Allie Dragoo
“Life’s a garden, Dig it!
Nickname: Allie Oop
D.O.B.: December 17, 1989
Birth city and state: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Current City: Salt Lake City
Height: 5’9
Specialty: TT, Stage Racing
Previous sports: BMX, Hockey, Golf, Soccer
Years racing: Road racing 5 years
Colleges attended: Marian University
Degree: Physical Education
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Allie started riding bikes with her brothers through her neighborhood and followed them to the BMX track. She raced BMX for about thirteen years, two years at the professional level. Receiving a four-cross scholarship to Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky she tried every discipline of cycling (track, mtb, cross, and road) while she was there. After a year in Kentucky, Allie transferred to Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana and continued to race all disciplines until graduating. She received a degree in Physical Education and hopes to inspire the younger generation (or any age) to work hard and reach their goals. Allie has been racing professionally for three years and has been onboard with TWENTY16 p/b Sho-Air since the beginning.
During the off-season she enjoys running, hiking, catching up with family and friends, and volunteering. She finds herself making even more time to talk to kids and encourage them to work hard in school, their sport, and to always ask for help when needed. Catching up on her faith is a must since she is on the road a lot.
Career Highlights
- 3rd GC Redlands
- 1st Andersen-Banducci Twilight Crit
- 1st Tour of Utah Stage 1
- 2nd US Pro Challenge Stage 1
- 5th World Championship Team Time Trial
2015 Results
- 3rd GC Redlands
- 1st Andersen-Banducci Twilight Crit
- 1st Tour of Utah Stage 1
- 2nd US Pro Challenge Stage 1
- 5th US Pro Challenge Stage 2
- 5th World Championship Team Time Trial
2014 Results
- 2nd place, Cascade Cycling Classic Prologue
- 6th place Cascade Cycling Time Trial
- 3rd place, Boise Twilight Criterium
- Tour De Mont Pleasant Ominum Champion
- 2nd place, Tour of Murrieta Time Trial
What inspired you to become a bike racer?
I just think riding bikes is a lot of fun and having a competitive spirit and a fun outlook on where my bike can take me are the main things that inspired me to be a bike racer. I recall my first road ride being fifteen miles and I thought I was going to die… But I was back at it every day after and wanted to go further and harder and wanted to race.
Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?
My coach, Dean Golich (the man). He reminds me to be a good person on and off the bike, look for and accept everything as a positive lesson even when the situations may not seem so great, and to work my butt off.
Favorite meal when training?
A big bowl of oatmeal with PB2 peanut butter, banana, honey, and cinnamon. Then when I am approaching home, my taste buds crave chocolate protein mixed with frothed almond milk.
The best thing about being a bike racer is?
Crossing the line knowing I raced my hardest no matter what place I finish. I also meet great people and create new friendships that will last forever.
What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?
Winning Tour of Utah Stage 1. This is because I hassled (kindly) team members to race. I played coach, director, went to managers meetings, and made sure my small team of four was ready to go. We kicked butt!
Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?
Thuringen, Germany. That was a fun stage race with the US National team. I also really enjoy Redlands Bicycling Classic, AMGEN Tour of California and US Pro Challenge in Colorado.
Favorite cross training or off season activity?
Running is very freeing for me. I also enjoy hot yoga and going to the gym.
Best tip for a new bike racer?
Remember to have fun and ask LOTS of questions!!!
What are one of two things that you do daily that are the key to your success?
Respect my training zones and remember to look around while riding to see Gods beautiful land.
If you weren’t bike racing what would you be?
I’d still be me. I am sure I would be trying to make it in another sport and definitely helping kids learn and grow in school and sport.
What is something that nobody would know about you?
I used to be a “little chickity,” in a ballet.
TWENTY16 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program in 2015. https://teamtwenty16.com/education.htm
Why is continued education important?
Continuing education is very important because it allows each person to test their skills and change their mind until they find out what they like to do or what they want to be one day. I love school and I never want to stop learning.
What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?
Ridebiker Alliance is very special to me. Creating equality, or close to it, for men and women in cycling. Being able to network with the cycling community to create a positive atmosphere and help each other out is a great way to grow our sport as a whole and for individuals as well. Also, doing good deeds is a standout point for RideBiker Alliance; everyone likes friendly, caring people. One act of kindness can go a long way and that is why I am proud to be a RideBiker.
Favorite things to do off the bike:
- Eat
- Sleep
- Cross train
- Catch up with friends and family
- Color and read
Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:
- Gangster Paradise- Coolio
- Enter Sandman- Metallica
- Lean On- Major Lazor
- Crazy Train- Ozzy
- Beat It- MJ
- Regulate- Warren G. & Nate Dogg
- Ayo Technology - Meyo
- In Da Club- 50Cent
- Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
- Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z