Meaghan Hackinen's Historic Year

It takes courage to set lofty goals—especially when that means taking on three of the toughest races in a sport, across three continents, each spanning thousands of kilometres, in a single year.

For Meaghan Hackinen, committing to the Mountain Race Series was precisely that kind of risk—and looking back on a highly successful year, it was obviously a risk that paid off in spades.

She won two of the three races, and in doing so became the first woman ever to complete all three—rounding out a season that's left us in awe here at 7mesh.

Of course, that kind of achievement doesn’t come without its challenges and unforgettable moments—which is why we sat down with Meaghan to hear her stories and reflections on how it all went.

Hey Meaghan, thanks for taking the time to chat. What a year! We’re so happy to see all that you accomplished during the Mountain Race Series and beyond. How’s the off-season been going so far? Whereabouts are you now?

I’m in the East Kootenays—Cranbrook, BC, to be exact! And let me tell you: we’re in peak larch season, and it’s fantastic. I’m dog-sitting for the fall and using the opportunity to reground myself in my writing practice, get out with Gordo the hound, and, of course, explore some of the local gravel and trails. Sometimes I find myself missing the action and adventure of the past nine months, but overall, I’m quite content to enjoy some downtime.

Amazing! So looking back to the start of the year, you set out to take on the Mountain Race Series and become the first woman to finish all three events. Now that you’ve done it, and with some amazing results to show for it, how does it feel looking back on the journey?

It’s a huge thing to hold in my head at once! When I started, I remember feeling intimidated by the challenge I’d set for myself. The only way to move forward was to take it one day at a time. Now, looking back, I can hardly believe how much I experienced over the year: three continents, thousands of kilometres, dozens of mountain passes, and countless memorable interactions along the way. I felt like the best version of myself out there racing. I’m proud that not only of some solid performances, but also that I was able to take it all in. Even on non-stop riding days, I never took for granted what an incredible opportunity this was, and the many years of training, preparation, and mindset work went into making it happen.

Every race season has its high points and gritty moments. Was there a particular moment or race this year that really defined the journey for you?

Oh man, every race had at least one defining moment. In Atlas, it was probably day two, when my lower back started acting up and I had to mentally tolerate the pain for three and a half more days while riding some of the rockiest terrain I’ve ever seen. In Hellenic, it was getting off track in Forest Jail on the first night and navigating slippery stone staircases and ancient bridges—realizing the race was equal parts obstacle course, navigation challenge, and endurance test. And in Silk Road, it was falling into a ravine on the lesser-known Tranquil Valley Trail hike-a-bike. I could have seriously hurt myself, but that lapse of judgment really drove home the stakes and reminded me that, as self-supported racers, we’re responsible for our own risk assessments—based on experience, fatigue, weather, water levels, and more. 

Did the year go how you expected it to? Was there anything that surprised you or that you really learned a lot from? 

At the start, it was hard even to hold the whole year in my head. I prepared for each race one at a time, never thinking about the next one until I returned home. I learned the most from Atlas. I’ve never loved the saying “we learn more from our mistakes than from our successes,” but maybe that’s because I used to skip over useful self-analysis to chase the next goal. I confess: I went into Atlas a bit underprepared—partly because of a shoulder injury that lingered from December into January, keeping me off the bike while also heightening my anxiety around prep time. Once I returned, I set about addressing my weaknesses: physio for ongoing and new issues, a proper bike fit, and more practice on technical terrain.

With the level of competition higher than ever, and the series being one of the pinnacles of the sport, what’s it like actually being a part of it? 

In the words of the late Mike Hall, speaking about the Trans Am Bike Race: “It’s riding your bike, and then riding it a bit more, and then riding some more.” Of course, there’s also eating, sleeping, and all the personal logistics. But once the preparation is done, it’s just another ride (albeit through some of the most spectacular terrain imaginable). For me, the build-up to each race felt more intense than events I’ve previously done, both because of the Mountain Races’ prestige and my own competitive hopes. But once I got out there and muscle memory kicked in, it was all about maintaining momentum. The carrot at the end: hanging out with other riders for a few days while awaiting the finisher’s party.

Ultra racing has always had this DIY, self-supported ethos, but with better and more reliable gear available now, do you think the line between “just finishing” and “racing to win” has shifted?

