealed. “For me, cycling has been a form of healing. This ride has provided a space to connect with my pain and find joy in the process of healing.”
Cass’s experience highlights the event’s impact on individuals and communities, fostering connections and supporting mental health advocacy. Patricia Marsden, another founder of the tour, expressed hopes for its broader impact: “Our goal is to support NAMI NH and increase community participation, ultimately reducing stigma and improving mental health care in New Hampshire.”
The Highs & Lows Tour continues to inspire and unite people, proving that cycling can be a powerful tool for mental health awareness and community support.
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