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I didn't get to participate in the 2010 Grand Nationals. However, it was still good to go spectate my boy, Sam WIlloughby, winning his first AA Pro Title and driving a mobility scooter around all weekend. =]

Looking back on 2010, are you happy with it?
Alise: Extremely. I had a very successful year, I believe around 14 ABA National wins, a podium finish at the World Championships in Elite Women, 3rd place at Chula Vista SX, 4th place at Frejus SX, 2nd in World Rankings, and a breakthrough in my riding. I have never rode as consistent and skillful as I did this year, and I just hope once I recover from my injury I can pick up where I left off because I was on a roll of major improvement!

The UCI BMX Supercross tracks have some gnarly jumps. Do you mind them at all?
Alise: When I first started racing SX, anyone could tell you it wasn't my specialty. I have always been a strong and aggressive rider, but the snowy 6-month-long MN winters made it hard to stay on top of my skills. I have always had a no-fear attitude which allowed me to ride the tracks, but I wasn't always as confident as I am now. After moving to San Diego and working with Sean Dwight as a coach, I saw major improvements and can now say that I am completely comfortable out there on those tracks and have a blast racing on them.

Should everyone wear a DOT approved helmet that races the SX series?
Alise: Personally, I've always worn a DOT approved helmet because I have had a tendency to wreck HARD when I wreck. We are going at high caliber speeds and safety should always be a priority.

Are you happy with the support that you're receiving from team USA?
Alise: Very. I have been a part of team USA since 2007 and have slowly progressed my way to the top of the program. They have always been awesome at getting me to the races I need to be at internationally and providing me with many opportunities. They recently started a women's development program this year, which now provides us with a coach and lots of structure to guide us in the right direction for 2012. I have also earned a resident status at the Olympic Training Center and couldn't ask for better facilities to train at and outlets to be used. I have learned that as long as I do my part to achieve my goals, they are definitely willing help me reach them with all the support you could ever ask for.

BMX racing has become more professional over the last 5 years. Do you like the changes that are going on?
Alise: I definitely think they are pushing the sport in the right direction. BMX has a good balance of the "action sport" appearance and professionalism. It is obvious that tons of money goes into road biking and other cycling events that are very professional, so it is important that we follow that lead in order to make the sport highly respected and gain corporate sponsors that see the value in that approach to sport. However, I also think that BMX NEEDS to keep a certain level of "rebel" in it. It is an extreme sport that has been brought into the Olympics in order to attract a younger crowd. It is important that we stick to our roots and give the media what they were looking for....in a respectable manner.

For a lot of girls the 2012 Olympics are on their radar. Is it the same with you?
Alise: 2012 is definitely something I have my sights set on. The Olympics is now the pinnacle of the sport and you can't be the best until you've been there and done that. However, it's not something I think about everyday. I take my days and races one at a time, and as long as I stick to my short term goals like this, everything will play out how it is supposed to and 2012 will be here before you know it.

How many American girls do you think will get a ticket to the Games in London? Maximum score for the American girls?
Alise: Our American team has what a lot of other countries don't: Depth. I think we will be able to remain at the top of the Country Points all the way through to the Games, scoring us two positions in the starting gate. We have a solid group of girls all capable of making finals and podiums at international events and this can work to our advantage. The more we get in the final, the less the other countries' get in the final, and the further the USA stretches their lead.

What should be done to get more girls to the BMX track?
Alise: I think the fact that the "danger" of BMX is highlighted, scares a lot of young girls away. Also, the fact that when they show up to the local track they are surrounded by a million little boys. Introduction clinics for groups of girls at a time are necessary to get more girls involved, and I think female riders need to go out and find them. As tough as BMX needs to look, it also needs to have a "feminine side" that highlights how fun it is and what great exercise it can be. I think having feminine girl racers go out to the public and prove you don't have to be tomboy to do it would help. Girls' competitive side will take over once they get involved, they just need a little helping hand to lead the way.

Will the Supercross tracks scare them off? Or will they get excited about the sport because it looks so cool?
Alise: Whether you're a boy, girl, adult, or child you're going to be scared off if you roll up to start BMX and you see a 3 story start ramp and a 40 ft jump at the bottom. People definitely think it's cool when they see us race the SX tracks, but I think it needs to be ore public that you don't have to begin on that, because that scares people off. There needs to be more awareness of the different levels involved in racing so people know there is a less extreme option if they're not chasing the olympics. Think about it, people think snowboarding half pipes are cool, but they know they can go try and practice snowboarding down the bunny hill before they get to that point, making the sport accessible and attractive.

Did you have a favourite rider when you started out racing?
Alise: Growing up I always enjoyed watching Kim Hayashi because she rode like a boy. She jumped and manualed while riding aggressive. I wanted to be like that when I was young.

Do you have a feeling now that girls look up to you and want to be who you are?
Alise: Very much so, I have young girls, boys, and their parents coming up to me all the time at races or hitting me up on facebook with very kind words to say. They're always wanting pictures with "their hero" or telling me about projects for school that they do on me. It's really rewarding to hear those things. I always try to be a good role model for the kids and I think I've done a pretty good job of it, and I am definitely seeing good results.

How long is your off season and when do you start training for 2011?
Alise: BMX hardly has an off season...2 weeks actually. However, I basically take December off for myself and get back into the swing of things in January. It's not healthy to just keep going all year, everyone needs to take some "me time" and enjoy their friends, family, and the holiday season. It rejuvenates you for the next season.

Imagine you can send 5 bouquets of flowers to 5 persons for their help in 2010. Who would receive the flowers?
Alise:
(1) g0rk over at Redline Bicycles for sure, couldn't have done it without the support.
(2) USA Cycling (Sean Dwight and Mike King). They have given me massive opportunities and improved my riding incredibly this year.
(3) Ross Flowers, my sports psych for believing in me and rebooting my confidence. It's made a huge difference out on the track.
(4) My parents, Mark and Cheryl. What don't they help and support me with?
(5) Sam Willoughby for being the best boyfriend in the whole world, keeping my chin up when I'm down, and really just always being there for me through everything.