Tracking Tracen: Coast-to-Coast Adventure with Senita Teen

Maricopa’s very own Tracen Tanner concluded his remarkable 3,500-mile bike journey across America in Virginia Beach, Va.

Starting from the Pacific Coast’s Columbia River, Tanner pedaled his way through diverse terrains and weather, braving five flat tires and loose dogs in the Appalachian Mountains.

Only 18 years old, the Senita teen tackled the TransAmerica Trail on his Specialized Rock Hopper, modified with road tires for a smoother ride over long stretches of pavement.

“I became pretty quick at it,” Tanner said about his knack for fixing flats, crediting tools he found after his first puncture. “Stickers were the main problem; one was a piece of wire.”

His journey introduced him to historical sites such as Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Larue County, Ky., and George Washington’s homestead in Mount Vernon, Va.

The last update from Tanner was a month ago when he was spotted in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. Today, we can confirm he returned home safely to Maricopa. His reflective Dayglo vest and bike lights were crucial for navigating safely amidst speeding vehicles.

Initially set for Yorktown, Va., Tanner adjusted his endpoint to Virginia Beach. There he reunited with his family before visiting Washington, D.C., to explore the nation’s capital and its monuments.

His favorite part of the trip? “I went to Kentucky where I saw lots of Amish settlements,” said Tanner, recalling his encounter with horse-and-buggies and serene Amish communities.

Tanner’s route covered Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and a brief stint in Nebraska. Of Kansas, he said, “It was miserable in Kansas. It was hot and with a lot of wind.”

Missouri’s hilly terrain and Illinois’ Mississippi crossing uplifted his spirits. He even enjoyed his first river ferry ride across the Ohio River.

Tanner, a Maricopa Virtual Academy grad, prefers outdoor education over traditional classrooms. His tour of America offered him a unique perspective on the country and its people.

He often dined in local restaurants and camped in parks, punctuated by occasional stays at inns for rest and hygiene.

Looking ahead, Tanner plans to assist at his mother’s micro-school, Field of Vision Academy, until Christmas. A military career may be on the horizon.

“This trip has surely influenced me,” Tanner confessed. “I’ve seen a lot of the U.S. and met many people. Most folks are genuinely good and helpful. The world isn’t as grim as it tends to appear on the news.”

A map highlights Tanner’s TransAmerica Trail journey, with deviations through Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas.