Alison Tetrick Starnes

When do you know you are important to someone?  One one level it could be that they buy you a RoadID, but you reach a whole new status level when you are on their RoadID!

One of my favorite products is my RoadID.  You have to briefly let me get up on my soap box here.  This product has helped save my life.  It has brought my loved ones to me when I was unable to contact them.  It has offered me peace of mind and assurance that I am not anonymous.

You better check that list twice, Bob.

You don’t have to be an endurance athlete to benefit from having emergency contact available.  You don’t have to be Bob Roll.  You can be skiing.  Commuting.  Dating.  Horsebackriding.  Bikram.  Holiday shopping.  Elderly.  Young.  A pet.  The list goes on.

So what do I think that the best Christmas gift is this year?  Besides world peace, another pair of Uggs, and that new vacuum cleaner that you always wanted (no really…I want a vacuum cleaner this year), is a RoadID!  A gift card for your favorite person or pet.  Show someone you care about their safety.  Gift cards are perfect as well.

Since I care:  Save 15% off any Road ID purchase with code pcAS15. 

Do it!

Maybe I will go on that ride with Bob…

Yes.  I know that an intoxicating evergreen scented wreath adorns your front door, you are envisioning prancing reindeer on top of your roof, and you are currently enjoying an egg nog latte at your computer desk.  But to me, I am still dreaming of Thanksgiving.  Christmas may be coming upon us, and we are supposed to be sending holiday cheer, but I am going to keep relishing those people and things (my bike does have a personality though) that I am most thankful for.

I am thankful for the support.  Support could mean team.  Support could mean all of the other people dedicating their time into the sport.  The mechanics.  The soigneurs.  The officials.  The media.  But in this instance, for the sake of this post, I am going to call it, the friends.  The fans.  The hosts.  The cheers.   You all know who you are.

Those that have motorpaced me.    I know it may be super exciting to ride around on a scooter at blistering speeds, and it is probably a great way to pick up chicks (who doesn’t like a guy in leather and a bicycle helmet), I have a feeling those that help me out aren’t concerned with their “cool factor”.  Not that a scooter isn’t cool, and I know that I am super fast, but driving around at 50kph can get old.  So thank you.  I am sure I got faster from it.

Trying to find a draft....

Those that have “hosted” us.  Thank you for host housing!  What I wouldn’t do for a “princess” room (one which I have to share with NO ONE else and is sometimes decorated in pink and boas and large signs that proclaim it is “princess parking only”) and a limitless kitchen available for our creations from carnitas street tacos to tri-tip and brussel sprouts.  Thank you for opening up your hearts and homes to my team and myself over the years.  Thank you Mr. Novitsky for the use of altitude training in Tahoe.  Thank you to the Fowler’s who have the best home in Silver City, and the Mansour’s for allowing me to call Bend home for a couple of weeks (and the princess room)… and the list goes on.  I have a plantation home in Augusta, and an Apsen getaway… Just opening up your home is sometimes the best support!  You are each in my heart, and I thank you for extending yours.

Our Augusta "hosts" Pat and John Curry

Sometimes the only thing you need is that little bit of cheering.  A cowbell.  A yell.  Anything to make you press on those pedals just a tad harder.  To dig a little deeper.  I love going out to a race that is well attended and full of energy.  I like hearing the cheers, and sometimes the heckling.  It is all in good fun.  Thank you for supporting the races!

However, please beware if you ever tell me to “move up” or that I am “almost there”.  I may throw a sideways glare your way, I apologize.  It is just in the moment.  There are times I am not sure if I am going to make it, and other times I am well aware I am going to survive, but will I win?  Will I be fast?  Will it be enough?  These are the questions I ask.

One of my favorite hosts, Jack Apple, decorated the incredible Maroon Bells TT with chalk for me.  Yet, at that time, nothing helped.  Oxygen would have helped, but at that altitude I would have had to have it transported in.  I was feeling more like a marmot than a mountain goat.  Yet, that was one of my favorite.  Nothing like a little “Allez Alison” that doesn’t get your heart pumping. Whether I am in Europe, Aspen, or just in Norcal, I love it.

Jack and my self portrait at the "scene" in Aspen

So there you have it.  Even as you enjoy that peppermint bark, carmel corn, and a candy cane, just know that I am thankful for your support.  Sometimes I don’t have a lot to give to show my appreciation.  Sometimes the results don’t even exemplify that.  Sometimes you may just get a bottle of wine or a jar of peanut butter.  But know that I thank you.

We thank you.

I haven’t finished my “roll call” for Thanksgiving for a very important reason.  I am thankful for home.

Enjoy the time at home.  Take no moment for granted.

Nothing like the foothills of Lassen and the Trinity Alps...

Enough said.

Photo by my SISTER, Jennifer Tetrick

In my summary of things I am thankful for, I was contemplating what the theme of my next post would be.  I thought about everything I love.  Food.  Coffee.  Kittens.  Post-It Notes.  The list goes on and on.  Then it hit me.  I get to ride an amazing bicycle for a living.

