Heidi Beierle: Author, Artist, and Slow Traveler on Biking Across America, Accessible Outdoor Adventures, and Finding Creativity on the Road

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 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. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** 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/heidi.beierle.7 Instagram @heidibeierle LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-beierle-213b3314