Meaghan Hackinen - Bikepacker and writer sharing more about her new book - Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race

Meaghan Hackinen is a Kelowna-based bikepacker and writer whose two-wheeled adventures have taken her from Haida Gwaii to Mexico’s high plateaus, across Canada and the United States, and from North Cape to Tarifa along some of Europe’s highest paved roads.  She is a 4X Everester as well as a Transcontinental Race, Trans Am Bike Race, and Paris-Brest-Paris brevet finisher. Meaghan holds the women’s course record for the World 24-Hour Time Trial Championships, among others.  In 2023, Meaghan took the overall solo win in all but one of the endurance races she competed in, including the Buckshot and Lost Elephant in British Columbia, Silver State 508 in Nevada, and an Individual Time Trial of the Log Driver’s Waltz in Canada’s Capitol region.  Her debut travel memoir, "South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels" (NeWest Press, 2019) was shortlisted for two Canadian book awards and her follow up, "Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race" was just released to critical acclaim. *** The Tough Girl Podcast is being sponsored throughout January by ZOLEO. #ChallengeWithZOLEO ZOLEO connects with your phone to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile network coverage — plus added safety features you can count on worldwide including industry-leading SOS alerting features. 24/7 monitoring and 24/7 access to non-emergency medical advice, check-in and weather forecasts. ZOLEO offers unmatched peace of mind for you and for everyone waiting at home.  Stay connected and safe while doing what you love.  Hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of tough women. New episodes LIVE every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time.   Show notes Who is Meaghan Her 2023 cycling plans and how she structures her training in the winter Letting things fall into place and being opportunistic Having a dislocated finger and getting COVID Working with a coach in the past Using TrainerRoad as her cycle training platform Using the Dynamic Cyclist app for strength, stretching and mobility work Writing the races down on her calendar Preparing herself and her bikes Choosing races with the goal of competing at her best level Setting a new women's FKT the importance of nutrition and recovery Prioritising route prep using a combination of Strava, ride with GPS, and Google  Creating a cue sheet with resupply points, elevation high points, and challenging features Having a to-do list and a checklist Journaling and giving yourself space Meditating and feeling much better afterwards Practicing visualization Transitioning from road cycling to off-road gravel adventures Enjoying the challenge and discovering unexpected places Carrying a bike through obstacles like water crossings and steep hills Not training very much on the TT bike this year Having a friendly and supportive cycling community Finding rivalries motivating Finishing the Dark Divide race alongside her partner Describing the Dark Divide and what it's like Writing and releasing her new book, Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race Having a transformative experience in 2017 that made her write a book Lessons and realizations that made her grow Reflecting on solo mountain biking experience Her plans for 2024 Quick-fire questions Final words of advice   Social Media Website: meaghanhackinen.com Instagram @meaghanhackinen Facebook @meaghanhackinen Book: Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race