Heidi Beierle: Author, Artist, and Slow Traveler on Biking Across America, Accessible Outdoor Adventures, and Finding Creativity on the Road
Release Date: 12/17/2024
Miriam Lancewood: A Life Beyond Civilisation – Wilderness Living, Global Adventures, and Lessons from the Wild
Tough Girl Podcast
Miriam Lancewood is an adventurer, author, and modern-day nomad who chose an extraordinary path far removed from the comforts of modern life. In 2010, Miriam and her husband Peter left civilisation behind, venturing into the high mountains of New Zealand with nothing but a backpack, a bow and arrow, and a tent. For seven years, they lived as nomads, hunting wild animals, foraging for plants, and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. Since then, Miriam’s journey has continued to evolve. Together with Peter, she has roamed the wilderness of Europe, braved personal challenges...
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Claire McCall: Hiking the Hexa – A Memoir of Adventure, Fear, and Finding Joy in Midlife
Tough Girl Podcast
Claire McCall is a Kiwi journalist, author, and self-described "not-so-tough" adventurer who took on a life-changing challenge in her 50s. Born in South Africa and now based in New Zealand, Claire didn’t grow up sporty, but in her 40s, she discovered a love for hiking and new physical challenges, including climbing Kilimanjaro with her son. In 2022, Claire and her partner James set out to hike selected stages of the Hexa Trek, a newly established long-distance trail through France. Covering just a portion of the trail, the journey became the inspiration for her book, Hiking...
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Dr. Susannah O’Sullivan: Teacher, Writer, Activist & Adventurer – From Solo Cycling Across Continents to Empowering Women in Palestine and Beyond
Tough Girl Podcast
Teacher, writer, activist and adventurer. Susannah quit her job as a university lecturer in 2017 to cycle solo and unsupported from the UK to the Middle East. She camped all along the way, in olive groves, in peoples’ garages, next to motorways, by rivers and lakes, and in caves. She faced many of her own fears on this trip and wants to share her experiences to encourage other women to wild camp safely. In the Middle East she spent 6 months in the West Bank, Palestine, teaching yoga to women in a refugee camp, working as a climbing guide and becoming a solidarity activist with victims of...
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Naomi Rumble: Leading by Example – Overcoming Barriers and Redefining What an Athlete Looks Like
Tough Girl Podcast
In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Naomi Rumble, a passionate triathlete, dedicated swimming coach, and advocate for breaking down barriers in sport. By day, Naomi works as a senior market researcher in London, but outside of her 9-to-5, she’s fully immersed in the world of swimming, cycling, and running. While sport has always been a part of Naomi’s life—from childhood swimming lessons and taekwondo to dabbling in netball, boxing, and archery—her relationship with consistent training truly solidified during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a...
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Caroline Soubayroux - 2024 Guinness world record holder for fastest couple circumnavigation by bike. Wife and mother working full-time and striving to inspire the next generation.
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Caroline Soubayroux—Guinness World Record holder, full-time project manager, wife and mother. Caroline takes us on a journey through her life, from her early days learning to ride a bike in France, to cycling 18,000 miles around the world alongside her husband, and finally navigating the challenges of balancing fitness, family life, and a demanding career. You’ll hear about the highs and lows of life on the road, the realities of cycling over 100 miles a day, and how Caroline transitioned into running after...
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Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025
Tough Girl Podcast
At the end of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and share some personal insights from the past six months. In this special solo episode, I open up about my experiences hiking the South West Coast Path, the lessons I’ve learned about health and fitness, and how I’m approaching financial planning and future adventures. From the challenges of dealing with health setbacks to the triumphs of completing tough hikes, this episode is an honest and raw look at my journey. I also delve into thoughts on ageing, longevity, and the exciting plans I have for 2025,...
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Prue Young: Triathlete and Critical Care Flight Paramedic Sharing Her Journey as an MS Warrior and Competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports. From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including...
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Linda Blakely - The Inspiring Journey of an Ironman Athlete Who Summited Everest and Lhotse and Rowed the Atlantic Ocean Solo!
Tough Girl Podcast
Linda Blakely is a remarkable athlete and adventurer, known for her extraordinary accomplishments in the world of endurance sports. As an Ironman competitor, she has completed 25 full Ironman races, including three World Championships, achieving an impressive ranking of 19th in her age group worldwide. Linda proudly represented Great Britain as an age group athlete at long-distance triathlon events, earning a silver medal at the European Championships in 2015. In 2018, Linda achieved an incredible feat by summiting both Everest and Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world, within...
