This is Meg. Keeper Jim and I found Meg spinning loops around Mercer Island, big-ringing the rollers in the pouring rain. Meg likes sunsets, puppies, and had a gerbil named Fränk. Meg doesn’t need bad weather to be considered a badass; Meg rides her bike with one leg, so riding in the rain is hardly a blip on the Badass Radar.
Meg Fisher is on the US Paralympic Team, training for the qualifiers at US Nationals in June to make the squad headed for London. At the time we chatted about it, it didn’t occur to me to ask about any other events besides road cycling she’s involved with, but the ten minutes of Google Research I did for this article revealed that she’s a world-class road cyclist, time-trialist, track racer, mountain biker, and triathlete – and has the world and national championship titles to prove it. She also refers to herself as “Peg Leg Meg”.
Meg’s prosthetic leg appears to work amazingly well (if her going to the front and drilling it every time she felt Jim and I were going too slow is any indication), but my ignorance on such matters is nearly comprehensive. It should come as no surprise, I suppose, that as much or more research goes into making athletic prosthetic development as anything else. Cycling-specific race prosthetics are made of carbon fiber and designed to be airfoils. I assume the airfoil design is 50% for function and 50% for extra damage points when employing a front-flip drop-kick. Meg needs one of these for the Paralympics (not for cage fighting). At the time of writing, Velominati is checking with Meg to see if she’s got a donation or sponsorship fund set up for this, and if so, we’ll advise the Community as such. If not, we’ll see what we can do to help arrange for one.
Once she gets her upgrade, I just hope Pat McQuaid doesn’t come staggering by with his tape measure. On the other hand, I’d like to see him try and catch her.
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Also awesome
Paula Tesoriero was a customer at the shop, pretty awesome to deal with. She used to come in with what I assumed was her partner/coach, and I remember first time I met her asking a few questions thinking she was a punter and getting shot the dirtiest look, which spoke volumes. She might still use the shop, Bretto might know if he was ever there and put his phone down.
Don't think she still rides at the same level, but on nasty round the bays rides she'd be out turning the pedals over.
@Nick
That might not be how I would have phrased it, especially with Meg's mum joining us, but +1 and nipple lube on the sentiment.
@frank I'm definitely on board to donate but if you do send Meg a V-Kit, which I'd be quite happy to contribute towards, will you be able to talk Castelli into making it with the bands?
@frank
And cold. Not so much: have a mate with a massive ti rod in his leg holding his femur together, who got to travel to Antarctica for his PhD. He couldn't go outside and had to get a plane back after a week or 2, I forget, the pin got too cold and causing quite severe pain.
@Chris: No worries..I have two older brothers...so I have heard it all! LOL!
What a great read - both the article and the comments. Meg and her mum are both quite clearly heavily laden with awesomeness. I'm keen to chip in. And to read how her races go at the 'lympics. Nice one.
@minion
Haven't seen Paula in the shop for a little while, but yeah as you say I'm never there and I might've missed her. Her partner is a good guy too, can't remember his name but usually saw them when they'd be going away for a race and would grab some bike boxes. Can't have been more than a year or two back I guess.
Geez, Meg's mom is commenting. Now I feel like a dope for using bad language.
I am blown away by all of your comments and support!! Thank you!
I recently moved to Seattle from the wilds of Missoula, Montana. Over yonder, everyone is badass. I learned quickly that if I wanted to keep up with my friends, I had to toughen up and get fast. It was excellent preparation for international para-competition. I have had the good fortune to race triathlons, mountain bikes, road bikes, and on the velodrome. I must admit that the track bike in the snarling picture above is not mine. In fact, I don't even own a track bike. I am borrowing that one for now and looking to buy a speed machine to race in London. The National Team coach thinks my best shot at medalling is on the track.
I have read some comments about my pedal stroke. If anyone is curious, I would be happy to geek out on how I have adapted my prosthetic and my bike.
The possibility of racing in the Paralympic Games is a dream come true. Ten years ago, when I laid in a hospital bed after coming out of a coma, staring at where my left leg used to be, I never could have imagined the position I am in today.
I am grateful for all of the support. I have not gotten this far alone.
@Meg Fisher
Welcome, Meg! It's awesome to have you around.