Highs & Lows Tour riders raise $65K for mental health awareness

PLYMOUTH — The fourth annual Highs & Lows Tour took place Aug. 9, uniting more than 200 cyclists and countless community members in a show of support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Riders and supporters came together at Plymouth Regional High School to raise $65,000 for National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire — and donations will continue to be accepted for the next two weeks.

The ride’s name, “Highs & Lows,” reflects not only the dynamic terrain of the five routes, but also the emotional peaks and valleys everyone experiences — and the importance of having a strong, connected community to navigate them. The event embodied that spirit, bringing people together to lift each other up in times of challenge and to celebrate victories, both big and small.

“This year’s event set a new high mark for our annual ride,” said Tom Dearborn, co-founder of the Highs & Lows Tour. “From the first riders out on the course to the last raffle ticket sold, the energy and commitment to supporting mental health were palpable.”

The day featured five fully supported cycling routes — from a challenging 100+ mile Century ride to a new 65-mile gravel/mixed-surface course — winding through the Pemi-Baker, Baker River, and Connecticut River Valleys. Riders were supported by SAG vehicles, well-stocked rest stops, and cheering volunteers along the way.

“The overwhelming support from the Highs & Lows Tour community is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Director of Development at NAMI NH Kristen Welch. “This event not only raises critical funds that make our free programs and services possible for over fifty thousand Granite Staters each year, but it also showcases the power of community to break stigma, foster hope, and remind people they are not alone.”

For more information, visit NAMINH.org.