Comedian’s 3,333-Mile BMX Journey Across America Funds Kids’ Dreams

In a journey that blends grit, humor, and heart, 31-year-old California comedian Sebastian Fowler pedaled 3,333 miles across America on a 20-inch BMX bike, becoming the first known person to do so. Starting in San Diego and ending in New York City, the 80-day trek was a solo adventure with no support vehicle, minimal gear, and a single pair of Vans slip-ons. Fowler’s mission? To raise $30,000 to donate 100 BMX bikes to underprivileged kids, giving them the same escape he found in biking after losing his father as a teenager.

BMX as a lifeline
Fowler’s story is deeply personal. Growing up, BMX was his refuge after his father, drummer John Fowler, passed away. "I was that kid who needed a bike to cope," he said. Raised by a single mother of four with limited means, Fowler knows the transformative power of two wheels. His fundraiser aims to pass that on, having already raised over $9,000.

A wild ride
Nicknamed "Seabass," Fowler carried 60 pounds of gear, including a hammock, hatchet, and a baseball bat to fend off the 45 dogs that chased him along the way. He slept in deserts, flash-flood tunnels, and behind dumpsters. In Texas, mountain lions stalked him, forcing a rare call to the police. Yet, he turned the grueling ride into a stand-up comedy tour, performing in six cities and even landing a spot on Netflix’s Kill Tony, where he met Joe Rogan.

No preparation, all perseverance
With little training, Fowler averaged 45 miles daily, later hitting 65. "I just rode my bike around town before this," he admitted. The journey ended in May with a visit to his father’s grave in Connecticut, a moment that felt like his dad was "flying above my shoulder." Fowler’s now back in San Diego, pushing to meet his fundraising goal. "A little goes a long way," he said, quoting his father.