S5, E4: The Journey of a Man Biking Across America—With No Food or Funds

In the fourth episode of Travel Tales by Dinogo, season five, we meet a filmmaker who biked across the United States to explore whether the perceived divisions in our country are as significant as they appear.

Transcript

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and welcome to Travel Tales by Dinogo. Each week, we delve into transformative travel stories from poets, scientists, authors, and entrepreneurs. This week, I speak with a filmmaker who undertook a cross-country bike trip—with no food and no money.

His name is Daniel Troia, and in 2018, he set off on what he anticipated would be a three-month adventure. Feeling disillusioned by the growing divisions in the U.S., he sought a way to foster unity. Thus, he chose to traverse the country by bike, depending entirely on the generosity of others. Along his journey, he learned to ask for help, faced tornadoes, and formed lasting friendships. He documented everything, culminating in a remarkable film titled We Are All in This Together, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The film captures the many ups and downs of his expedition, illustrating the profound truth that we are indeed all connected.

Today, we’re excited to discuss We’re All in This Together, your incredible documentary. It’s quite an ambitious endeavor, starting in California, cycling all the way to New York City, and then heading back west. What inspired you to take on such a challenge?

Daniel Troia, filmmaker: Like many Americans, I’ve been feeling the tension and division in our country over the past few years, and it sparked a lot of anger in me. I wanted to find a way to channel that anger into something constructive.

I thought, “It would be amazing to travel across the country and really connect with people in a meaningful way.” So I came up with the idea of biking across the nation, which would allow me to experience the diverse communities and meet a variety of individuals along the way.

Then I had the thought, “What if I did it without any food or money?” This way, I could carry a sign saying, “Biking across the country, ran out of food. Anything helps.” It would spark unique conversations with people, allowing me to truly get to know them.

I aimed to create something that showcases the positive aspects of humanity, contrasting the negativity often portrayed in the news.

Aislyn: This film is truly uplifting—perfect for anyone in a tough spot. It's heartwarming to see how many people opened their hearts to you, welcomed you into their homes. Did you feel anxious about starting this journey without food or money?

Daniel: Absolutely, I was nervous. But there was something significant happening—both my parents had passed away a couple of years before I undertook this journey, and in some ways—

Aislyn: Oh, I’m really sorry to hear that.

Daniel: Thank you. Their loss instilled a sense of recklessness in me, but in a positive way. After they passed, I started to question many aspects of my life, realizing I wanted to take on a challenge that would push my limits. I channeled my grief into this endeavor. Sure, I was nervous, but I also prepared—I read a book on dumpster diving before I set off. I knew it could be a backup plan if I found myself short on food or funds. Once I hit the road and explored behind grocery stores, I was shocked by the sheer amount of food being discarded.

Aislyn: It's shocking. I was appalled by how much perfectly good food—like bananas and bread—gets thrown away.

Daniel: This is a significant problem in our country—we waste nearly 30 percent of the food produced here, which is absolutely mind-boggling.

Aislyn: But you knew you had that option in mind—if you couldn’t find help one day, you could always go to a grocery store and ‘shop’ in a different way.

Daniel: Exactly. I also want to acknowledge my privilege in being able to embark on this journey. My sign was distinctive, reading 'Biking Across Country,' which helped attract a specific audience. Plus, having my bike loaded with gear piqued the curiosity of the people I met. It created many opportunities for conversations, with people often asking, 'You look like you’ve been on quite a journey. Where are you coming from?'

Aislyn: Absolutely. Many people you encountered were likely travelers themselves or wanted to support those on the road. It felt like more than just a trip; it was a pilgrimage of sorts, aimed at discovering both yourself and the world around you. I’m curious if your initial goals evolved during your journey.

Daniel: Initially, my goal was to create a documentary focused on kindness and to highlight the good in the world. However, as I rode through struggling neighborhoods, I noticed something profound: those facing the most challenges were often the most generous.

I would ask people if they could share a story about a time someone helped them when they really needed it. I noticed that in impoverished neighborhoods, those individuals were often the most generous, and they had the most fascinating stories to tell.

As my journey progressed, I realized that my conversations revealed a commonality in our human experiences. Many shared stories of grief and loss, even though they grew up in vastly different environments and cultures. Through these dialogues, I found shared experiences that connected us all. This insight led me to shift the focus of my film toward the theme of togetherness.

