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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Ahh... the fine art of pedaling.
Refining my unique pedaling stroke has taken a long time. The journey has not been quick, easy nor pain free. Please ask questions at any point.
For a couple years, I rode like everyone else. I buckled "both" of my feet into into a Sidi Dominator mtn bike shoes (with Shimano spd's) and hit the trails. That's right folks, my roots are in the dirt. I rode my Cannondale F600 til the headshock gave up the ghost. Then I rode a Specialized StumpJumber M4 til I realized that 29" wheels are a gift from the lord almighty. Now I ride a Niner Air9 with Edge Composite wheels. And yes, the wheels are sexy.
I can't tell you how many hours or miles I have put in riding trail. All the while, I rode with my everyday walking leg and two equal length crank arms. At a 24hr mtn bike race in 2008 I met Sam Kavanaugh, a fellow knee amputee and member of the US paralympic team. I solo'd that race, placed 3rd overall and 1st in the women's division. Sam noticed some potential and got me in touch with the US National Team Director. Since Paracycling only includes road and velodrome events, I have had to focus my energy into bikes with skinny tires.
You all are probably well aware of the importance of a good bike fit. A proper fit is essential- especially with road bikes. However, with mtn bikes there is some fudge factor... or as I like to say, "room to party." After riding my road bike for extended periods of time, while wearing my everyday leg and using equal length crank arms (170mm), I began to develop bilateral knee, right low back, and right hip pain. Keep in mind, I'm missing my left leg.
Oh boy... this post is getting long. How about I ask Frank to let me write an article? Sound good?
@Meg Fisher
I'll speak on behalf of Frank and the Keepers here...
YES.
@Meg Fisher
Yes, full article please!
I'd be interested to know if you feel like your quad has to work 'overtime' to make up for the missing calf, or if it isn't as big of a deal as it would seem?
Also, if you ever meet Oscar Pistorius, tell him that being the 'blade runner' is cool and all, but he should really take up cycling!
@Meg Fisher
Um... Yeah! Please do!
So much I want to know... Can you pull back on your prosthetic at the bottom of the stroke, for example, and forward over the top?
@mcsqueak
Yes, that, too... To bring you up to speed Meg, last week, we were talking about cleat placement and the contribution of the lower leg muscles to the pedal stroke.
@Meg Fisher
Yes, please.
@brett
What he said ^
@Calmante
Yes, that, too... To bring you up to speed Meg, last week, we were talking about cleat placement and the contribution of the lower leg muscles to the pedal stroke.
Damn, I missed that. As a pedantic know it all, I would have had something (probably meaningless) to contribute, I'm sure.
@Meg Fisher
Meg, welcome. I think that you're awesome.
Please share more of your story.
@Meg Fisher
I just wanted to add to these comments and send massive respect and good luck with your olympic goal. Be good to hear how you get on.