First View Was Magic
I made it ! After 12 weeks of cycling from Austin, Texas, I finally reached the Pacific Ocean. My first sight of the ocean happened in Watsonville, California, just in time for midsummer. The salty wind hit me head-on, blending with the sweet scent of strawberries from the coastal farms.
It was beautiful and brutal at the same time. The last 80 kilometers were some of the toughest. The ocean pushed back, sending a headwind that felt like a final challenge before granting me the view I’d been dreaming of.
That evening, I watched the sunset at Sunset Beach with Andrew, a 21-year-old guitarist from San Jose. We even talked about going for a midnight swim but I was exhausted, and the idea of being covered in sand without a shower didn’t feel right.
The next morning, I bought a pair of binoculars, hoping to spot my first whale on the horizon. But I quickly discovered that summertime in the Bay Area comes with dense fog and mist. No whales… yet
93 Days and 6,000+ Kilometers
They told me this was too dangerous. Too hard. Too much.
But I ran into my dream and kept going.
Each day was a mix of struggle and wonder. I crossed deserts, climbed mountain passes, pushed through forests and cities. I was carried by thoughts, determination, and positivity. And above all, by the kindness of all the people I met along the way, each and every day !!
I can’t say thank you enough for the warm support I received from you. I carry your stories, your encouragement, your generosity with me. It’s all part of this journey now. I would like to give it back to other X10 and I’ve already had the chance to pass it on a little bit..
A Story from Every State
Texas
I had 5 flat tires in 5 kms. This happened under the desert sun, with nothing around. I replaced / patched up 3 of them on the spot and for the last 2 punctures on both tires, I decided to push my bike to made it to a rest area, where Kole from Louisiana picked me up and drove me to El Paso. That’s where I switched to tubeless tires and it changed everything.
New Mexico
In just 24 hours, I crossed through multiple landscapes and seasons: from arid desert to the pine forests of Ruidoso with rain, then up into the snowy peaks of Cloudcroft. I camped near deer that night, then descended to the glowing White Sand dunes. It felt like riding across different planets.
Colorado
After soaking in the good vibes of Salida, I climbed Monarch Pass, the highest elevation of my entire trip. That climb pushed me but reaching the top was pure joy. I crossed the Continental Divide and I know I’ll return to Colorado someday.
Utah
This state deserves a full dedicated post, but for now, I’ll focus on 2 unforgettable hosting experiences.
In Moab, I stayed with Sarah and David, urban farmers growing their own food using permaculture techniques.
Later in Boulder, I met McKayle, Brody, and Claire, 3 young farmers who supplies veggies for Hell’s Backbone Bar and Grill, who shared their van with me for a night. Their generosity and love for the land were inspiring.
Nevada
Most of my time in this state was spent riding by night. But the most emblematic moment was crossing Death Valley over 2 nights (+200 kms and 3,000m of elevation, with temperatures around 30°C). It was intense, surreal, and weirdly peaceful. I even enjoyed drinking beers with 2 German bikepackers below the sea level in the middle of the most hostile place on Earth 🍻
California
There’s too much to say here, I will save it for another post. But one story stands out: One night in Yosemite, while sleeping at the campground, I had a very close encounter with a black bear. It came within a meter of my tent, pulled at my bike, and sniffed out the energy bars I’d forgotten to stash in the bear box. I was frozen with fear… and awe.
Yes, I filmed it and it was terrifying. But also: what an experience !
What’s Next ?
Now, the road hugs the Pacific. I’ll be following the coastline north for the next few thousand kilometers. This route reminds me of my bike trip from Paris to Sweden, when I followed the sea through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and along Sweden’s coasts.
This part of the journey feels different. The whales are near now. I’ve been cycling for them, going in the same direction towards Vancouver. In the coming weeks, I’ll share more about whales, their migrations, and about the cause I’m riding for. I hope to spot my first whale soon.
Where Will I See My First Whale ?
Let’s see if I can meet my first whale before the summer ends.
And more importantly, let’s bring Willy the Whale back home to Vancouver where his mom, Nick, is waiting 🐋
If you’d like to support this journey and the protection of whales, I invite you to donate to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation if you can. Every donation helps, and it means a lot to both Willys.