I will never take my equipment for granted.  If it weren’t for some generous sponsors, well, I guess I would be walking.  I have some pretty sweet bicycle swag that I get to use and call my own.

I am thankful for my equipment. Thank you to each of Team Exergy TWENTY12′s sponsors that make this possible! I love to ride my bike, and I love trusting my equipment!

Here is the equipment “roll call”.

Bicycle: Felt F-1. Sweet. Sassy. Freaking fast.

Wheels: Zipp Speed Weaponry. Hot. Very hot. My favorite? The 808 Firecrest Carbon Tubular.  They are weapons all right.  And I am not afraid to use them.  I train on the Zipp 101 Clinchers. Amazing.

Components: SRAM Is there anything else besides SRAM? Double-click. RTC Shifters. Frogs. My name is Alison Starnes, and I chose SRAM.

Nice...bike.... Photo by Jim Fryer, BrakeThrough Media

Powermeter: SRM. Enough said. SRAM compact SRM for road bike, and regular crankset for TT Bike. SRM is the gold standard in powermeters.   I am a data junkie, and I love, love, love my SRM. We are best friends.

Food: Clif. I like food.  I need food.  My Favorite? Peanut Butter Crunch Mojo Bars.

Clothing/Shoes: Pearl Izumi. Where they make you a custom speedsuit. The very best. I wear the OCTANE SL II RD shoes.

Pedals: Speedplay.  Their name says it all.  Speed.

Glasses: Oakley. I am so thankful to be working with Steve Blick and Oakely.  A great product.  Good looks.  Excellent mission.

Oakleys. Photo by PodiumInsight.com

Helmet: Catlike. I like cats, and I love my helmet.

A yellow Catlike Helmet to match a yellow jersey!? Absolutely.

Family often extends blood relations and obligatory birthday cards.  Sometimes family can be created from times of need, disaster, challenge and humility.  When you realize that you cannot conquer the mission alone, and you need someone there.  You need a shoulder to cry on, or a ecstatic hug for a minor accomplishment.  You need understanding.  You need a leadout.  You need a bottle in a long hot road race.  You need a reminder that you do need a bottle.  You need coffee in the morning, and a dinner at night.  You need a massage, or just a time to process.  You need a therapist.  You need direction.  You need support.  You need laughter.  You need a team, and your team is your family.

My team is my family on the road and off of it.  We are there for each other.

The personal nature of TT numbers...Me and Nicola. Photo by Jack Apple

I am so grateful for a tremendous year on Team TWENTY12, and excited to begin a new year on Team Exergy TWENTY12 for 2012.  This team began with a vision from Nicola Cranmer and she has poured her heart and soul into growing and developing this family.  A family of women and believers in a dream.  A family that is willing to sacrifice and to build.  A family that is there for you when you exceed their expectations, and do not give up on you when you fail.  It is about building strength, integrity, and focus.  It is an incredible team.  It is a family.

Thank you, Nicola and Kristin Armstrong for allowing me to become a part of this family.  Thank you for each of my teammates that have suffered through tears of frustration and tears of happiness.  For allowing my bag to “explode” in the host housing, and lending me a pair of forgotten socks.  For giving me a feed or taking one for me.  For showing me your perfect recipe for an authentic street taco, and providing me with a sandwich after the race.  Thank you for developing a synchronized dance with me when we were delirious in Europe.  Thank you for offering words of encouragement, which sometimes was saying nothing at all.  Thank you for invading my space when I needed the invasion and giving me space when I required solitude.  Thank you for loving me even if I did blow up too soon, and letting me throw a brief tantrum when needed if only to laugh at me later.

Thank you, team.

Have you seen the video introducing the team? Team Exergy Twenty12?

Thank you.

I might say this every year, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Who needs Christmas when you have Thanksgiving.  Maybe it is because I love my mom’s rotisserie turkey.  Maybe it is because Thanksgiving has always been simple with my family.  Just family.  Just food.  Just a bike ride before the meal.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it, and it is a little early in the morning to be thinking of a roasted turkey, dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes.  Or is it that I think whip cream should be in its own exclusive food group of deliciousness and pumpkin is one of my favorite foods.

Pumpkin everything.  Yes.  Everything.

There is no expectations of gifts or fake festivities.  Thanksgiving is just for food, family, and warmth.  I am craving that now.  One more week to go.  It couldn’t come soon enough, yet I want to relish it.  Cherish it.  Not let these moments slip away.

In honor of Thanksgiving.  I am going to begin my 2011 wrap-up with a Thanksgiving “Roll Call”.  To thank those who have been a part of the year.  For those who have picked me up when I was down (literally), and for those that have provided me the support and framework to pursue my dreams.

First things first.

Sister & parents on the Ranch. Fearsome Threesome. Then I showed up...

My family.  My family is simple incredible.

Yes, my parents really are that gorgeous.

This year my grandfather won 2 National titles at USAC Master’s Nationals and has not only inspired me, but many others.  My parents have loved me no matter what.  They love me in spite of my failures, and regardless of my successes.  They may have recently replaced me with the cat and the hummingbird feeder outside of the kitchen window, but I know they are there for me.  Their example is impeccable and their love is resilient.