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Xian Goh: Climber, Coach, and Author of ‘Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing’
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Xian, an accomplished climber, climbing coach, and writer. With over 20 years of experience in the climbing world, Xian's journey has transformed from an enthusiastic gym rat to an international competitor, and now she focuses on outdoor performance, coaching, and writing. Climbing has been a powerful force in Xian's life, helping her uncover her true self and shape her aspirations. Her passion for the sport culminated in her recently published book, Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing, where she shares valuable...
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Heidi Beierle: Author, Artist, and Slow Traveler on Biking Across America, Accessible Outdoor Adventures, and Finding Creativity on the Road
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Heidi Beierle—author, slow traveler, and artist—who shares her incredible journey across America by bicycle. Back in 2010, Heidi pedaled solo across the U.S., studying bicycle tourism and rural economic development. That life-changing journey became the foundation for her memoir, Heidi Across America – One Woman’s Journey on a Bicycle Through the Heartland. With over 15 years working at the crossroads of transportation, tourism, and recreation, and 17 years without owning a car, Heidi brings a unique perspective on the...
info_outlineIn this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Heidi Beierle—author, slow traveler, and artist—who shares her incredible journey across America by bicycle. Back in 2010, Heidi pedaled solo across the U.S., studying bicycle tourism and rural economic development.
That life-changing journey became the foundation for her memoir, Heidi Across America – One Woman’s Journey on a Bicycle Through the Heartland.
With over 15 years working at the crossroads of transportation, tourism, and recreation, and 17 years without owning a car, Heidi brings a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of exploring the outdoors without relying on a vehicle.
Her mission? To make transformative outdoor experiences accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
Beyond her passion for sustainable travel, Heidi’s creativity shines through her art, from upcycled collage puzzles to award-winning costumes. Her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, High Desert Journal, and more.
Tune in to hear Heidi’s insights on slow travel, her creative inspirations, and how she’s making the outdoors open to all.
Get ready for a journey that redefines what it means to explore and connect with the world around us.
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Show notes
- Who is Heidi
- Her early experiences with slow travel and the outdoors
- Growing up in Wyoming and exploring open spaces as a child
- The influence of bicycling during her childhood and independence it provided
- Her father’s mythic 100-mile bike ride and its lasting impact
- Transitioning from mountain climbing to bicycling for local exploration
- How financial challenges and the 2008 recession influenced her journey
- The decision to pursue a degree in active transportation planning
- Her struggle with the demands of postgraduate studies
- The email from her mother that inspired her cross-country bike ride
- The birth of the idea to cycle solo across the US
- Using the bike tour as research for her master’s project
- Heidi’s first long-distance bike tour from Oregon to San Francisco, California
- Her prior experience with solo adventures, including mountain climbing
- Heidi’s approach to planning: a balance of structure and flexibility
- Lessons learned from her cross-country trip, including managing expectations
- The challenges of balancing blogging, research, and daily cycling
- How pressure and over-scheduling affected her trip enjoyment
- An example of spontaneous travel in Europe with her partner
- Adapting travel plans due to weather and high tourist seasons
- The importance of balancing spontaneity with logistical planning
- Insights into flexible planning during high travel seasons
- Heidi’s reflections on prioritising experiences over rigid schedules
- Her evolving perspective on enjoying side trips and unplanned opportunities
- The empowering feeling of covering long distances under her own power
- The joy and challenge of balancing adventure with responsibilities
- How slow travel fosters deeper connections with people and places
- Heidi’s philosophy on blending structure with adaptability in travel
- Heidi’s decision to navigate her bike tour using paper maps instead of GPS
- The challenges of navigating with traditional maps during her journey
- Magical moments with locals who offered kindness and hospitality
- Facing the challenges of cycling in extreme heat and the miraculous help from strangers
- Heidi’s reflections on authentic connections made during her journey
- The evolving concept of slow travel and how it differs from traditional tourism
- Heidi’s early work in bicycle tourism and equitable car-free travel access
- Efforts to create sustainable tourism options in the Columbia River Gorge
- The impact of slow travel on climate-friendly and accessible tourism
- How limitations and barriers affect access to travel for different people
- Heidi’s definition of slow travel and its significance in modern tourism
- Her thoughts on how slow travel fosters deeper connections and mindfulness
- The cultural emergence of slow travel and its growing recognition
- The inspiration behind Heidi’s book and the role of slow travel in its themes
- Insights into Heidi’s process of promoting her book through a slow travel approach
- Heidi’s upcoming travel plans for her book tour in 2025
- Heidi’s milestone birthday plans and embracing turning 50
- The personal growth and self-awareness Heidi gained through her travels
- Final words of advice
Social Media
Website: HeidiAcrossAmerica.com
FB group: The Wonder of Slow Travel
FB personal profile: www.facebook.com/
Instagram @heidibeierle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/