Great question. I think the core ethos of self-supported ultra racing hasn’t changed—it’s still about problem-solving, resilience, and being able to take care of yourself out there—but the execution definitely has. With better, lighter, and more reliable gear, riders can focus more of their energy on the actual riding, instead of constantly battling the elements or worrying about equipment failures. While the DIY spirit is still there, the ceiling of what’s possible has been raised, and the right gear lets you ride that fine line between survival and performance a little more gracefully.

With gear and setup choices can make a real difference. How much does having dialed equipment — bikes, apparel, bags — play into performing at the sharp end of these races now too? 

Dialed equipment matters at every level. At the front, it can be the difference between smooth progress and constant setbacks that drag you off the podium. Personally, I don’t want to think about gear while racing, I just want every piece to quietly and reliably do its job. I’m happiest when my bike, apparel, and bags feel like extensions of myself, rather than something external I have to manage. That’s when I can just focus on the ride.

One thing we love about your riding is how it embodies the spirit of exploration — not just racing to win, but racing to experience. How do you hold onto that while pushing at the sharp end of the field?

Aww, thanks! I try to channel that inner kid—the one who always wanted to step through the wardrobe into another world. I clung to the magic of hidden realms and Tolkien-esque quests long after my friends had moved on. Bikepack racing feels like a continuation of that wonder: suddenly I’m the main character in adventures I used to dream about, only now they’re real. And yes, being competitive helps me chase those experiences just a little further.

It’s not just one or two standout riders; so many women are absolutely crushing it in ultra events right now. What’s it like to be part of this wave, and how does the energy of that growing women’s field feel from the inside?

It’s amazing to be part of this surge of women in ultra racing. Every finish, every new rider on the start line is a reminder that we can push ourselves while cheering each other on. There’s a quiet power in knowing we’re building momentum together while raising the bar. The energy is electric.

You’ve become a voice and role model for women in ultra and bikepacking. What does that mean to you, and what kind of change or momentum do you hope to see in the scene?

I’m honoured to be part of this movement. Growing up a tomboy, I didn’t have many female role models, and unfortunately internalized a lot of the prevailing misogyny and sexism. I saw myself as “one of the boys” / “not like the other girls”—as if being female was something to overcome. That started to change in high school when I discovered rugby and found, in my older teammates, athletes who I could look up to. In my twenties, I leaned into the roller derby community and took Whip It’s advice to heart: “Be your own hero.”

It’s taken me a long time to find and celebrate strong female role models, and even longer to understand the power of representation. I hope we can continue building momentum so women and underrepresented athletes see themselves in bikepacking—because this adventure is for everyone.

We’ve talked a lot about your racing this year, but what’s biking been like outside of competition? Are you still finding time for adventures, and if so, how does that feel compared to the intensity of racing?

Over the season, I’ve had amazing opportunities to train and explore different parts of the world. Before Hellenic, I spent a couple of weeks leading rides at a training camp in Mallorca, and training from my coach’s place in Switzerland. I’ve been intentional about bookending my international races with touring, which lets me immerse myself in a new place without the pressure of a ticking clock. I’m grateful that my part-time work gives me that flexibility.

Closer to home, I didn’t get to all the big rides on my summer bucket list. Travel logistics and planning kept me from some long days out, so I focused on work, gear prep, and the gym instead. That just means I’ll have an even longer list of local rides to tackle next year!

For someone standing on the sidelines, watching the sport’s momentum build, what would you say is most exciting about where ultra racing is headed right now?

What excites me most is seeing the sport open up: more women, more diverse athletes, and more people discovering that they can cover distance on their own terms. The focus isn’t just on finishing first anymore—it’s on the adventures that happen along the way and the community that makes them possible.

When you look ahead to the next chapter, whether that’s racing, exploring, or inspiring others, what’s most exciting to you right now? What do you think is next for you? 

In the immediate future, I’m excited to dive into some writing projects I’ve put on hold this year. I’m also easing back into structured training, promising to really listen to my coach and approach my training with a learner’s mindset—open to discovery and new ways of doing things. And yes, the rumours are true: I’ll be back on the Tour Divide in 2026! Even though it’s a course I know, I have a feeling the race itself will feel completely different a second time around—and that’s what excites me most.

Amazing thanks Meaghan! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you. 

Right back at you!