Grandparents, Dave Towle, and my dad!

My sister has talked to me at all hours to bolster my confidence and lift my spirit.  She is beautiful inside and out, and I love her.  My grandma has filled my heart with laughter and smiles.  Thank you, family.  I would not be here without you.

I love my sister.

That completes the Thanksgiving Roll Call, Day 1.  My family.  If they are still “subscribed” to my blog they will get this.  If not, they are already sick of me.  But thank you!

If someone tells you not to touch something, what do you do? Well, you want to reach out and touch. If it is a red button with a “do not push” warning sign, or an immaculate Ferrari in a show room with a big sign that says “kindly refrain from touching”, it takes far more than just sheer will power for me to resist the urge to touch.
It is the off-season. I am healing. I am not supposed to be riding. I am supposed to be enjoying other activities, like pumpkin carving and trail runs. I am healing, or that’s what I am trying to convince myself is taking place. I was told to not ride my bike for safety reasons. Fine. I don’t need to ride my bike. There are so many other things I want to do. Hikes, brunch, beach, and tennis. Wait. You said I wasn’t allowed to ride my bike? So, I cannot ride my bike? Everything else blurs around me, and suddenly, I can only think about one thing and one thing only. That is all I can see. Bikes. Bikes. Bikes. I must ride my bike. I have to ride my bike. My bike is calling me. Do you see that view? No. I see a multitude of cyclists enjoying the view. Wow. Am I really that one-dimensional? No. Not at all, but I am happy riding my bike. Am I happiest? Sometimes I think so.
I should apologize in advance, if you waved at me on an 80 degree October day in West Marin as you pedaled on by, and all I could summon was a glare. Just be glad I didn’t through a temper tantrum. Or throw rocks. Healing requires rest. Rest and safety. Not bikes. Darn.
I am happy in some other places too, but in times like these, I think I am happiest on my bike.

It is time for me to come back to the land of the living.  It is now November 2011.  A rare day, actually, it is a palindrome, 11-02-2011.  That date in itself should be enough reason to come back to life.

In order to clear the air, we can address a couple of facts and fictions.

The Pan Am Games have come and gone, and albeit it was a dissapointing end of the season, you can only move onward.  Or once again, so I am told.

Fact: I did have a mishap before the TT at the PAG and ended up with a concussion.  Concussions should not be taken lightly.   No amount of road rash can equal the damage that can be done to the brain.  A storm grate on a dark morning in Mexico and an impressive face plant may have left me with a couple of weeks of letting that brain rest and regenerate.  Black eye? Sure.  Broken heart? Absolutely.  Resolve?  I will have to find it.

Positive: I can learn from my preparation and experience, and I did not lose any teeth in the fall.

Fiction: After this I decided to stay in Mexico and live off of street tacos and rice pudding.

Fact: My sister did point out that my bruised face and body did resemble the fall colors of deep purples and reds.  What are sisters for.

Positive: I think she hit that one on the head, pardon the pun.

Fiction: I intended to make my face look like the season.

Fact: I have so many people to thank for an incredible, challenging year, and I am bery humbled and looking to keep my priorites right, and my goals focused.

Positive:  I am very blessed.

Fiction: I am going to give up.

Entering November.  Time to reevaluate.  Renew.  Reset.

I continue to be humbled by the support, by the patience, and the sacrifice.  Thank you for joining the mission.

When unfortunate events occur, you are supposed to then think of the positives.

Positives.  Right.  Positives.  What are those again?  I will let you know when I think of them.

Did you prepare?  Did you do all that you could do?  Did you train right, eat right, and plan right?  Yes, yes, and yes.

Well, then you know how to do it.  You did it.  And that is positive.  Or so I am told.  I was also told that plenty of other people can think of the negatives.  Well, so can I.

You can only control your “controllables”.  The rest is left to itself.

I learned how to prepare.  I learned focus, specificity, and chance.   I also learned that sometimes, in a blink of an eye, it all can come crashing down.  Literally.  It is back to the process.  The reset button.  The vision into the future.  Take what you learn and build upon it.  But I am not ready to do that quite yet.

I am in need of some recovery, some healing, and maybe a bit of wallowing.

I will ponder upon the notion of the positives, and maybe let you know if I come up with anything.

Bonnie Ford, a fabulous journalist for ESPN wrote a blog about the my goals at the Pan American Games and Ted King’s Krempels King of the Road Challenge.

The Pan American Games Time Trial takes place tomorrow, and Ted King’s ride is happening today.  Although we may all have a dream, whether it be in sport, work, or life, sometimes we need a reality check.  Between the this event and the Livestrong in Austin, cycling is making a difference this weekend.

Me and Edward Wimmer (founder of Road ID, which are life savers) Photo by Bob Cullinan

The Krempels King of the Road Challenge benefits Krempels Center, onprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with brain injury from trauma, tumor, or stroke.  Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is serious. Point taken.

Be safe out there, and please wear a Road ID.

Read the BLOG HERE!