OC Women’s Month Profile – Amy Maher & Addison Marcynuk

Amy and Addison are a mother and daughter dynamic duo, who are members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Cycling Academy. 

Amy has had a lifelong love of cycling.  She started riding bikes as a young kid as a means of transportation but was always ready to race everyone in the neighbourhood. In high school she got my first taste of MTB racing. Fast forward, and after 30 years of MTB, Road, and Track racing she still enjoys racing.  But even more so, she has enjoyed coaching youth cycling. Six years ago, when her kids wanted to join a cycling club, she took the opportunity to combine her experience with some coaching courses in order to help develop young cyclists. 

Addison is in grade 7 and has been cycling since she was old enough to be on a bike. During Covid when all other sports had to shut down Addison decided to spend more time cycling and give bike racing a try. It spiked her passion, and she is now dedicated to the sport.

How long have you been cycling for?

Amy: I have been cycling for pretty much my whole life but have been competitive for over 30 years.

Addison: As soon as I could sit, I was on my mom’s bike going for bike rides. But I really got serious about 3 years ago with racing.

What is your favourite part about cycling with your daughter/mother?

Amy: I love the time spent together travelling to events, our mother/daughter training and racing weekends.

Addison: I like our long base training rides. It gives us lots of time to talk.

What was your favourite event to race together and why? For example, at our Track Ontario Cup #3, where you both raced at the same event!

Amy: I had my first MTB race against Addison this past summer at Mansfield, and of course she beat me. I was so proud of her.

Addison: At OCup 3 I got to race the scratch race with my mom and it was the first time racing in a pack together.