‘Human emotions, challenges, and triumphs’

Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race
by Meaghan Marie Hackinen

Edmonton: NeWest Press, 2023
$23.95  /  9781774390801

Reviewed by Amy Tucker

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In her book Shifting Gears, Meaghan Marie Hackinen takes readers on a journey through her solo long-distance cycling expeditions in Europe and her participation in the Trans Am Bike Race. Her story is not just a recount of a physical undertaking but a profound voyage into personal resilience and discovery. Through the lens of her adventure, readers are offered a glimpse into her enterprise, which combines the exhilaration of cycling with the introspective challenges of life’s unexpected twists and turns.

The book begins with Hackinen’s arrival in Frankfurt, Germany. This opening serves as a metaphor for her new challenges and opportunities. Hackinen sets a tone of anticipation mixed with apprehension—a feeling that resonates with anyone who has stood on the precipice of a life-altering decision. Her vivid portrayal of the busy city life in Frankfurt captures the essence of the place and the pulsing excitement of starting fresh.

Hackinen’s descriptive prowess paints a vivid picture of the landscape and a cyclist’s inner landscape while pushing their limits. Her descriptions are vivid and come to life. The author writes, “[t]he hot, dry air clobbered my lungs; giant pine cones scattered the road’s edge. Then the trees gave way, and the landscape opened up like the glossy pages of a coffee-table book: high country. This was the wild west, and we were cowboys on metal horses—blasting off in search of untold adventure.”

As an adventure cyclist, I have had my fair share of long days in the saddle, thrilling climbs, and breathless descents, so Hackinen’s Shifting Gears resonated deeply with me. Once I started reading her story, I felt that old, familiar burn in my legs and the desire to hit the road. Her struggles and triumphs mirrored my experiences and those of many in our community. Her book does more than recount the physicality of the race; it captures the essence of why we ride. It is not just for the physical challenge but for the journey inward and the connections we forge along the way.

Cycling is more than just a physical activity; it is a way of life that helps us build meaningful, kindred relationships with those around us. The cycling community is known for creating tight-knit friendships that can last a lifetime. One of the most poignant elements of Hackinen’s story is her evolving friendship with Matthias, a fellow cyclist. Their relationship, based on shared interests and struggles, is an example of the powerful connections that travel and regular activities can create. Matthias is more than just a companion; he becomes an integral part of Hackinen’s journey of self-discovery. Their interactions, filled with camaraderie and mutual support, highlight the human need for connection and the unique bonds that adventurous endeavours can create.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of taking on gruelling adventures is connecting with like-minded individuals with a deep passion for the same sport or activity. The camaraderie and mutual support of being part of a community of adventure-seekers can be compelling. Cycling partners can help fuel your drive and motivation when the going gets tough. There is nothing quite like the bond that forms between people who share a quest for adventure, whether it be through exchanging tales and experiences, offering words of encouragement, or simply enjoying the thrill of the journey together.

The book’s core is focused on Hackinen’s participation in the Trans Am Bike Race. This race, covering over 4,000 miles across America, tests the limits of human endurance. Hackinen’s day-by-day account provides an in-depth look at the physical and emotional rigours of the race. From the solitude of the long roads to the camaraderie among competitors, she captures the essence of ultra-distance racing. Her struggles with fatigue, the weather, and the coordination of solo racing are detailed in a manner that highlights both the harsh realities and the euphoric highs of such a monumental challenge. She writes, “I believed my proficiency in randonneuring, and cycle touring gave me an edge, including a familiarity with fueling on the road, camping in unusual places, and keeping my bike in decent working order. What I wasn’t accustomed to was night riding and sleep deprivation. Would my body handle the sustained rigours of pedalling day after day with only four hours of rest? I couldn’t say. But that afternoon, I still felt good.”

An intriguing subplot of Hackinen’s journey is her struggle to balance her passion for cycling with her writing aspirations. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to her narrative, making her story relatable to anyone juggling multiple passions or career paths. Hackinen shares her honest thoughts about the difficulties of maintaining a writing routine while engaging in physically exhausting adventures, which adds depth to her character and provides a realistic look at the sacrifices made in pursuing one’s dreams. I feel this statement in the depths of my soul.

The book also touches on the less glamorous aspects of solo cycling tours, such as encounters with hostile drivers and the mental toll of prolonged physical exertion. Hackinen does not shy away from describing these challenges, adding authenticity to her narrative. The author writes, “[s]till, my neck hairs quivered as I recalled the frightening vulnerability, I experienced on that same stretch of Kansas Highway 96, when Matthias and I pedalled toward Leoti after sunset. I wondered how many more times I would find myself in similar circumstances, fearful that I may be invisible to approaching traffic.” These encounters are pivotal, demonstrating her vulnerability and resilience as a cyclist.

The strength of Shifting Gears lies in Hackinen’s reflective insights into her own experiences. The race is more than a physical challenge; it focuses on personal growth. Each journey segment brings new revelations about her strengths, weaknesses, and the power of the human spirit. The word “endurance” comes to mind when I think of Hackinen’s journey. This introspective reflection ensures that the book moves beyond the sports memoir genre, touching on universal themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative power of pushing one’s boundaries. Her story is a compelling reminder that while the roads we ride on can be rugged and the inclines steep, the journey can lead to profound personal revelations and provide a renewed sense of purpose. Her adventures remind us of the power of endurance sports to transform and connect us.

Shifting Gears by Meaghan Marie Hackinen is more than a story about cycling; it is a narrative rich with human emotions, challenges, and triumphs. This is a must-read if you are looking for a book on becoming an endurance cyclist. It is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and an inspirational read for anyone interested in the interplay between physical endurance and personal growth. Hackinen’s journey encourages readers to contemplate their limitations and inspires to venture beyond them.

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Amy Tucker is an instructor at Thompson Rivers University with a diverse educational background, including expertise in leadership, organizational behaviour, sustainability and ethics, and human resource management. In her spare time, she loves to read and enjoy adventures in her travel van, lovingly named “Vanish.” [Editor’s Note: Amy Tucker has reviewed books by Jayne Seagrave, Joanna Kafarowski and Martha Piper & Indira Samarasekera for The British Columbia Review.]

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The British Columbia Review

Interim Editors, 2023-25: Trevor Marc Hughes (non-fiction), Brett Josef Grubisic (fiction and poetry)
Publisher: Richard Mackie

Formerly The Ormsby Review, The British Columbia Review is an online book review and journal service for BC writers and readers. The Advisory Board now consists of Jean Barman, Wade Davis, Robin Fisher, Barry Gough, Hugh Johnston, Kathy Mezei, Patricia Roy, Maria Tippett, and Graeme Wynn. Provincial Government Patron (since September 2018): Creative BC. Honorary Patron: Yosef Wosk. Scholarly Patron: SFU Graduate Liberal Studies. The British Columbia Review was founded in 2016 by Richard Mackie and Alan Twigg.

“Only connect.” – E.M. Forster