Aislyn: I was deeply moved by the individuals you highlighted, especially the little girl at the beginning. There were several homeless individuals who offered you money, as well as others who had faced hardships, like Mama Starfish. What do you think was the common thread that linked all these stories?

Daniel: After spending seven months on the road, I observed that those who carried emotional pain often sought to channel it by doing something kind for others, much like I was trying to do myself.

For instance, the first person I met living on the streets offered me help, and I initially declined, saying, “I can’t accept this money from you.” They responded, “By rejecting this money, you’re denying me the chance to do something good.” They explained that they found fulfillment in helping others, which is why I encountered so many unhoused individuals—they were uplifting themselves by extending kindness to others.

Aislyn: Absolutely. The spirit of giving is incredibly powerful. I remember a little girl saying, “Giving makes me feel good,” and we should all have that kind of experience, regardless of our circumstances.

Daniel: Exactly.

Aislyn: You mentioned your appearance, particularly your unique sign and look, and you reflected on how your experience might differ if you were Black. I appreciate your acknowledgment of the different experiences that come with being a white man. As the film progressed, you noticed changes in how people treated you as you grew out your beard and hair. What was that evolution like?

Daniel: So, a quick story: while biking in Virginia, I met a Black man heading towards California. We exchanged stories about our experiences, and he asked, “Where do you usually sleep at night?” I told him, “Most nights, I sleep in a baseball field.”

He then asked, “The police don’t bother you?” I replied, “Usually, they just ask me to leave in the morning.” He looked at me and said, “Last week, I was at a campground I was supposed to be at, and someone still called the cops on me.” This highlights the reality that my experience would have been completely different if I weren’t a white man.

As my beard grew longer, it definitely started to create distance between me and others. I suspected my appearance would affect how people treated me, but the change was stark.

I faced a lot more hostility; for instance, I was frequently asked to leave grocery store parking lots once my beard got longer. The lifestyle I was leading—searching for safe places to sleep, finding spots to bathe, and trying to gather enough food or money each day—was beginning to take its toll.

After seven months, this way of living really wore me down. By the end of my journey, my energy had shifted significantly. At the start, I was open and welcoming, full of energy and strength, but after so long, I felt like my energy was actually repelling people.

The combination of my exhausting lifestyle and my appearance was pushing people away, resulting in far less help than I had received earlier.

Aislyn: It sounds like you didn’t anticipate that it would take seven months to complete your journey. How long did you originally think it would take?

Daniel: Initially, I had planned for just three months, with the goal of cycling to New York City.

Aislyn: Oh, really?

Daniel: Once I reached New York City, though, I felt a strong urge to continue. There was this sense that something was still missing. As I began my journey back to California, everything became significantly more challenging. I received less help, and when I did receive assistance, those interactions felt incredibly meaningful. I think I needed those experiences—being treated differently because of my appearance helped me develop a deeper understanding of empathy, compassion, and my own judgments about people based on their looks.

Aislyn: That totally makes sense. In the first three months, you were likely fueled by adrenaline and excitement, but then you faced the realities of the journey, including changing circumstances and weather.

Daniel: Exactly, Aislyn. In life, we often learn the most during our struggles.

Aislyn: Absolutely.

Daniel: When life is smooth and everything is going our way, we often don’t learn as much. The real growth comes during tough times. The beautiful part is that if we can navigate those challenges, we emerge much stronger.

Aislyn: That’s fascinating. You reflected on how this experience is something you can leave behind. You had the option to change your circumstances, but if that weren’t available, how would it affect your spirit over time?

Daniel: Exactly. I can’t emphasize enough how dangerous some of my camping situations were. One night, just outside New York City, a truck pulled up to my tent at 3 a.m. I honestly thought I was going to die that night.

I imagine that for those living on the streets, experiences like that are common. You wake up to someone unexpected, and it’s incredibly traumatic. It’s a heavy burden to carry, and unfortunately, it seems like that need for help becomes even more pronounced. Yet, when your energy shifts due to these experiences, it often pushes people away instead.

Aislyn: Plus, not being well-rested and having to push on definitely takes its toll.

Daniel: You bring up an excellent point. When I refer to it as stealth camping, I mean sleeping in public spaces. I always made sure not to trespass or leave any trash behind, but I was definitely resting in places I shouldn’t have been. You never really get to sleep fully; you’re always a bit on edge. Especially after that night behind the warehouse, I felt far from rested.

