James Marks, 25, of Gilford, and Zach Giguere, 23, of Windsor flew to Seattle to start their great bicycle adventure on June 10.

Their summer cross-country bike trek marks the 20^th year that UConn medical and dental students have made the huge bike journey across America. Every summer since 2006, a different group of students set out for the bike tour, and in doing so, raised money for and awareness of a cause.

This year’s bike riding duo of future doctors are raising awareness of suicide with the goal to help prevent it. They are raising money too for advancing mental health research via the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, and millions more struggle in silence. Despite the devastating impact on families and communities, mental health research and resources often lack the funding and attention they desperately need, the UConn medical students share.

“We believe that investing in suicide prevention—through research, crisis support, and accessible mental health care—can save lives. We are committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle,” they write.

Their cause to prevent suicide is deeply personal to Marks.

“I lost my Dad,” Marks shared from suicide back in 2022. “I am glad I can do this journey to raise awareness.”

Giguere  finds it critically important to raise greater awareness of the importance of mental health.

“Recently after COVID, I have seen more people struggling with anxiety and depression. Research into these topics and supporting people who are really struggling is so important,” Giguere says.

He adds, “Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness of suicide and get people to talk about it, so we can prevent it. Help us spread awareness, follow us on social media, and donate to advance mental health research.”

The two classmates coast to coast trip is planned for a total of 48 days.

“A few days in we are still on track, but we know the first few weeks will be the toughest,” says Giguere, who even celebrates his June 17th birthday on the road. He remembers first hearing about the exciting annual Coast-2-Coast bike ride of UConn students when he first applied to medical school.

“I have never been out West before,” says Giguere. “I always wanted to see all of the U.S. This is the absolute best opportunity to do so!”

Marks totally agrees.

“It’s beautiful out here! We did our biggest bike climbs yet in the Cascades here in Washington state even climbing up Washington Pass with its 5,500 ft. elevation. It’s really hard but everything of America we have seen so far, has incredible views,” says Marks.

Only a few days into the trek, both riders are witnessing the spirit of the American people over and over.

“Everyone and every town we encounter are really kind and are excited to hear what we are doing. We were blessed when a stranger’s truck stopped to give us Gatorade. Americans are extremely nice out here,” says Marks.

Both UConn medical students, and their legs, are definitely looking forward to the more flat Midwest.

Good luck James and Zach. Go Huskies!

Follow their Coast-2-Coast journey on Instagram @_coast2coast25_

Donate to their suicide prevention cause.