Sebastian Fowler, a 31-year-old comedian from California, embarked on an extraordinary 80-day journey across the United States, riding a 20-inch BMX bike from San Diego to New York. His solo adventure, spanning 3,333 miles, was undertaken without any support vehicles, training, or even a spare pair of shoes—only a pair of Vans slip-ons. The ride, which he described as both grueling and transformative, was driven by a deeply personal mission: to raise $30,000 to provide 100 BMX bikes for underprivileged children.
Fowler’s journey began in late February, with just 60 pounds of gear strapped to his bike, including a hammock, sleeping bag, hatchet, knife, and a short baseball bat to fend off the approximately 45 dogs that chased him. Along the way, he faced a range of challenges, including sleeping in unconventional places such as behind dumpsters, in flash-flood tunnels, and in the open desert. Despite these hardships, he averaged 45 miles a day initially, eventually pushing to 65 miles per day, often at the mercy of the weather and the unpredictable terrain.
What made the trip even more poignant was its emotional significance. Fowler lost his father, drummer John Fowler, at a young age, and BMX riding became his refuge during a difficult period in his life. His mother, struggling to raise four children alone, found solace in his passion for the sport. Now, he seeks to give back by ensuring that other children, like himself, can access the same opportunities.
As part of his trek, Fowler turned his journey into a stand-up comedy tour, performing in six cities and culminating with a performance on “Kill Tony,” the popular Netflix stand-up series hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban. He also met comedian Joe Rogan in Austin, Texas, and shared a near-miss encounter with mountain lions on a dark road in Texas, which eventually led him to call the police for the first time. Despite the dangers, he remained resolute, stating that the ride was a personal challenge he was determined to see through.
Fowler completed his journey in May, with a visit to his father’s grave in Connecticut before returning to San Diego. He expressed that his father seemed to protect him throughout the trip, a sentiment that underscored the emotional weight of his journey. To date, he has raised over $9,000 for the cause, with a goal to provide 100 bikes for children who need them. On his fundraising page, he wrote, “Even though I am back in San Diego, the fight is far from over! Now it’s time to get these bikes to these kids! We still have a long way to go to meet our goal — I know we can do it, though!” His message, echoing his father’s often-used quote, “A little goes a long way,” encapsulates the spirit of his mission.