Aislyn: I can only imagine. That must have been intense. There were several moments, but that one really stood out. And there was that time in Kansas when you were trying to stay ahead of the tornadoes, which seemed pretty dangerous too.

Daniel: What’s funny is that when I’m on a bike tour, I want to immerse myself in the experience. In Kansas, I was at a gas station when a tornado warning blared, and I thought, “I’d better get moving.” As I turned around, I saw this massive storm approaching.

It sent a rush of adrenaline through me. Honestly, I was loving it in that moment because it felt like a true adventure. Fortunately, I managed to outrun that storm, but a tornado did touch down in the town behind me. Luckily, it only hit a field and caused no damage, but I definitely felt the storm’s power.

Aislyn: The footage was stunning—

Daniel: Thank you, I appreciate that.

Aislyn: —especially knowing you made it through. Were there moments you felt like giving up?

Daniel: Definitely. In the beginning, while crossing the Great Basin Desert, I faced a grueling 400-mile stretch with only four towns. One day, I encountered a daunting 84-mile stretch without services, three mountain passes, and absolutely no shade. I ran out of water about 35 miles from the last town, and that had me feeling quite anxious. Just when I thought I could make it, a fierce headwind hit, slowing my progress. To top it all off, I was getting so dehydrated that my nose started bleeding. At that moment, I realized, “This is bad; I’m losing electrolytes.” And as I trudged along that long stretch of desert highway, I was greeted by the sight of dead animals that hadn’t survived the harsh conditions. It was a pretty grim reminder of my situation, and I thought, “This can’t be a good omen.”

Aislyn: You were probably thinking, “Just don’t take this as a sign.”

Daniel: Yes, definitely. There was a moment early on, in the second week of my journey, when I really questioned whether I had taken on too much. I thought to myself, “Did I underestimate this challenge?”

I managed to push through that, but another tough moment came about six months into the trip, which lasted seven in total. At that point, I felt completely worn down after enduring three freezing nights in Montana, where temperatures dipped to 13 degrees. I only had summer gear since I hadn't anticipated being on the road for so long, so I ended up wearing every piece of clothing I had to stay warm. Those cold nights really drained my energy.

By the final month of my journey back to California, I was feeling both physically and mentally exhausted from the lifestyle. One particular day, I came very close to quitting. I remember calling a physical therapist I had worked with prior to my departure, saying, “I think I’m done. I don’t know if I can finish this.”

The day after that call, I found myself sitting on the roadside without my sign out, just trying to stretch my aching body. People walked past, and I was in a lot of pain. Then, a man approached me and asked, “Hey man, are you OK?”

I replied, “Yeah, I’m just a bit sore.” He told me to wait there and ran across the street to a grocery store. He returned with a bag of groceries, using his food stamps to buy it for me. His name was Gary, and he was living on the streets, just like me.

Aislyn: Oh yes, definitely.

Daniel: Exactly. What struck me was that he could sense the energy I was radiating, and I believe he recognized that I was having a tough time, given his own experiences with hardship.

Interestingly, while everyone else just walked past, he was the only one who picked up on my vibe. He offered not just food but also a hug. It was incredibly impactful that he saw me as someone in need at that moment, and that moment changed everything for me.

In fact, it provided me with the motivation I needed for that final month of riding. Meeting him was truly uplifting and inspiring—he transformed my outlook.

Aislyn: Wow, that’s incredible. I can imagine it might be difficult to find him again, but have you kept in touch with any of the people you met or stayed with?

Daniel: Most of the people I met are still in touch with me. Unfortunately, I lost contact with Gary since he was unhoused, which has made it tough. But I definitely stay connected with the majority of others.

Aislyn: That’s awesome! What did they think of the film?

Daniel: They were thrilled to be included in the movie! I was wearing camera glasses while panhandling, trying not to reveal that I was making a documentary at the time. They were just being kind, and it was special that their goodwill got captured by my hidden cameras.

Once I explained, “Hey, I’m actually creating a documentary,” they were super excited. They were like, “Oh, cool! I’d love to be part of it,” especially since it portrays them positively.

Aislyn: I’m also thinking about Gary and how his own struggles allowed him to notice when someone else is in need. Has that affected how you interact with people from all walks of life since then?

