(KRON) -- A 29-year-old man from The Bronx has set out on a journey across the country to San Francisco with one small catch: he is walking the whole way.
Chantz Rivera was born and raised in New York and hasn't traveled to many places in his lifetime.
"When I was 18, I went to Florida for a week. When I was 24 or 25, I went to Washington, D.C., for a weekend. Other than that, I have just been in New York, the Tri-State area," said Rivera.
He said the journey was about finding his freedom and experiencing something new.
"I am trying to just be more free-willed. Just getting out more and being more adventurous," said Rivera.
Diplo’s Run Club returns to its founding city: San Francisco
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Rivera said his route varied based on conditions. His typical travel day would stretch to anywhere from 15 to 30 miles of walking. A marathon is 26.2 miles.
"I chose to walk because I feel like you can see more like that, even though I know it's pretty extreme. It helps mentally and spiritually, I guess," said Rivera.
Rivera gained traction on TikTok by posting daily updates on where he was and what he saw during his journey. He said that many of his followers offered to help him along the way with free housing, haircuts, and even a pair of shoes.
"A lot of human kindness... Almost every big city I go to, somebody reaches out and wants to support and help me out," said Rivera.
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Photo: Chantz Rivera
Rivera didn't start his journey with any expectations, but the most memorable is the nature.
"The coolest thing I have seen is probably like natural rainbows. You don't really get rainbows like that in New York. It was pretty cool seeing those, and the mountains were pretty cool. I have never seen mountains before... It's like I don't have to see it on TV no more or YouTube; I'm like in it," said Rivera.
Rivera's journey will end in a few days when he makes it to San Francisco. He said he plans to spend at least a week in the city just being a tourist.
"I just think I am just going to be a tourist; I am going to get there and probably get a motel or hotel and just see the city. Go to the beach, chill in the crib, hang out with the people," said Rivera.
