Jason Berlin & Jovel Velasquez pedaled 3,772 miles across America to prove cryptocurrency could change the world—one charity donation at a time.
In the fall of 2018, while the crypto world was still buzzing from the 2017 bull run, two men strapped on helmets, clipped into pedals, and embarked on one of the most audacious experiments in blockchain history: Tour de Crypto.
No corporate jet. No luxury RV caravan. Just raw human endurance, live-streamed daily to the world, proving that cryptocurrency wasn’t just digital money — it was a force for real-world good.
September 14, 2018. Hamptons, NY → Manhattan kickoff. Two riders, a support crew, and a mission to teach charities why crypto donations crush traditional wire transfers.
Philadelphia → DC → Charlotte → Atlanta → Selma → Houston (charity HQ) → Phoenix → Las Vegas → Huntington Beach, CA. 57 days of pure grit.
Raised over $1 million in crypto for the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), fighting domestic violence. Live interviews. Sponsor takeovers. Blockchain history in motion.
Founder • Rider • Blockchain Maverick (@mrjberlin)
Co-Rider • Endurance Machine (@poloskyxx3)
Jason Berlin at the Washington Elite AI & Blockchain Summit
Blake Rizzo & Bruce Porter Jr. discuss the mission at Washington Elite Summit
World renowned artist, Nanu Berks showing off her one-of-a-kind piece she donated to the Tour de #Crypto #charity pic.twitter.com/QMe8mglRhT
— Washington Elite (@WashingtonElite) December 6, 2018
Head of charity at Tour de Crypto, Blake Rizzo joins Smartereum founder, Mahesh Sashital +tax expert Shehan Dilruck pic.twitter.com/9OcD6XnwEt
— Washington Elite (@WashingtonElite) December 6, 2018
Tour de Crypto proved that blockchain isn’t abstract code — it’s pedal strokes, sweat, and real human stories. In an industry often criticized for hype, Jason, Jovel, and the team delivered action.