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Back in Missoula I had the pleasure of riding bikes and hanging out with Meg Fisher, and luckily I can also call her a friend. Meg is an above the knee amputee who does it all racing mountain, road, track, and those funky triathalong things, all in a quest to satisfy her quest for cycling glory. Meg was selected to represent the USA next month at the Paralympics in London, and before she headed across the pond she was kind enough to answer some questions for the DC readers.
DC: If you were a stripper, what would your stage name be?
Hillary Spank- that would also be my roller derby name
DC: When did you start riding bikes?
I started getting serious about bikes about 8 years ago… after I lost my leg (of which I’m still looking for)
DC: When did you give up training wheels and why don’t you use them anymore?
I remember my first ride without training wheels when I was 5 years old. I’d like to say I was an early learner, but nope! I don’t use them anymore because 40 would laugh at me, and they’d probably slow me down.
DC: Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?
This question confuses me- kinda like a double negative. So what are you asking?! My best guess is that you park in driveways in the US and drive on parkways in metropolitan Euro cities.
DC: When can we ride bikes in Missoula again?
Best question of the bunch! I’ll be home sweet home in two years. With any luck, our paths’ will cross sooner!!
DC: If you had a rocket launcher what fast food joint would you blow up?
Hmmm… I am surprised by how long it is taking me to decide. I am tempted to eliminate McDonald’s. However unhealthy and dubious their food products may be, they are also one of the largest sponsor’s of the US Olympic Team. So… I’ll have to settle for White Castle. Their “sliders” are absolutely repulsive.
DC: Why are triathletes afraid of mountain bikers?
Easy, because most triathletes can’t handle a bike. I can honestly say this after racing my fair share of tri’s (both road, ITU, and XTERRA). Next question.
DC: Give us the low down on your prosthetic.
My prosthetic is sweet. It most closely resembles a pipe bomb, so TSA is always keen to inspect it at airport security. Basically, it is an aluminum tube with a carbon plate at the bottom with an SPD cleat bolted to the very bottom. My prosthetic does not have a foot shape, so the cleat is not positioned under where the “ball of my foot” might be. Instead it is more closely positioned under where my heel might be. Since my prosthetic does not have a functional ankle, making the aluminum tube longer than my real leg and moving the cleat back, allows my hips to generate more power, stay quiet on the saddle, and beat up on two-legged folk.
DC: East coast or West coast?
Too easy… West coast.
DC: What are you most looking forward to about the Olympics?
As a kid, I always wanted to be in the Olympics, but alas, that was not meant to be. I think I may be more excited for the Paralympics. The Paralympic Games is over flowing with competitive athletes who are prepared to demonstrate their strength, determination, and downright bad-ass nature to the rest of the World.
The Paralympics is a huge event and draws the greatest number of athletes to every field. I can’t wait to see how I stack up!
DC: Anything else you want to leave with?
If you don’t fall down sometimes, you’re not trying hard enough.
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Good luck Meg Fisher- kick some major ass in London!
Hillary Spank…I would come support you at the jiggly joint.
Total baller.
Meg killed it in Augusta this year at Para nationals. I got to throw back a few pints as she rode in the crit. I hung on her wheel during the road race until the meds wore off and my broken clavicle reminded me of how stupid it was for me to be racing.
…this chick has a leg up on the competition…
“If you don’t fall down sometimes, you’re not trying hard enough.”
fuck yeah
go, grrl.
I’d a been waaaaay more innerested in this if Meg had no pants on. Serious.
Really awesome post 40. Meg sounds like a pretty fantastic person to hang or ride with.
Go Meg Go!