The dominant cycling force that is Kelowna's Meaghan Hackinen is on her way to winning the 2024 Tour Divide off-road cycling race.
The race, which weaves through the Continental Divide from Banff, Canada to the far southern border of the United States, is the world's longest off-road bike route, at 2,700 mi, or approximately 4,400 km in length.
Hackinen's journey began on June 14, with the 'Grand Depart' from Banff, alongside more than 200 other riders.
While the event does stay true to its rustic roots by having no true race organizer, no prize money and an infrequently updated website, it does have a set of rules and guidelines. Riders gather and start together on a pre-determined day in Banff, Alberta. Throughout the race, riders must be entirely self-sufficient – they can stop and resupply at shops but cannot accept any form of help from a crew that would not be available to all riders.
Over the past 14 days and 2439 miles ( 3902 km) of the Tour Divide, Hackinen has flirted with the all-time women's record pace, set by Lael Wilcox during an individual time trial, (not the Grand Depart), in 2015.
No woman has come close to besting Wilcox's blistering record of 15 days, 10 hours and 15 minutes until this year.
One of Hackinen's strengths is her ability to ride for long stretches without stopping or slowing. For the majority of the Tour Divide, Hackinen has been sleeping under the stars in a bivouac. She has spent a few hours in motels waiting for the trails to dry out after heavy precipitation made the dirt roads impassible.
Through the northern section of the race, riders had to contend with stormy weather and dirt roads that turned to thick peanut butter after being saturated with rain and snow. The sticky mud coated everything, including Hackinen's brakes and caused many people to experience mechanical problems with their bikes. Then, in Colorado, Hackinen conquered mountain passes, reaching more than 3600m above sea level.
Hackinen is now in New Mexico for the final leg of the journey and is approximately 90 percent of the way through the race. She is also roughly 40km back from the Wilcox's record pace and has a significant lead over Ana Jager, who is in second place.
People can follow along with the event and watch the live-tracking at bikepacking.com.
In her most recent update, Hackinen said she's listening to podcasts and practicing gratitude to make it through the final stages of the race.
"Her spirits have remained remarkably high for the distance she’s ridden, sending daily voice updates sharing highs and lows from the trail," said friend and social media coordinator Melanie Webb.
Now in New Mexico, Hackinen is facing the scorching desert heat and has been battling frequent nosebleeds.
Thankfully, the heat may play to her strengths.
"She has been known to thrive in warmer weather," said Webb.
To keep Hackinen's friends, family and fans updated, Webb has been posting regular updates on Hackinen's Instagram @meaghanhackinen.