Daniel: That’s a fantastic question. Before embarking on this journey, I would occasionally notice when a coworker or a friend was having a tough day, but I often felt hesitant to mention it. After interacting with so many incredible people who came into my life, I now feel more comfortable checking in on someone when I sense they’re struggling.

I make it a point to reach out, whether it’s to coworkers or even someone at a store. Just acknowledging them and asking how they’re doing can make a difference. Especially towards the end of my journey, when I was feeling down, even a simple smile or a friendly “Have a nice day” from someone made me feel recognized and valued.

What’s truly special about our lives is that we have the opportunity every day to support someone. I’m not just referring to giving food or money; it’s about showing compassion. If you notice someone is having a rough day, letting them know they’re seen can genuinely transform their experience.

Aislyn: What was it like to be completely dependent on strangers? I know you also had the option to dumpster dive, but you were largely reliant on the kindness of others.

Daniel: There was a significant amount of shame tied to that experience, and I did it for seven months. Even after that time, I never grew comfortable with holding a sign. It really highlights the privilege I had, especially when considering those who have no choice but to stand out there every day.

You get a lot of stares from people, and there are moments when someone yells something at you. It’s really not a pleasant experience. Fortunately, I did have some wonderful interactions because I would often ask people, “Can you share a story about a time someone helped you when you truly needed it?”

However, I can’t deny that there was a significant amount of guilt and shame that accompanied this experience.

Aislyn: It’s interesting that you never found relief from that feeling.

Daniel: Exactly. That’s why I actually preferred dumpster diving. It allowed me to get food without feeling like I was bothering anyone or being a nuisance in their community.

Aislyn: Would you say that most people who saw your sign reacted positively, or were the people we see in the film more of a rarity?

Daniel: Absolutely, my experience with privilege and being a traveler set me apart in a unique way.

Aislyn: Exactly! It really is a different experience.

Daniel: Right? It’s a different reality. If my sign simply said 'Hungry', I doubt I’d have received much assistance. People approached me, curious about my story, and when I shared that I was biking across the country, they seemed more inclined to help. The main reason I did this was to foster connections with people, believing it would create a special way to engage with the communities I passed through.

Aislyn: You showcased so many diverse communities, like the guys with the Pride flag—was that in Appalachia?

Daniel: That was actually just outside of State College, while I was biking through the Appalachian Mountains. Meeting those folks was a beautiful moment; the flag symbolized togetherness for them, and they expressed a desire to make their house a safe haven for everyone.

It’s absolutely wild—just three weeks later, while I was hitchhiking five hours from State College, I ended up getting a ride with someone heading straight to that same town. I couldn’t believe it; this was the very place where someone had told me three weeks prior, ‘You’ll always have a safe place to sleep here.’

Aislyn: Wow, that’s incredible!

Daniel: And I happened to get dropped off right at that spot.

Aislyn: That’s so amazing! Did you feel like there was some kind of divine intervention or a guiding force helping you through those tough times on your journey?

Daniel: Absolutely, I believe there were serendipitous moments. For instance, in Arcata, deep in the redwoods of Northern California, I woke up one morning feeling this powerful sense that something special was going to happen. It’s not something I usually say, but that day, it just felt right.

Later that day, I met the last person featured in the film—Tom, an unhoused man living on the streets. He creates cartoons centered on kindness, compassion, and love, and he’s deeply passionate about supporting those in need. When he approached me, he offered a few dollars for lunch, and we shared a heartfelt hug. I’m truly grateful that I’ve been in touch with him every Sunday since then.

Aislyn: Oh wow, that’s amazing!

Daniel: Exactly! It was one of those moments where I just knew something truly special was about to unfold.

Aislyn: He radiated such positive energy, even through the screen. You could see the kindness in his eyes.

Daniel: I don’t use this term lightly, but he felt like an angel to me.

Aislyn: Absolutely! I could feel that energy from him.

Daniel: He truly is something special. I visited him about a year ago, and he asked if we could make a quick stop at the grocery store. I agreed, even though he was still unhoused. Once we were there, he bought two loaves of bread and then said, “Can we drive over there?” He took me to a homeless encampment to share the food with others in need.

Aislyn: That’s incredible!

Daniel: Yes, he’s truly inspiring.

Aislyn: Would you consider doing this again?

Daniel: It was undeniably a life-altering experience, but I’d say no to doing it again due to the mental toll it took on me. Some nights spent outside left me feeling somewhat traumatized. I’m thankful for those experiences, though, as they’ve given me a deeper understanding of how incredibly challenging life can be for those living on the streets.

