Picky AmBADASSadors

Melanie Fry

Paris, Tennessee

Primary Discipline(s) Road Cycling / Criterium, Gravel Cycling, Masters Swimming, Road Running, Trail Running, Hiking, Strength Sports (Bodybuilding, Strongman, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Crossfit)
Bucket List RaceGrand Canyon Rim to Rim Run
Favorite Picky Bars productIt's really hard to pick just one! But probably the Need for Seed balanced energy bar.
Off-Day ActivityCasual walking, stretching, reading, listening to music.

I'm 60 yrs. old, married, a mom of 3 daughters and 1 grandson. I currently work for the National Bicycle Dealers Association and have worked off and on at a local bike shop. I have always been active in one way or another. When I was about 35 I found out about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. I had never even done a 5k, but I decided to join and do a marathon. I walked the first one and then I got hooked and kept doing them, but then as a run/walker. They asked me to become one of the walking coaches and I did that for several years while still doing my own marathons with them and adding in century bike rides also. I fell in love with cycling and that is my main sport now. I also recently discovered trail running and I am really enjoying that too. I have completed many marathons, several half marathons, some 5 and 10ks, and many century rides. One year I even did 13 century rides and received the Year Rounder Award from Ultra Cycling. I can't remember what year most of them were, so won't be able to really fill out the event portion of this application. I try to run, walk, swim and cycle consistently, but this past year has been tumultuous. We sold our house last fall, moved in with my elderly parents in another state, just recently helped them get moved, and are now living in a camper while we try to figure out where we want to be and what we want to do. During this time my son-in-law had a very rare cancer and my husband spent 2 months with them to help out. All of this stress and upheaval has really taken a toll on my working out and I am trying to get back into a routine. To challenge myself, I am going in a couple of weeks to help a friend complete a 100-mile trail race. My hopeful goal is to be able to do the last 50 miles with her! With my hectic life right now, I can honestly say that Picky Bars have been a lifesaver. Sometimes I don't have time to eat before a ride, swim, or run, and I can grab a Picky Bar and know I won't bonk. I also use them frequently after my early-morning swims to get my tank topped back up. I also love how easy they are to throw in a pack for a hike. When I love a product, I am passionate about telling other people about it. I frequently give Picky Bars out to friends on bike rides when they haven't brought something to eat. Listening to, and looking at the ocean soothes my soul but I equally love the mountains. I am happiest when I am outside in nature and I also love a good nap!