Truro resident Vincent James embarks on a cross-country bicycle ride today, August 13th, to support the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS). Departing Portland, Oregon, he plans to ride 3,791 miles to Portland, Maine, and then continue on a final 263 miles to CCS, arriving at the Hiebert Marine Laboratory in Provincetown on October 2nd.
“Coast to Coast for Coastal Studies” is the fulfillment of a dream for James, 50 years in the making. He first conceived of the idea of a cross-country ride in 1976, at the age of 15, to mark the US Bicentennial. Unable to make the ride then, at age 30 he once again determined to make the ride, but life’s obligations intervened. Now retired, he decided it was finally time to fulfil a life-long dream.
In addition to raising funds for CCS, the realization of James’ 50-year vision coincides with the Center for Coastal Studies’ 50th anniversary. James chose to support CCS because he wanted his ride to have a greater purpose.
“If you support this ride, you’re not just backing me, you’re helping protect whales, advance marine research, and preserve our coastal ecosystem. It’s a small contribution that adds up to something meaningful,” he explained.
James set a goal of raising $50,000, and has raised nearly half that so far. To donate, please go to the Coast to Coast For Coastal Studies page on the CCS website.
“The Center for Coastal Studies is doing real hands-on work to protect our oceans and whales, especially here on Cape Cod. What inspires me about CCS is they’re not only protecting the ocean, but they’re actively studying it every day, and sharing that information broadly to advance ocean conservation. It felt like the perfect cause to ride for,” he said.
The public can follow James’ progress through regular updates on his Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, as well as Strava.