A New Yorker who set out for San Francisco this spring says the cross-country journey introduced him to an unexpected stream of kindness.
Chantz Rivera, 29, began the trek on May 31 after a series of unsuccessful jobs and being rejected by the Army.
With his birthday only days away, Rivera started walking with a shopping cart packed with supplies, $500 in cash and a desire to experience more of the country.
Throughout the journey, he documented his progress, posting photographs of the people he encountered and the places he visited.
Among those he remembered were a Dunkin’ employee who handed him $10 and a woman named Nikki, who gave him a cake and urged him to continue.
Rivera also had repeated encounters with law enforcement. Some officers threatened to arrest him, while others ordered him to move on from places where he had spent the night.
But in Indiana, an officer pulled over as Rivera pushed his cart along a highway and stopped to check on him.
‘We got a call that you were pulling a cart and looked exhausted. Just wanted to make sure you were all right,’ the officer said.
After more than 100 days on foot from New York to California, Chantz Rivera reached his destination at the Golden Gate Bridge. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
Rivera spent nights outdoors, in tents and in motels during the trek. He is pictured arriving in Indiana. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
Rivera said he had never seen the Milky Way or such a star-filled sky before camping in Colorado. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
‘Yeah, I’m good. I’m walking across America,’ Rivera replied.
He spent nights in motels, tents, parking lots and on park benches. Along the way, he took breaks at fast-food restaurants, pizzerias and several radio stations.
On the 98th day, Rivera shared images of Colorado’s exceptionally clear night sky, a dramatic change from what he was used to seeing in the Bronx.
‘I think I seen the Milky Way legit, the most stars I seen in my life is when I slept in Empire, Colorado on Day 98!’ Rivera wrote.
‘These are just pictures from my phone. doesn’t compare to how it looked in person…’
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During his time in Colorado, Rivera appeared on a radio show and told the host that he wanted to ‘experience life and see the world.’
In Nevada, a follower named Jennifer offered to prepare him a home-cooked meal. Rivera accepted the invitation and stopped for steak and ribs.
After 149 days on the road, Rivera finally entered San Francisco—but still had one major destination left to reach.
His goal was the Golden Gate Bridge. However, flooding in the bike lane forced him to wade through knee-deep water.
A California police officer also detained Rivera, telling him that walking around with a shopping cart was illegal.
On October 27, Rivera at last reached the landmark and watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Rivera regularly posted photos of people who showed him kindness during his journey.
Rivera photographed his well-known cart as he traveled along roads in the Midwest. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
Rivera posted a video showing cattle grazing in Colorado. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
Rivera has spent the past several weeks exploring California and posted a video from the Valkyries Parade on Thursday. Picture source: Instagram/Chantz Rivera
Rivera told The New York Times that people frequently asked why he chose to walk across the country.
‘I just want to be free. I’m just walking because I’m using my free will. That’s it,’ he said.
One day after arriving in San Francisco, Rivera’s survival gear and portable chargers were stolen while he was in a McDonald’s restroom. Despite the loss, he told The Times: ‘In a way, I feel more free than I’ve felt, ever.’
Rivera has remained in California, taking in the sights. On Thursday, he shared a video from the Valkyries Parade.
He also made another radio appearance, explaining that he wanted to exercise his free will and turn one of his fantasies into reality.
‘You know, even if I do feel stuck, I’m more comfortable leaving now. I’m not scared or nervous or anything to just up and go — because I did that,’ Rivera told The Times.
