Ms Deaf International 2022 chases her cycling passion
Meyersdal’s Ms Deaf International 2022 is determined on embarking on a charity ride in the new year as her way of sowing back to the community.
Shortly after returning from an international pageant competition where she was crowned Ms Deaf International 2022, Megan Holmes recently joined scores of health enthusiasts in a massive cycling race.
Within a short period, after she returned from Tanzania, the avid cyclist pursued her passion for cycling as she joined thousands in the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg race.
Despite feeling jetlag and mental exhaustion, she managed to train and carbo-loading for the race.
“During the race, I experienced a mechanical problem on my bike and I was walking 2.5km uphill to the water point to find the bike mechanic to fix my bike. Unfortunately, I lost my time but I was determined to finish the race. I refused to give up,” explained Megan.
Despite the minor setback, the 35-year-old said in the year 2023 she looks forward to sowing back to the community by taking part in a charity ride.
Down memory lane
Physical fitness and health have always been part of her life.
“During my cycling journey, I’ve survived a few falls and some bruises on my body and I was huffing and puffing every time I climb on the hills. Three years ago Melvin Watkins, chairman of New Generation Cycling Club, encouraged me to join the club and I agreed in a heartbeat,” she said.
Touring down memory lane, Megan said she started cycling at a tender age.
“My uncle was a cyclist, and I watched his every move, his training and he taught me a lot. He inspired me. He rode the Cape Town Cycle Tour 43 times in his lifetime. He’s one of the most committed cyclists I’ve seen,” Megan said.
Megan grew up a multi-sport athlete, from swimming, playing volleyball, football, hockey and kickboxing all through school.
“After my daughter was born, I was into running and weightlifting. “Grinding the wrong gear and eating the wrong kind of food for training are common mistakes that most first-time cyclists make. The first race I entered was the 80km Amashova Durban Classic 2021. It was raining on the day,” she explained.
This was followed by numerous other races, namely, Tshwane Classic 2021 64km, 947 Ride Joburg 2021 94.7km, Herald Cycle Tour 2022 106km and Cape Town Cycle Tour 2022.
“The Herald Cycle Tour is an annual cycle race held in Gqeberha and I achieved my best time there. I was one of the top three for the ages 35-39 category. It was the toughest race ever,” said Megan.
