SALT AIR. STRONG LEGS.

AKA the “Lobster Rollers”. 

Trailblazer Women's Racing is an all-women amateur cycling collective based in Atlantic Canada. The team draws inspiration from grassroots women’s racing and cycling communities that are building space in endurance sports, and we’re working to grow that same culture locally. We don’t fit neatly into a single category, we’re riders pushing personal limits, showing up for ultras, tris and other races involving bikes! Helping each other train, and getting one another to start lines. 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.

Why : 

From local gravel races to major international events, women are still underrepresented at endurance start lines. We’re here to change that. Our goal is simple:

• Increase representation of women from Atlantic Canada at start lines across the Maritimes and internationally

• Support each other in training and racing

• Build partnerships with local businesses to support women in cycling 

• Make endurance cycling more visible and accessible in our community 

• Raise the profile of the Maritimes in the global ultra race scene

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. 

In 2026, she is set to line up for Bright Midnight in Norway, continuing to expand her presence in the endurance and bikepacking space while inspiring more riders to explore further afield.

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.

Known for her commitment to consistent training and performance, Sophie continues to expand her endurance résumé across both bike and multisport events. In 2026, she is set to take on IRONMAN Ottawa!

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.

In 2026, Alysa will line up for Unbound Gravel XL as she continues to expand her ultra-distance ambitions.

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.

Racing: 

We race in our kit, in the same colours, as a visible reminder that women belong at every start line. Our team competes separately and together in:

• Gravel races

• Triathlons 

• Ultra and Endurance

• International, local and regional races

2026 Race Calendar

Alysa - Unbound Gravel XL

Emporia, Kansas, USA • 350 miles
May 29, 2026
https://www.unboundgravel.com/events-xl/

Sohpie - IRONMAN Canada–Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • 3.8 km swim / 180 km bike / 42.2 km run
August 2, 2026
https://www.ironman.com/races/im-canada-ottawa

Rachyl - Bright Midnight
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada • Ultra-distance gravel race
June 21–22, 2026
https://brightmidnight.cc

LOCOmotion 600
Atlantic Canada • ~600 km unsupported ultra cycling
July 2026
https://locomotion600.com

Mussel Tear
Prince Edward Island, Canada • Gravel endurance race
September 2026
https://musseltear.com

Local Endurance & Mixed Terrain Events We Rally Around

The Maritimes has an incredible endurance sport scene from ultra‑distance gravel challenges to big community cycling rides. 

LOCOmotion 600 — Nova Scotia Endurance Ride
A ~600 km self‑supported endurance ride starting and finishing in Halifax, this route challenges riders over multiple days and showcases the rugged beauty of the province. Riders have a set time limit to complete the course, whether solo or in pairs.

Tip 2 Tip Nova Scotia — Coastal Adventure Ride
Part of the same series as LOCOmotion, Tip 2 Tip celebrates long‑distance riding from one tip of the province to the other, turning the landscape into a living course. These events were born out of a desire for long adventures close to home and continue to grow thanks to passionate organisers.

Mussel Tear — PEI Gravel Ride 

A self-supported 430km gravel cycling event that spans the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island from one end to the other.

Supporters

Trailblazer Physiotherapy

Priority First Aid 

If you're a local business that would like to support women in endurance cycling, please contact Adrian (adrianwphysio@gmail.com) .