One cyclist, one dream, one little whale on a mission.
Meet Willy (and Willy) ☀️
My name is Willy. I’m cycling solo across the United States—from Austin, Texas, to Vancouver, Canada. Riding with me is a small plush whale strapped to my shoulder, he is my travel buddy, a symbol of wisdom, and a reminder of why I’m doing this.
His name? Also Willy. We're the "Dupont and Dupont" of Tintin's adventures.
This journey is about freedom, movement, and purpose. After years of questioning what truly matters, I made a radical choice: to quit everything in Paris, France and follow a dream. A dream to see whales for the first time in my life and who knows what will be next !
(Willy and Willy in Colorado National Monument Park)
Why Whales ? 🐋
Whales have always meant something more to me. They’re ancient, smart, and great travelers. They migrate across oceans for thousands of miles—just like I’m doing now on land.
They embody the kind of freedom I crave, the endurance I strive for, and the grace I deeply admire. But despite their majesty, whales are still hunted, harassed, and pushed closer to extinction by human actions for stupid human things ..
So this ride isn’t just for me. It’s for them and for our oceans 🌊
Why Vancouver 🇨🇦 in the summer ?
Vancouver, Canada is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild, in the summer. Humpback and gray whales pass through these coastal waters between June and September. And I hope to be there by July.
It’s the perfect end point for my land-based migration. While they move through the ocean, I move through roads, mountains, and deserts, wishing to cross paths in the same spirit of movement and wonder. Willy 🐳 is helping me with that ^^
My goal is to arrive just in time for peak whale-watching season and to finally experience that moment I’ve been dreaming of for years. But this won't be a checkmark on my dream list, I want to do more for them, maybe volunteer and learn to live with them. That’s why I’m fundraising during my trip.
Who I’m fundraising for ? Paul Watson Foundation
This journey is also a fundraiser for the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, a direct-action ocean conservation group created by the co-founder of Sea Shepherd.
Their mission is bold and uncompromising: protect marine wildlife and habitats, expose illegal whaling operations, and defend the ocean with real action, not just words.
I chose them because they match the spirit of this ride: raw, relentless, and deeply driven by purpose. Every donation goes to real work : ships, supporting campaigns, and giving whales a fighting chance 👊
Join me on this ride 🚴♂️
This is not an easy trip. It’s physically and mentally exhausting. Costs are rising. The road is full of uncertainty. But with every turn of the pedals, I remember why I’m doing this.
To honor a dream ✨
To protect the guardians of our oceans 🐳
To prove that small actions (like biking across a continent with a whale on your shoulder) can ripple outward into something bigger 🔥
Help me bring back Willy the Whale home to Vancouver
Follow the journey. Share the message. And if you can, donate to the cause.
Together, we ride for the whales 🤩✌️