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South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels
South Away is an adventure story of the author's bicycle trip with her sister from Terrace, BC along the West coast to (almost) the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Meaghan Marie Hackinen experiences apprehension and determination as she camps in the dense forests of northern Vancouver Island and in frigid Mexican deserts; encounters strange men, suicidal highways and monster trucks; strong winds and violent storms; flat ties and broken spokes. Her couch-surfacing adventures provide an insight into the "kindness of strangers" en route. Accompanying the travel memoir is an inner journey, related through flashbacks and memories, as the author begins to better understand her relationship with her parents, grandmother, and sister. In attempting to balance risk with safety, she arrives at a minimalist philosophy of living, which requires "physical stamina and mental ingenuity." The style is engaging and personable; the images of landscape and seascape are imaginative and memorable. South Away is a rare roadtrip story--with a female lead and a female companion, a Canadian Hobbit tale of adventure and miraculous events.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
10 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Meaghan Marie Hackinen
2 books21 followersMeaghan Hackinen is an ultra-endurance cyclist and writer currently based in Kelowna, BC. Her two-wheeled adventures have taken her from Haida Gwaii to Mexico's high plateaus, across Canada, the US, and Europe. Meaghan’s writing explores relationships, experiences on the road, and encounters with wild places. She is the author of South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels (NeWest Press, 2019) a travel memoir about the very first time she packed up her panniers and set out into the sunset, as well as Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race|125090104]
You can find her creative non-fiction, poetry, and prose in literary journals, cycling magazines, and anthologies, including Poetry All Over the Floor: Volume 1 and Just Words Volume 3.
You can find her creative non-fiction, poetry, and prose in literary journals, cycling magazines, and anthologies, including Poetry All Over the Floor: Volume 1 and Just Words Volume 3.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2025
Before Meaghan was the world-renowned endurance cyclist that she is, she was a slightly lost 20-something who wasn't drawn to the typical lifestyle of work-marriage-mortgage-children. She fought back, knowing that she was made for something else.
In the beginning of her cycling career, she joins a casual women's cycling club in Terrace, BC and not only gets left in the dust but also gets left with blisters, chaffing and a fatigue which only motivates her to ride more.
She and her sister, Alisha, decide to ride down the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, Washington, Oregon, California and the Baja Peninsula. With very limited funds and somewhat wavering support of their parents, the young women face the unknown roads, confident in their ability to figure it out as they go. Complete novices to the bikepacking world, they prove that they don't need fancy gear nor a huge budget. They simply need each other's support, curiosity and an attitude to learn by doing.
There is something so compelling about the suffering, the challenges, the terrain, the wins, the beauty and the satisfaction she gets from this adventure. It makes the idea of a bikepacking trip like this both daunting and accessible.
I'm a big Hackinen fan - following her Instagram feed and joining in on her race Q&A sessions on Zoom. I have watched in awe as she completed the triple crown of endurance cycling this year and call myself fortunate for having shared the start line with her at our local Buckshot gravel race last spring. This book cements my Fan-girl status and makes me ever hopeful that she will keep documenting her accomplishments and sharing her adventures.
In the beginning of her cycling career, she joins a casual women's cycling club in Terrace, BC and not only gets left in the dust but also gets left with blisters, chaffing and a fatigue which only motivates her to ride more.
She and her sister, Alisha, decide to ride down the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, Washington, Oregon, California and the Baja Peninsula. With very limited funds and somewhat wavering support of their parents, the young women face the unknown roads, confident in their ability to figure it out as they go. Complete novices to the bikepacking world, they prove that they don't need fancy gear nor a huge budget. They simply need each other's support, curiosity and an attitude to learn by doing.
There is something so compelling about the suffering, the challenges, the terrain, the wins, the beauty and the satisfaction she gets from this adventure. It makes the idea of a bikepacking trip like this both daunting and accessible.
I'm a big Hackinen fan - following her Instagram feed and joining in on her race Q&A sessions on Zoom. I have watched in awe as she completed the triple crown of endurance cycling this year and call myself fortunate for having shared the start line with her at our local Buckshot gravel race last spring. This book cements my Fan-girl status and makes me ever hopeful that she will keep documenting her accomplishments and sharing her adventures.
May 31, 2021
Having been cooped up for over a year due to COVID restrictions, I thought I would travel vicariously with Meagan Hackinen and her sister Alisha as they cycled from Terrace, B.C. To Baja California! The trip took place over a decade ago, and began when Meagan finishes her summer job in Terrace and decides to hit the road. She pedals solo out to the coast along the tragic Highway of Tears. From Prince Rupert she makes a side trip to Haida Gwaii before taking the ferry to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. She then meets up with her sister in Victoria, and they make their way down the western coast of the USA, through rainy Washington and Oregon into sunny California. They are challenged by steep inclines, dreary weather at first, and rely on camping and couch-surfing for accommodation ( money, or the lack thereof, was an issue!) A chance meeting leads to a Thanksgiving Dinner with a family in San Diego before the final leg of their journey, the 1700 kilometre run down through the desert in Baja California. Sitting under a tree in our backyard, “South Away” was a pleasant escape from our rules of confinement as I enjoyed the descriptions of life on the road, without having to climb the hills myself!
