Ultra-endurance athlete Meaghan Hackinen noticed there wasn’t a place for non-male riders to connect and create community, so she created The Divide Collective, a WhatsApp group with conversations, virtual check-ins, and a pre-event meetup ahead of the 2026 Tour Divide. Learn more and join the group here…

Words and photos by Meaghan Hackinen

In a sport that has historically been dominated by men, women and riders outside of the male category can sometimes feel alone or isolated, especially when first stepping into bikepacking. The Divide Collective emerged in response, creating a WhatsApp community where these riders can connect, share knowledge, and grow together.

The Divide Collective is a small, close-knit online community for women and underrepresented genders (including trans and non-binary riders) preparing to race the Tour Divide or tour the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, along with a few alumni who share their insights. Centered primarily in the WhatsApp community, it also includes weekly virtual check-ins and a pre-race meet-up in Banff, all aimed at creating a welcoming space for connection and shared preparation in the lead-up to the race (or ride).

Within the community, riders discuss everything from route planning and logistics to body-specific experiences like chamois fit, hormones, and safety concerns, as well as the emotional twists and turns of getting to Banff. By building visibility and community, The Divide Collective aims not only to support those on the start line but to help more people see themselves in bikepacking.

Riders interested in learning more about The Divide Collective or getting involved can reach out through this contact form.

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