While I loved the physical adventure, the mental aspect was tough. The constant search for a place to sleep, bathe, and find food was quite exhausting. When I returned home, my friends and family were worried about me—I needed some time to recover from those seven months of relentless travel. It was incredibly stimulating, but I truly appreciate the lessons learned.

Aislyn: What do you feel you discovered about yourself during this journey?

Daniel: I realized that we’re capable of so much more than we often think. There were countless moments during the trip when I doubted my abilities, like climbing 11,000-foot mountain passes in Montana while a snowstorm approached, or crossing the desert. Even dealing with relentless 35-mile-per-hour headwinds in Kansas made me question if I could make it across the state. But I learned that if you remain persistent and take small steps, you can make real progress over time.

Aislyn: What would you say was your main takeaway regarding our shared humanity or the situation in the United States?

Daniel: I believe we’re not as divided as it may appear. The media often pushes their own agendas, and there’s that saying, ‘if it bleeds, it leads,’ which means they focus on the most sensational stories to attract viewers.

However, I had the privilege of engaging directly with people from different backgrounds and political beliefs in various communities. Speaking face-to-face fostered a level of respect that seems to be lacking in today’s communication, where personal interactions are becoming increasingly rare.

Think back to 15 years ago when you’d be at the bank without a smartphone; you might strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Whether at the grocery store or in a doctor’s office, those little interactions were common.

Now, with everyone glued to their phones, we’re missing those moments of connection. I believe this contributes to a sense of division. Yet, when you have the chance to talk with someone who has a different perspective face-to-face, it often leads to more respect and understanding. That’s one of the key lessons I took away from this experience.

Aislyn: What do you hope viewers will learn from it?

Daniel: I truly hope that viewers come away from the film feeling inspired to treat each other with more kindness. It’s the little things that matter. There’s so much happening in the world that feels beyond our control, but one thing we can always manage is how we interact with one another.

Aislyn: You went on this incredible journey that allowed you to see and connect with people on a deeper level. How can we maintain that sense of connection without having to cycle across the country for seven months?

Daniel: I think it’s important for us to be more conscious of our everyday interactions. We need to remember that we’re all sharing this experience called life. Being mindful of one another can make a significant difference, especially since many challenges are out of our hands.

Acts of kindness, like giving a compliment or helping someone out, can completely transform not just a person's day, but their entire week. The beauty of it is that these gestures don’t cost anything, and anyone can do them.

I genuinely believe that most people want to do good in the world. We need to unite; that’s the only way we can thrive as a human race. Togetherness is essential.

Aislyn: Thank you for sharing such a positive message with the world. I truly appreciate it.

Daniel: It’s my absolute pleasure to do so.

Aislyn: That was Daniel Troia, whose inspiring journey continues this summer as he screens his film in various cities across the U.S. He’s donating half of the ticket proceeds to local homeless shelters in each city he visits. The first screening took place on June 23 in Sacramento. For more information on when the film will be showing in your area, visit weareallinthistogethermovie.com.

We’ll include links to the website, the film, and Daniel’s social media profiles in the show notes. Next week, on July 4, we’re excited to replay one of our all-time favorite Travel Tales, featuring the talented comedian Michelle Buteau.

Michelle Buteau: Pierre and Etienne became our vacation boyfriends that week. We held hands, rode bikes, and shared sweet whispers. As we prepared to leave, we realized just how much we were going to miss each other.

We were both thinking, “We have to see each other again. This might be true love.” Keep in mind, this was before the days of MySpace and Facebook, so the only way to keep in touch was to write letters and either send them with a pigeon or a three-eyed raven—those were our only options! When Cynthia and I returned from Spain, we looked at each other and wondered, “Are those our French boyfriends? Are we about to gain French citizenship? Will we move to Paris and learn to bake bread while navigating the metro with a baguette under our arms? Who will we become?”

Want more Travel Tales? Check out Dinogo.com/podcast and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and X at @Dinogomedia. If you enjoyed today’s journey, I hope you’ll return for more captivating stories. Subscribing makes it simple! You can find Travel Tales by Dinogo on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. And please rate and review the show—it helps us secure fantastic guests like today’s and allows other travelers to discover us.

You’ve been listening to Travel Tales, a production of Dinogo Media. This podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed and produced by Strike Audio.

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