We started our Ambassador program to celebrate the good doers – the ones who are cultivating community, leaving their corner of the world a better place, and lifting up others. We’re big on finding your version of “doing good” wherever you are!

Ambassa-doer Alison Tetrick is a professional cyclist with Team USA, scientist, entrepreneur, and storyteller. Despite facing significant challenges, including a traumatic brain injury, she has continued to excel, now focusing on advocacy, gravel racing, community cultivation, product development and getting more kids on bikes. Her Instagram @amtetrick shines inspirational light on cycling and that it’s about so much more than the results.

We chatted with Alison about cycling, community, bike hangovers and snacks, and finding joy in the journey. Read on!

Toad: Thanks so much for chatting with us, Alison! Your ambition and storytelling is so inspiring. Can you share the backstory of your career path and the hurdles you faced along the way? And what motivated you to begin your Instagram account?

Alison: I’m a cowgirl, scientist, cyclist, free-range entrepreneur, and storyteller. Growing up on a ranch in Santa Barbara, I was horseback riding long before I ever got on a bike. There’s something about those endless, rolling hills dotted with California poppies, ocean waves of wild oats, and live oaks that fueled my sense of adventure. In high school, tennis and my education became my new pursuit, which led to playing NCAA tennis in college. My love of science and research was burning bright and I began working in chemistry and drug discovery after graduation. I love biochemistry! I am such a data nerd, still to this day!

My connection to the outdoors still drew me to look outside the window of the lab, wistfully dreaming of adventure. My grandfather, who raced bikes well into his 80s, encouraged me to try cycling. Though skeptical, I fell in love with the challenge and freedom it offered. Soon enough, I was racing for the USA National Team. I loved seeing my grandfather so proud and cycling became our love language. Balancing work, training, and racing wasn’t easy, but the power of two wheels kept my spirit alive.

When I suffered a traumatic brain injury in a professional race, recovery became a new journey. And it still is to this day. Although the bike nearly took my life, it also saved it – through the people I have met and the purpose I’ve found.

After shifting to gravel racing, I achieved many wins, like Gravel Worlds and the Unbound 200, which led to my induction into the Gravel Hall of Fame and the nickname ‘Queen of Gravel.’ The strength of community and endless possibility keep me pedaling forward.

I started my Instagram account while traveling the world as a way to connect with friends, family, and a wider audience. Racing isn’t about the results; it’s about the journey. Through Instagram, I share my path with authenticity, covering setbacks, mental health, and the importance of balance. It may just be a bike, but together, we can do so much more.

Toad: Your mindset absolutely resonates! So, what has cycling taught you about life and/or yourself?

Alison: Cycling has been a teacher in countless ways, shaping both life perspective and self-awareness. The sport has taught me resilience and the importance of consistency —pushing through miles and difficult conditions parallels the persistence needed to overcome life’s challenges. It’s also been humbling; there’s always someone faster, stronger, or more skilled, which keeps me grounded and reminds me to focus on my personal progress rather than comparison.

Cycling has also reinforced the value of community. Whether through teammates, local riders, or supporters, the cycling world is full of people who share a passion and support each other through highs and lows. This interconnectedness reminds me that we achieve more together and that we’re never truly alone. Bike family is a real thing.

Most importantly, cycling reminds me to find joy in the journey. The victories and medals are great, but it’s the everyday moments — those quiet rides, scenic routes, and unexpected connections — that hold the deepest meaning. Through cycling, I've learned to savor each mile, just as in life, to appreciate every small victory along the way.

Toad: On the note of community, we love seeing the community you’re cultivating and advocating for to lower barriers to biking. When it comes to advocacy work, what keeps you pedaling forward (pun intended)?

Alison: I have been blessed with the most amazing community of like-minded individuals, strong women willing to share their crowns, and people that believe in me and the greater good. It is people and companies like Toad&Co that keep me motivated in my advocacy work, reminding me daily why breaking down barriers in not just sport, but life, is so important.

I know firsthand the life-changing power of access to sport — it’s not just about fitness, but about building confidence and connections. I want to make cycling accessible and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their background or experience level. I want young girls to not only start sports but stay in sports. There’s also a special energy in the community that gives me purpose — seeing people overcome personal challenges, form bonds, and find joy is incredibly inspiring.

Knowing I can contribute to that keeps me motivated to do more. I can always do more. It's a reminder that when we work together, we create opportunities that can truly change lives — sports change lives.

Toad: This is us giving you a high-five! We also gotta ask: what is your favorite or “guilty pleasure” cycling, training, or post-ride snack?

Alison: I'm definitely a "treat-based" athlete! I love having a destination or reward planned on my rides, whether it's a stop at my favorite bakery, oysters on the coast, or that amazing view at the top of a climb. Honestly, I start thinking about my treat before I even start pedaling. Nachos and a margarita post-ride? Yes, please! Life's too short for rice cakes —I'm all about enjoying the work and the reward. 🥂

Toad: Cheers to that! And speaking of rewards, what does a day off (or bike hangover) look like for you?

Alison: You know I don’t sit still well, but oh boy, a bike hangover is a real thing! Especially races that are over 200 miles! When I finally am able to take a day off, I keep things simple. My husband and I head to our “yarden” (what we call our wild backyard of garden goodness) to tend to the fruits and vegetables to harvest fresh ingredients for home-cooked meals and BBQs. I never knew that I would enjoy trimming roses so much!

We travel so often and love the seeing the world, but there’s something special about slowing down and enjoying a day at home when not on the road. I might sneak in a run or dream about finally getting a cat. But mostly, it’s about the simple pleasures — good food, fresh air, and a little time in the garden with the people I love.

Toad: We love that – truly, it’s the little stuff that makes life special. But it’s hard to gain that perspective! So, if you could write a letter to young Alison, what advice would you give her?

Alison: Dear Alison,

Wear those boots. Add a little sparkle. Walk each step boldly and unapologetically. Life is going to test you, to mold and challenge you, and sometimes even try to convince you that you’re not enough. But here’s the secret: your truth, your individuality, courage, and joy —those are your superpowers. Never shy away from the light and strength you bring, from the grit to the glitter.

Embrace the journey with every ounce of your being. Each experience will shape you into someone fierce and resilient. You don’t need permission to be yourself. The path will be winding and unpredictable, but it’s yours to create. You are the author. Savor every twist, every triumph, and even every stumble, because all of it is leading you to exactly where you’re meant to be.

Your dreams don’t have to make sense to others. This life isn’t about pleasing anyone else; it’s about being the most boldly, unapologetically you.

Don’t worry, it will take a lifetime to learn this. Don’t forget to give yourself grace. Chase the goals that inspire you, not the ones others say you “should” want. Keep riding that road—gravel, paved, whatever—and know that you’ll look back one day, smile, and think, “I wouldn’t trade this for the world.” You are enough.

With love,

Your future self

Toad: We wish we could send that off to young Alison! And we’re taking some of that advice for our own lives, too – beautifully said. Final question that we ask all of our Ambassadors: what does “doing good” mean to you?

Alison: To me, “doing good” is about creating positive, lasting impact in the lives of others and within the communities we care about. It’s about using our strengths, experiences, and resources to make a difference, whether that’s by breaking down barriers, providing opportunities, or simply being a supportive voice. In cycling, it means fostering inclusivity, supporting others in achieving their goals, and making the sport accessible for all.

Ultimately, “doing good” is about actions — big and small — that help others move forward, make progress, and feel seen. It’s about finding ways to lift people up, empower them, and create a ripple effect that goes beyond ourselves.