Pro-Cyclist and Braniac!: An Interview with #Petaluma’s Alison Tetrick

Photo by Jonathan Devich

Alison Tetrick is new to Petaluma, but not to the lifestyle.  Growing up on a ranch she rode horses before bicylces. It was when she was a triathlete that her passion would turn to cycling. Five years ago something clicked and she realized she was made to ride. After each competition Alison looks forward to coming home to Petaluma and enjoying her surroundings. Alison rides for the TWENTY16 Pro Cycling Team in Marin County.  At  the end of this interview, you will see a list of her accomplishments, and find out why she made “Carmichael List” which for cyclists is like receiving an Academy Award.

Alison Tetrick

Wayne:  Your bio says you grew up on a ranch and rode horses before you rode bikes.  What lessons did you learn from growing up on a ranch that you practice in your life today?

Alison:  I was born in Solvang, California, and grew up on a ranch outside of Los Alamos, California until my family moved to a ranch outside of Redding, California in 1998.  Living outside of “town” created an irreplaceable relationship with my family because we relied on each other for everything.  My sister and I used our imaginations to create entertainment far beyond any television or movie could provide.  I learned the value of hard work and that success in life doesn’t come easily, but it comes from dreaming bigger than the sky and working hard to achieve those dreams.  My sister is my very best friend, and I think we have a very close relationship because of our childhood on the ranch.

Wayne: Do you have any interesting stories to share about growing up on a ranch?

Alison: I learned how to ride a horse long before I learned to ride a bike.  I would have to crawl up on the fence to reach the stir-ups to get on the horse.  I remember rounding up the cows on the ranch and how it was a family affair.  We all had specific jobs, and even though I was young, I always felt my job was just as important.  By working together, the family could keep the ranch running optimally.  Sometimes my jobs would be as simple as feeding the chickens, or checking on the water, but looking back, these were all lessons in toughness, responsibility, and family.