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Page 22 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM November 2025 Community
Pedaling Through The Highs and Lows: A Journey Toward Mental Health Awareness
By BRittany amalfi
On August 9th, cyclists and community members came to- gether for The Highs and Lows Tour, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness about men- tal health and suicide prevention. The annual ride united partici- pants around an important cause and saw a significant increase in both ridership and donations this year — a reflection of the grow- ing momentum behind the move- ment to break the stigma and support mental wellness across the community.
The Highs and Lows Tour is a single-day cycling event with dif- ferent distances to choose from, but for those who have experi- enced the tour, they would know that it’s not about the ride at all, but what it represents, which is building a community. The event has seen significant growth in just its four years. From last year, they saw a 75% increase in rid- ership and a 167% in donations, meaning the event is shaping up to do exactly what it set out to
do—spread awareness of mental health.
Eric Skinner, one of the event’s organizers, reminded me of the four main objectives: to raise awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention, destigmatize mental illness, raise funds for NAMI NH (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and bring the community together to do something fun and healthy. “The tour is much deeper than just the ride,” Skinner mentioned. “We’re increasing our community with not just riders, but sponsors, vol- unteers, and supporters.” Skinner went on to say how this event also helps corporate sponsors integrate what NAMI does into their own business. Which, is one of the main goals of the Highs and Lows Tour. By sponsoring the tour and learning more about breaking the stigma of mental health and suicide prevention, businesses are learning how to be more support- ive of their employees when they need it.
Thomas Dearborn, another
organizer of the tour, was happy to say that the Highs and Lows is one of the best-supported events in the area. “I believe
it is one of the best
events,” said Dear-
born. “Having an in-
clusive and supportive
event where everyone
can feel good and feel
safe to be challenged
helps make that com-
munity.” The event
organizers and vol-
unteers make the day
as fun and welcoming
as possible. They worked hard to make sure everyone had lunch and, of course, some Highs and Lows swag!
In just four short years, the Highs and Lows Tour has come a tremendous way, but they won’t stop there. The future looks bright.
They want to continue getting feedback from their community to continue building, expanding, and spreading awareness about mental health. Rob Cass, who
is in Virginia Beach, is trying to branch out and spread the word about cycling for mental health.
What makes it truly special is the sense of community it builds. People come together to ride,
connect, and support one another, creating something meaningful beyond the miles on the road.
Eric went on to say, “Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be a cyclist to be part of the community. Having different people there, whether riders, support- ers, or volunteers, really
pulls together what we’re about and broadens communities.”
When asked about what the tour means to them, Eric, Rob, and Thomas all had heartfelt messages to share.
“It’s all about healing for me,” said Rob. “This is the kind of event where all of our healing journeys can interconnect. We’re all on different journeys, but when we take that first step, it’s a step in the right direction. Seeing people be brave enough to show up is in- spiring.”
Eric went on to say how it’s an experience that gives him pur- pose. “It’s an area where I can put my expertise into impacting the community. It gives me a pur- pose and helps me take action and offer something that I couldn’t have.”
“I’ve had mentors and teach- ers in the past who have helped me immensely,” Thomas added.
Scott Workman and family.
They also have a friend in Salida, CO, who intends to replicate their efforts there—potentially launch- ing in either 2026 or 2027. He’ll have their full support in learning how to organize and operate the event and will use their branding. His plan is to donate any profits to his local NAMI chapter.
And there’s even more in store for the tour right here at home. This year, they introduced a mixed-surface route, and next year, they plan to add a short- er-distance option, plus, they’re exploring the idea of a mountain bike route!
The Highs and Lows Tour is much more than just a bike ride. It’s an experience with a purpose, focused on breaking the stigma around mental illness and rais- ing awareness about suicide, all while supporting NAMI NH.
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