September 23, 2023
A marvellous book. It's a simple, engaging narrative of a remarkable journey, with a few thoughtful reflections on the experience. Really well paced, with past stories deftly woven into the thread of the bike trip. The author and her sister-cum-cycling partner are really likeable characters, and it's easy to root for them on their journey! It was nice to read for inspiration before my little bike trip to Asilomar! (The main insights I gleaned from the book were to stop at panaderias for cheap, tasty carbs, and to stay the FUCK off of Highway 1, which is I think more tractable now than when the book was written).
If I took a similar trip, I'd probably stay in hostels / motels the whole way down (as Mike Higgins has advised me, citing the dangers of saddle sores—he also said to wash bibs in hot water and soap *every night*).
(CW-ish): No major crashes or injuries, but a few hair-raising incidents. Also, a couple of unpleasant-sounding rashes.
If I took a similar trip, I'd probably stay in hostels / motels the whole way down (as Mike Higgins has advised me, citing the dangers of saddle sores—he also said to wash bibs in hot water and soap *every night*).
(CW-ish): No major crashes or injuries, but a few hair-raising incidents. Also, a couple of unpleasant-sounding rashes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
Hackinen writes with flare that allows you to visualize and feel the strains of cycle touring during unpleasant conditions, such as how “breathing life into ghost-pale fingertips to unbuckle my panniers becomes a recurrent struggle” (30). Unlike other authors, when she writes about the physical struggles while pedalling, it isn't as exhausting as the riding itself.
ethically travel when you have privilege.
Overall, the book provides an entertaining view of cycle touring that allows an armchair traveller to get a sense of what the trip was like. You feel the sense of accomplishment when Hackinen and her sister arrive at the end of their adventure. The take home message for her journey is like other low-budget cycle stories—that anyone with a desire can do it.
ethically travel when you have privilege.
Overall, the book provides an entertaining view of cycle touring that allows an armchair traveller to get a sense of what the trip was like. You feel the sense of accomplishment when Hackinen and her sister arrive at the end of their adventure. The take home message for her journey is like other low-budget cycle stories—that anyone with a desire can do it.
November 10, 2023
"South Away" follows Meaghan and her sister's on an adventurous bike trip from Canada to Mexico. The journey is not just about the physical challenges but also the heartwarming connections they make with generous strangers. Through vivid storytelling, Meaghan captures the highs and lows of their ride, highlighting the unexpected friendships that shape their expedition. The book goes beyond a typical travelogue, exploring the transformative power of both the open road and human kindness. "South Away" is an inspiring read for adventurers who can gain a few tips before starting their own journey.
July 18, 2023
I bought this book on a Tuesday (after hearing the author at a reading), and was finished by the following Monday.
Meaghan's story is captivating, with vivid sensory descriptions of her bicycle journey from Terrace, BC to Mexico, woven together with family memories and contemplations of her hopes for the future. As a reader who is not a cyclist or extreme athlete, I was surprised by how engrossed I became in her adventure.
Highly recommend!
Meaghan's story is captivating, with vivid sensory descriptions of her bicycle journey from Terrace, BC to Mexico, woven together with family memories and contemplations of her hopes for the future. As a reader who is not a cyclist or extreme athlete, I was surprised by how engrossed I became in her adventure.
Highly recommend!
May 30, 2020
I loved this book. I found it inspiring, funny, scary, personal and thought provoking. One of the themes throughout is the author's exploration of the balance between adventure and risk. Meaghan's ability to so clearly describe the situations, people and landscapes she and her sister Alisha encountered made me feel like I was there with them. I can hardly wait for her next book.
December 3, 2022
A cyclist myself, I was eager to read this 📖! It did not disappoint. It is brave to cycle alone as a female, these sisters made me feel as I was tagging along on their journey. My son also cycles , Peru, Kyrgyzstan, 2 weeks with a buddy, so this book will be on their Christmas list. Canadian author, adventurer, I read this in 2 days
December 15, 2019
This story sweeps you in from the very first page! An excellent read about two daring Sisters tackling the adventure of a lifetime. Funny, honest and inspiring, this book will leave you with the urge to get on your bike and pedal out into the world to meet life on two wheels. Highly Recommend!
November 21, 2021
Great, encouraging, detailed account of one crazy bike ride from Canada to Baja Mexico. The gals were young and silly, idealist and naive but glad I was along for their ride. Can’t wait for my next epic ride!
November 8, 2019
A beautifully written adventure story that inspired me to want to plan my own bike trip. I loved all of the characters she met and the generosity of strangers that prevailed. A delightful read!
