CASA of NH Board Member Completes Bike Ride Across America

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire board member Kathleen Thomas of Hampton completed her cross-country bike ride in support of CASA of NH on July 25 at Sanders Poynt in Rye, New Hampshire. To mark the occasion, she dipped her wheel in the Atlantic Ocean, bringing an official end to her 3,800-mile trip.

After dipping her bike wheel in the Pacific, Thomas departed Astoria, Oregon, on June 10. To date (July 29 – donations will remain open for another month), she has raised $31,000 of her $38,000 goal. As she rode from coast to coast, she documented her progress at www.ktacrossamerica.com and via social media.

Thomas undertook the “Portland-to-Portland route, slightly modified,” she says, totaling about 3,800 miles. She averaged about 100 miles per day, with just a handful of days off.

Thomas climbed mountains, rode through flatlands, and endured the many challenges, big and small, that come with such a long two-wheeled adventure – bad weather, flat tires, unexpected snow, hunger, a swarm of grasshoppers, tiredness and long stretches of time alone with her thoughts (she rode solo with van support). It was her commitment to CASA of NH, she says, that helped her with the mental aspects of the trip.

“CASA’s mission resonates with me on every level,” says Thomas. “Children in unstable homes, those who suffer abuse and neglect, need a voice – they are so isolated. I believe in CASA and the amazing volunteer advocates who represent these children – their work is critical.” Raising money for CASA along her difficult journey was an important motivator, she adds. “I wanted something to keep my head focused while I’m riding across the country – for when I’m tired and questioning what I’m doing. It’s important for me to realize that I may be suffering today on the bike, but that’s nothing like what these kids suffer. I have a choice, but they don’t get a choice, and I’ll take their inspiration with me.”