Chantz Rivera, 29, of New York’s Bronx, plans to cross the United States on foot from the East Coast to the West Coast. He set out in late May from the Big Apple on the Atlantic, headed for San Francisco on the Pacific coast. He has most of the route behind him: On Oct. 15, he reached the California border. Now, after 142 days on the road, he is already past Sacramento, about 80 miles from his goal!
Rivera documents his journey on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he already has more than 200,000 followers. The 29-year-old admits that before starting the trek, he rarely left the New York area. At 18, he spent a week in Florida, and a few years later he took a weekend trip to Washington. Otherwise, he has spent most of his life in the Tri-State area, which covers New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
“I’m trying to be more open, get out of the house more and have more adventures,” he told station KRON. He explained that he chose to travel on foot because it lets him get to know the places he visits more closely.
On a typical day, the 29-year-old covers 15 to 30 miles. Along the way, he discovers landscapes he had never seen with his own eyes. The mountains made a particular impression on him.
“I had never seen mountains before. Now I don’t have to watch them on TV or YouTube, because I’m right there,” Rivera said. He also stresses that the months-long walk has a positive effect on his mental and spiritual well-being.
On the road to California, he encountered not only beautiful scenery but also, as he puts it, many kind people. Residents of the places he passed through offered him free lodging, and even haircuts and new shoes.
“In almost every major city, someone contacts me, wants to support me and help,” he said.
Huge support is also coming from the internet, where a crowdfunding campaign was set up to cover the costs of the trip. So far, it has raised more than $10,000.
After reaching San Francisco, Rivera plans to spend a few days sightseeing and resting. He plans to rent a hotel or motel room, visit the beach and meet with supporters. After that, he will most likely return to the Bronx, where he lives full time.
Editor: JŁ