November 15, 2019
Enjoyable read about a likeable person!
November 22, 2019
A truly compelling travel tale! Meaghan and Alisha join the pantheon of daring female road warriors and South Away becomes part of my most-loved 'on the road' books!
November 27, 2020
Thank you Megan for bringing us all along on your ride.
July 13, 2022
a new dietary staple is quickly born: the platano taco: banana, peanut butter, and honey folded into a tortilla. classic
good luck
good luck
October 10, 2022
An enjoyable read about 2 sisters cycling adventure from Prince Rupert to Mexico. Largely unprepared for their journey, they describe the kindness of strangers who help them along the way.
February 7, 2024
A story of a bike ride and so much more. I enjoyed the writing style, the journey and the candid reflections. Uplifting.
July 22, 2025
great telling of a bicycle adventure
September 19, 2025
Learned who Meghan Hackinen was this year when I paid attention to some Silk Road mountain race updates. Turns out the number one women’s rider and top 10 overall finisher lives in Kelowna!
November 25, 2019
An easy to read bike trip memoir. You'll feel like Meaghan is a friend telling you tales over a beer.
June 18, 2020
I learned about this book through the Randonneurs' Canada Facebook page. Meaghan is a member of that group. It was pretty cool to learn about a book in this way. And, who knows, perhaps one day I will get to ride somewhere with Meaghan.
Hackinen recounts her bicycle tour from BC, through Washington, Oregon and California, and across the Mexican border and down the Baja Peninsula. It's quite a trek. Anyone planning a similar tour will certainly benefit from reading Hackinen's account.
One thing this book highlighted for me was that a long bicycle tour is as much about human relationships as it is about pedaling through kilometres. Hackinen spends a great deal of time writing about her relationship to her mother, whom she calls at various points during the ride, and to her sister, who accompanies her for almost the entire time. These are the main relationships. There are many more, but they are dealt with in more fleeting and episodic fashion. In all, it would seem that the openness and tolerance one feels on a long bike ride makes one less guarded, and, therefore, more receptive to others.
Of course, there is a good deal of introspection, too. A long bike ride at a pivotal moment in life is bound to elicit deep thoughts about life's goals and purpose. (She embarks on this ride just after she graduates from university). Observing other people, their choices and lifestyles, organically evolves into contemplating what choices and lifestyles are best for the observer. She can't ride on the Pacific coast indefinitely, so she needs to decide what type of life she wants after the tour is done. Some pages are devoted to ruminating over this challenge.
I personally have never felt the urge to ride my bike through California, at least not south of San Francisco, and in many ways, Hackinen confirmed my suspicions: urbanization, busy roads, tourist traps... Still, I thought there were many take aways. It is always valuable to read about how other people deal with the logistics of a long bike ride. I might not do everything the same way as Meaghan, but I certainly value learning from her choices. She shares them generously.
Definitely a good read. It was a helping hand during this time of COVID-19 and limited cycling. Thank you, Meaghan.
Hackinen recounts her bicycle tour from BC, through Washington, Oregon and California, and across the Mexican border and down the Baja Peninsula. It's quite a trek. Anyone planning a similar tour will certainly benefit from reading Hackinen's account.
One thing this book highlighted for me was that a long bicycle tour is as much about human relationships as it is about pedaling through kilometres. Hackinen spends a great deal of time writing about her relationship to her mother, whom she calls at various points during the ride, and to her sister, who accompanies her for almost the entire time. These are the main relationships. There are many more, but they are dealt with in more fleeting and episodic fashion. In all, it would seem that the openness and tolerance one feels on a long bike ride makes one less guarded, and, therefore, more receptive to others.
Of course, there is a good deal of introspection, too. A long bike ride at a pivotal moment in life is bound to elicit deep thoughts about life's goals and purpose. (She embarks on this ride just after she graduates from university). Observing other people, their choices and lifestyles, organically evolves into contemplating what choices and lifestyles are best for the observer. She can't ride on the Pacific coast indefinitely, so she needs to decide what type of life she wants after the tour is done. Some pages are devoted to ruminating over this challenge.
I personally have never felt the urge to ride my bike through California, at least not south of San Francisco, and in many ways, Hackinen confirmed my suspicions: urbanization, busy roads, tourist traps... Still, I thought there were many take aways. It is always valuable to read about how other people deal with the logistics of a long bike ride. I might not do everything the same way as Meaghan, but I certainly value learning from her choices. She shares them generously.
Definitely a good read. It was a helping hand during this time of COVID-19 and limited cycling. Thank you, Meaghan.
January 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Ms. Hackinen has a flowing, almost lyrical ability to tell a story and her commitment to vulnerability for the integrity of the story is admirable. Having met Meaghan in 2021 at a bikepacking event, I can attest that that the genuineness and positivity represented throughout her book does indeed represent her personality.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews