SALT AIR. STRONG LEGS.

Trailblazer Women's Racing is an all-women amateur cycling collective based in Atlantic Canada. Trailblazer Women's Racing began with a simple observation at Trailblazer Physiotherapy: a lot of women with big ambitions on bikes were coming through the same doors. Bringing them together created a team built to race...far! Today, Trailblazer Women's Racing is about pushing limits, sharing experience and taking on ambitious challenges. More than a team, we’re a collective that supports, challenges, and represents the growing presence of women in endurance sports, both at home and beyond.

MEET THE TEAM

Rachyl Macphil

Rachyl is an Atlantic Canada–based cyclist, outdoor adventurer and Old Man Mountain and Brava Endurance ambassador who shares her journeys through her growing YouTube channel. Known for taking on ambitious backcountry routes and self-supported trips, she documents the amazing things you can do outside in Atlantic Canada. This includes long-distance riding, skiing, wild ice skating, trail running, bikepacking, sea kayaking and year-round exploration (including winter camping)! Through her storytelling, she aims to make bikepacking and outdoor adventure feel approachable for those curious about going further off the beaten path. In 2025, Rachyl placed 1st female solo at PEIs Muscle Tear demonstrating her strength in ultra-distance across terrains. Off the bike, Rachyl is a cartographer, and her artistic practice informs how she approaches routes and storytelling, bringing a distinctive visual perspective to her adventures.

Sophie Wark

Sophie is a Halifax-based cyclist and triathlete who represents Liv Cycling Canada and Giant Cycles Halifax. Active in the Atlantic Canadian endurance community, Sophie has raced across multiple disciplines throughout the Maritimes and founded women’s group rides in Halifax to help grow and support the local cycling community. Deeply committed to expanding access to the sport, she has also worked with Cycling Nova Scotia, consistently advocating for greater representation and inclusion in cycling spaces. When she’s off the bike (which is not very often) she’s in med school training to become a doctor.

Alysa Orellana-Makila

Alysa Orellana-Makila is an Atlantic Canada–based endurance cyclist specialising in ultra-distance road, gravel and bikepacking events. Originally from outside the Maritimes, she has quickly made her mark on the region’s ultra-distance scene. Alysa holds the fastest known time (FKT) for the Cabot Trail in the solo female supported category and placed first in the women’s field at the LOCOmotion 600 in 2025. Known for her resilience across long distances and variable conditions, she is equally at home racing gravel as she is bikepacking remote routes. Off the bike Alysa works in health care, is involved in community-focused political engagement and advocacy and is a talented artist.

Ashleigh Myles

Ashleigh is an endurance cyclist and race organizer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a tour-de-force in the Maritime endurance scene. She represents Fluent Frameworks, Shower Pass and Augustine House. She holds the record for the fastest female to ride the Pan-American Highway unsupported. That’s Alaska to Argentina, 22,500km; 190,000m elevation; two continents; 13 countries! Ashleigh is committed to making ultra-endurance cycling more accessible and welcoming. She’s the founder and race organiser of Tip 2 Tip Nova Scotia (T2T), a 1000–1200 km event spanning the length of the province, and LOCOmotion 600, a 600 km ride around Nova Scotia. She is committed to growing the sport in Atlantic Canada and creating welcoming pathways for riders curious about going longer. Off the bike, Ashleigh works as a professional bike mechanic and is studying cartography! Check out her website here.