Coast Life: Mother of 3 pedals her way to world championship competition

WOOLMARKET, Miss. (WLOX) - They say once you learn to ride a bike, you’ll never forget how to do it. A mother of three in South Mississippi isn’t just riding, she’s striving to become the best cyclist in the world.

“I’ve never felt stronger than how I feel at this very moment,” Apryl Handy said.

Handy’s determination earned her the right to represent the U.S.A.

“I couldn’t wait to get this uniform, and I’ve just proudly worn it at every event,” Handy said.

Earlier this year Handy became one of just two women in her age group from the U.S. to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Australia.

“I think you create time for things that are important,” Handy said. “I really wanted to make it to that world championship; I just had my sights set on it.”

Last month, she completed the race of a lifetime. It was an 81-mile journey along Great Ocean Road at elevations of more than 6,000 ft.

“The first climb was 7 miles, a solid 30- or 40-minute climb,” Handy said. “I definitely finished strong; I was going as hard as I could to make up as much time and placement as I could. In the end, I was fighting with a couple of guys to the line.”

Completing the course in 4 hours and 5 minutes, Handy placed 22nd in the world for her age category.

“It was emotional after I finished,” Handy said. “I know I did my best, and I left nothing out there.

While Handy was giving it her all in Australia, her three children were supporting her back home.

“I’m most proud of the kids having an appreciation for the effort I’m putting in,” Handy said. “Growing up and them seeing this level of work ethic, I think it’s going to help take them pretty far too.”

Long before Handy was peddling at close to 50 miles an hour, she was a college track athlete and later completed the Boston Marathon. Continuing injuries in her mid-30s forced her to shift her athletic focus from running to cycling just four years ago.

“It was a really hard decision, but I decided to become a cyclist, not just using it when I was hurt running, but being exclusive to that sport,” she said.

Cycling also came with its share of adversity.

“A little over two years ago, I had back surgery and had to start out doing ten-minute stroll walks four times a day,” Handy said. “I really built myself up in about two years, so it just goes to show anyone can do this.”

Handy credits a big part of her cycling journey to the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club, a group she’s led as president for the last year.

“It means a lot to me because I’m riding and training right here. Without so many of my friends that I’ve trained with who live all around here, I wouldn’t have become as strong as I am,” she said. “They’ve pushed me, and I like to think that sometimes I’m pushing them to.”

She hopes her story will lead others on the Coast to take up the sport she’s fallen in love with.

“I think we’re a very welcoming cycling culture for people who just want to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather,” Handy said. “I think it’s important for us to try and break a sweat; it also gives your mind a break. It helps you think more clearly when you get out here and try and survive on the bike.”

One trip to the world championships isn’t enough for Apryl, and next time she hopes to have her kids there cheering her on in person.

“I think they really want to come to a world championship with me next time, and next year it’s in Japan. I’m hoping to be able to put away some funds and make it happen. I’d really like to be able to take the kids on these trips to a different place in the world,” she said.

Peddling to be the best, Handy is determined not just to go to the world championships, but to be a top finisher.

“If I can make it that far up, then it’s just going to prove that it’s your mindset and determination,” Handy said. ‘Yes, you have to put the time in, and you have to want it so much.”

Handy is taking her last ride as president of the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club later this week on her 40th birthday.

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