two friends with big hearts conquering the American continent

See my news
Follow 78actu

It's the trip of a lifetime. Joseph de Vallavielle and Joseph Sanson, originally from Versailles and La Celle-Saint-Cloud (Yvelines) respectively, are friends since middle school. Having left by plane on September 17, 2024 for Calgary, in the south of Canada, they have a project that looks like a challenge: to reach Ushuaia, located in the far south of Argentina, by bike in ten months. All while crossing the United States, Central America and South America.

Aged 23, a business school student on a gap year for one and a recent graduate of Sciences Po for the other, the two Josephs undertook this journey to “surpass themselves, experience a physical adventure, but also discover landscapes, people and other cultures ».

They arrived in Mexico

In three monthsthey have already traveled to Calgary, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Mexico, where they are currently.

But why by bike? “In addition to being an economical means of transport, the bicycle offers great freedom and allows us to appreciate the landscapes and ecosystem changes,” assures Joseph de Vallavielle.

“Cycling also encourages meetings. People are intrigued and come to ask us questions. »

Financing palliative care

On their Instagram account @lesjo.avelo, they share their journey and have launched a fundraiser for the benefit of Visitatio- Voisins & Soins.

https://www.instagram.com/lesjo.avelo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw ==

This association, with a branch in Versailles and Chesnay-Rocquencourt, sets up of the palliative care at home. With a network of volunteer neighbors, doctors, nurses and psychologists, she supports people who are seriously ill or at the end of life.

€536 already collected

The two young men, “aware of end-of-life issues having grown up in an intergenerational environment”, are very close to their grandparents. They chose to support the association by financing the support of a person in palliative care for three months. With a target set at €3,000the prize pool has now reached €536.

Ushuaia is still far away…

For the rest of their journey, the two adventurers still have to cross Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina, until Ushuaia, so they hope to reach in June 2024.

“Winter can be harsh in Patagonia. It will therefore be a great challenge to cross this region at this time. »

Welcomed “like members of the family”

On the road, the two Yvelinois have already experienced unforgettable moments. Like this day that Joseph Sanson remembers, when their four tires were flat due to thorns on an Idaho dirt road.

After two hours of walking, they were picked up by a farmer who helped them, welcomed them into his home and shared a little of his daily life with them.

Joseph de Vallavielle, for his part, was marked by the welcome of Joaquin, in the State of Veracruz in Mexico, who celebrated the baptism of his granddaughter. “He welcomed us like members of his family. We were also touched by the intergenerational aspect of this party, where everyone, of all ages, danced together. »

To follow the adventure of the two Yvelinois: @lesjo.avelo.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.