Thomas Craven was raised in Winston Salem, North Carolina. At first he had not interest in racing bikes. He played soccer. Yet, there was a bike race held in front of his childhood home. That race would lead to his family hosting guys like Australian great Danny Clark. Once he watched Athens Twilight criterium in person he knew he wanted to race a bike. Once he got started he progressed quickly. As time passed he would eventually turn pro. He would eventually ride for teams like Wheaties - Schwinn, 7-Eleven, Poland Spring - Globar Travel, to Chevrolet L.A. Sheriff.

He would eventually retire from racing. Once retired he learned how to cook, went into business but eventually came back to cycling as a director sportif for Hincapie and recently Best Buddies.