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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@Meg Fisher
You.
Are.
Awesome.
PLEASE let us know how we can contribute to the 'PEG LEG MEG KICKS THE WORLD'S ASS' fund, for new carbon bits, new legs, new bikes, whatever.
And I would be HONORED if you were to crush me in a race!
-Bianchi Bob
@Meg Fisher
Thanks for posting, Meg!
Yes, I am super curious about your pedaling stroke. Specifically, about how much power you are able to generate from your left leg, compared to your right. Frank mentioned different crank lengths; how does that help you? Finally, do you have any comments about cleat placement on your right shoe and prosthetic?
Thanks a lot; I find this stuff fascinating and your are a de facto expert in my eyes.
@Meg Fisher
Geek out? On things like pedal stroke and related matters?
It's what we live for around here. Geek away.
@Meg Fisher
I believe you have found the right place to geek out considering the geek factor here is high enough to generate 4 pages of discussion regarding proper sock color.
@The Oracle: As I said before...no worries about the language! I have two older brothers so I probably heard it all! :)
@Meg Fisher
Meg welcome aboard! I applaud only a few that choose to swim before a ride and run after a ride. You are added to the list!
My roommate Joe at the USMC Trials, see his team link below, is the other...
http://www.truespirit.org.uk/the%20team/townsendjoe.html
@itburns
+1. Don't forget the following discussion on length, another 4 pages.
@Meg Fisher
would love to help support you and your fellow athletes in any way I can... Don't forget to let us know when there is an avenue for donations. On a more serious note I recommend you consider a new nick name... instead of "Peg Leg Meg" how do you feel about "One Gun"... more cycling specific! Best of luck to you and your team mates going forward.
@Meg Fisher
I'd love to hear more about how you adapted your prostetic leg and bike. I find bioengineering and biomechanics fascinating, especially how athletes can perform so exceptionally well and work with their machines. I'm planning on taking a bioengineering module as part of my mechanical engineering degree. Will you be going for the road race or triathlon too in London? I'd love to cheer at the roadside! Maybe make a V banner!
Nice one Frank, and chapeau Meg! You really take all the good excuses out of the cycling equation. There are a lot of amputees out there making the rest of us look bad, and good one them for it.
And I know these prosthetics are all carbon fiber and Ti, just what gets people on this site all hot and bothered. You could get the free Rule 5 tattoo, meet Frank at Seattle tattoo shop for the Velominati deal.