Tour de Newport Cyclists Go the Distance for Mental Health

More than 130 cyclists and one runner came out Sunday morning in support of the Newport County Community Mental Health Center's "Tour de Newport."

With three courses—a 10-mile, 25-mile, or 45-mile course—the all-family event started and finished at Rogers High School in Newport.

Three First Aid and refreshment stations were stocked with water, bagels, energy bars, and fresh fruit along the routes for bikers when they needed to recharge or take a break.

Dr. Ferrel Kline chose to run the 10-miles instead of biking the course in support of the cause.

The first 10-mile rider to finish the Tour was John Harrington, who wore a green t-shirt emblazoned with Team Conrad. "I did this in dedication to a friend," said Harrington, who was among about 20 other Team Conrad cyclists who came out to honor a friend whose life ended tragically due to a violent act resulting from mental illness.

"It was a beautiful course, nice and flat," said fellow Team Conrad rider Kim Dugan.

The Newport County Community Mental Health Center, established in 1964, is an all-inclusive care program serving children and adults of all ages. Services include emergency, outpatient, residential housing, supportive housing, and substance abuse treatment.

 "Our goal is to get people capable of independent living and control of their lives" said NCCMHC board chairman David Kelly. "Mental Health has a stigma. We know treatment works. We have a history of over 40 years of treating patients, and we need to overcome that stigma."

Proceeds from Sunday's Tour de Newport are to benefit services for children at NCCMHC, according to organizers.