Man bikes across country to raise awareness about human trafficking – METRO

NORFOLK, Neb. — Naresh Kumar is cycling across the country for a reason.

“Our freedom is the highest form of life and that’s what 50 million people around the world don’t have right now,” Kumar said.

The Freedom Seat CEO and ultra-endurance athlete began his thousands-mile journey in May in Oregon and will travel across the country to the nation's capital.

Kumar's goal is to raise awareness and funds for education around human trafficking.

“If we can prevent this from happening, then we won't need to go and rescue and rehabilitate,” Kumar said.

The pain and suffering that Kumar endures throughout the journey is his way of showing the importance of the cause.

Most people who pass him on his ride notice the tandem bike called Kindness.

This curiosity is what sparks conversations between Kumar and strangers and opens the door for him to tell his story.

He invites people to take the second seat on the bike to feel connected to the cause.

“We're on an adventure, so it's not a 'He's doing it,' but we're doing it together,” Kumar said.

These strangers help Kumar continue his journey as many restaurants and gas stations did not take money from him and some pay him in the form of hugs.

“Even though they call it a solo and unsupported journey, I am supported by these thousands of kind souls who stop and ask if you want water and food,” Kumar said.

With the long hours spent on the bike, Kumar was treated to some refreshment in Nebraska.

His wife's aunt lives near Norfolk and he was able to enjoy a home-cooked meal for the first time in days.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1,034 victims have been affected in 479 cases since 2007 in Nebraska.

The goal is to raise $250,000 to fund preventative education to help eliminate trafficking-related crimes.