Alison Tetrick
Class of 2023
Athlete, Storyteller
Alison Tetrick is the definition of a champion, both on and off the bike. While her accolades on the bike are nothing short of amazing, what solidifies her place in the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame is her contributions off-the-bike to the sport and community.
Growing up on a cattle ranch in California, Alison has a strong work ethic combined with a keen appreciation for the value of remoteness. She excelled in tennis in high school, earning a full scholarship to Abilene Christian University. As she pursued a B.S. in Biochemistry with an emphasis in Molecular Biology, Alison became a published scientific author for her research in cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition, Alison has earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology.
After a brief stint racing triathlons, it was her grandfather who encouraged Alison to race bicycles exclusively. Her star rose quickly on the international women’s road racing scene, and by 2014 she was finishing on the podium in some of the most prestigious events. That year, Alison represented the United States in the Pan American Games and was ranked in the top 10 of the UCI women’s professional rankings.
Alison found gravel after experiencing several life-threatening crashes during races, resulting in broken bones, hospital stays, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and months of rehabilitation. The side effects of the crashes remain to this day, but the experience led her to pursue alternates to the UCI World Tour.
This was when Alison found gravel racing, and her ascent to the top of the field was quick. In fact, Alison won her first ever gravel race –– the 2017 DK200, setting a new course record in the process. She also won Gravel Worlds in 2017, then backed it up with repeat titles in 2018 and 2019, making her the winningest cyclist in Gravel Worlds history.
In addition to her success at Unbound/DK and Gravel Worlds, Alison has also stood atop the podium at a wide range of gravel events, including The Rift in Iceland and the inaugural Rebecca’s Private Idaho Queen’s Stage Race (hosted by 2022 Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame inductee, Rebecca Rusch), among others. Her success has inspired and empowered countless female cyclists to find their unique love of gravel. And her dedication, passion and leadership as an athlete has paved the way for a new generation of female pro gravel cyclists to find their own success.
Alison has continually used her success and story to encourage and inspire others. She was one of the first professional cyclists to openly discuss the effects of TBIs and the mental health challenges many athletes face. She’s used her status to shine a light on these important issues, to bring awareness and raise money for related organizations. In addition, Alison has raised thousands of dollars for youth cycling organization, NICA, through the sales of her “AMT Bandanas”. She’s also donated countless hours to cycling clinics and camps across the country, using her skills to teach and inspire newer riders.
She is also the co-founder and CEO of Saga Ventures, LLC, a consulting firm based on curating meaningful community engagement and brand activation. Alison uses this platform to achieve direct social impact in her community, with company revenue going to scholarships to help promote inclusivity and opportunity for aspiring student-athletes.
Alison exudes the power of the bike and how it can be amplified through continuing education and community impact. The bike is a pivotal vehicle to foster new ideas and bolster confidence.
“Be Bold. Do Work. Ride Bikes.”
