After riding for 15 days and 23 hours, through rain, snow and mud, Kelowna's Meaghan Hackinen touched the US border sign in New Mexico, solidifying her place in Tour Divide history books.
Hackinen's Tour Divide journey began on June 14, with the 'Grand Depart' from Banff, alongside more than 200 other riders for the world's longest off-pavement bike race. Over the ensuing 15 days and 23 hours, Hackinen pushed herself through the 4,400 km Tour Divide route – which weaves through the Continental Divide mountain range called the Great Divide .
By the time riders arrive in Antelope Wells, New Mexico, they will have climbed nearly 200,000 feet of vertical gain, which is equivalent to climbing to the summit of Mount Everest from sea level seven times.
Hackinen's ride is historic and marks the fastest time set in the Tour Divide race by a woman. Her time from Banff to New Mexico is bested only by Lael Wilcox, who set the fastest all-time women's record in a solo effort in 2015.
In addition to winning the women's race, Hackinen also finished 7th overall. She arrived shortly after sunrise on June 30, one hour shy of her 16th day of continuous riding.
Through the race, riders encountered thick mud that made the dirt roads impassible on a bike, freezing weather, rain, thunder and lightning and extreme heat.
One of Hackinen's strengths is her ability to ride with speed on little sleep. She spent many nights riding under the stars, breaking only to snuggle up in her bivouac on the side of the road for a brief rest or to refuel. When inclement weather forced stops, Hackinen would stay in a hotel room for a few short hours to rest until the storm passed and it was safe to ride again.
Through the race, athletes must be self supported and can only accept help and resources that would be available to all riders at stores, hotels or bike shops.
Black Press is in the process of scheduling a post-race interview with Hackinen but for now, she will be focused on resting, eating and catching up on life off the bike.