Riding the Rhythm: A Conversation with Gabby Allong on Music & Cycling
By ALEXIA
Gabby Allong is a powerhouse in both the cycling and music worlds, seamlessly blending her athletic pursuits with her artistic passion. From a childhood in Queens, NY, to becoming a professional cyclist and a dedicated musician, her journey has been one of resilience, discipline and self-discovery. With a background rooted in both athleticism and creativity, Gabby has carved out a unique space for herself, proving that success isn’t always confined to a single path. Whether she’s racing on the track or crafting melodies in the studio, she approaches each pursuit with unwavering determination. In this interview, she shares the defining moments of her career, the challenges she has faced, and the philosophies that keep her moving forward– on both wheels and through the power of sound.
Photo by @a1vision
The Beginnings: Love for Speed
For Gabby, cycling was not just a sport– it was a natural extension of her love for speed and movement. “My dad, actually,” she says, when asked what first drew her to the sport. “He is originally from some really small island named Trinidad and Tobago, and similar to how Western society views Jamaica in track and field, that’s how Trinidad and Tobago views cycling.” Her father recognized her passion for BMX on the streets of Queens and decided to introduce her to track cycling. “It was getting a little dangerous, so my dad saw the opportunity that I liked bikes and he started to take me to Kissena Velodrome 15 minutes away from where we lived. That’s when I started racing.” While Gabby always knew she was drawn to athletics, she admits that cycling was the closest thing she could get to her true passion. “If I really wanted to choose, it probably would have been motorsports. That’s what I used to love watching– motocross racing. But my parents deemed that too difficult, so bikes were the next best thing.”
The Military Mindset: Discipline and Competition
Gabby’s experience as a U.S. Army veteran has had a lasting impact on her approach to cycling. “The first thing that I can think of is just the discipline that it instills. My parents instilled that in me, but the army took it to a different level.” She emphasizes how even the smallest habits– showing up on time and in the right uniform–translate into success on the track. “It might seem like little things, but if you don’t get those habits, when it’s time to actually go on a mission in Afghanistan or Kuwait, it could cost lives.”
That same sense of discipline carries into her training and competition. The structured regimen, the mental endurance and the ability to push past discomfort are all qualities that she honed during her time in the military.
Breaking Barriers in Women’s Cycling
Despite her success, Gabby acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in professional cycling. “I think the biggest challenge is funding. It’s not just cycling– most women’s sports face this issue.” She highlights the stark pay gap between male and female cyclists, noting that while the highest paid male cyclist earns around 8 million euros per year, the highest paid female cyclist recently only crossed the 1 million mark. “Before, it was only 250k,” she adds, illustrating the financial disparity in the sport.
A Career-Defining Moment
Every athlete faces setbacks, but for Gabby, one particular crash reaffirmed her passion for cycling. “About two years ago, I had this opportunity to race in Chicago– an 11 day race with consecutive races in different parts of Illinois.” Fatigue set in, and then came the moment of impact. “I crashed. I knew it was either going to be my face.. Or my shoulder. So I turned my head and tucked, and next thing you know, I felt this harsh impact against my shoulder.” The injury was severe: a grade 3 separation, meaning all the ligaments holding her scapula to her shoulder and collarbone had torn. “That was tough because any injury early in the season makes you question, ‘Is this really for me?’” But within three days, Gabby was back on a stationary bike, her arm in a sling. “That’s the thing with cycling— it’s not just about racing for me. It’s about getting out on the bike, solo riding, and getting lost in my thoughts.”
Photo by KBR | Contagion Media
Music and Cycling: A Symbiotic Relationship
Beyond the track, Gabby finds solace and expression in music. “Music was definitely always playing in my household,” she says. Growing up in a Caribbean household, she was exposed to a rich variety of sounds. “My grandmother was a big fan of classical music and musicals. I think just having music on all the time in the house made me really drawn to it.” The discipline she applies to cycling mirrors her approach to music. “One thing people overlook is that there’s a practical side to music. I write every day, whether it’s an actual song or just journaling. It’s very important to practice that muscle, just like training on the bike.” Her creative process varies. “Sometimes, I start with chords on my guitar. Other times, I work with a producer and mix beats, writing a melody before adding lyrics.” She’s also found a unique way to merge her two passions. “When I’m riding– especially uphill, which is so much harder than flat roads, I’ll sing. That way, when I go on stage, I don’t feel so fatigued after an hour-long set.”
Leadership and Advocacy
Gabby’s time at West Point has also shaped her leadership and advocacy work. “The friends that I have, the network of people– it forces you to continue that legacy of giving back.” She sees herself as a part of a larger mission, one that extends beyond her own success. “Whatever I can do to help somebody else, I do it because people before me have helped me.” West Point instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility, not just to herself but to the communities she interacts with. She finds fulfillment in mentoring younger athletes and musicians, sharing insights on navigating both industries. “I remember being 17 years old and knowing that I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” she reflects. “That feeling has never left me” Through her advocacy, Gabby hopes to inspire others to push beyond limitations, encouraging young women to pursue careers in cycling and music despite the obstacles. Whether through direct mentorship, speaking engagements, or using her platform to amplify important causes, she remains committed to making a lasting impact. “I like to say that I’ve lived a thousand lives, and if I can use my experiences to guide others, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Photo by @a1vision
Advice for Young Women in Cycling and Music
Gabby’s biggest piece of advice for young women looking to break into professional cycling or music is simple: “Do not give up.” She warns against the pressures of time. “People are too often in a rush. They think, ‘Oh, I’m 21 years old, I don’t have time.’ But that’s not true.” She cites the world champion from the Netherlands who won at age 40. “Your time is your own. Don’t give up– it’s going to be so worth it when you break through.” She emphasizes resilience. “I have been a loser for what feels like so much of my life. I have lost many races, missed many opportunities. But I try not to get discouraged.” Her philosophy? “My path is mine alone, and there’s no one who can dictate its pace.”
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for Gabby? She has an upcoming teen camp in Scottsdale, Arizona in April and is excited for the opportunity to give back. On the music side, she is releasing an EP in June. “All of the work is finished– it just has to be mastered. It’s a little different from my previous projects, but definitely some of my favorite songs.” Beyond these immediate projects, Gabby is always looking for new ways to challenge herself, both physically and creatively. She remains committed to pushing boundaries in cycling, aiming to compete at higher levels and using her voice to advocate for greater support in recognition for women in sports. In music, she continues to refine her sound, seeking deeper artistic expression while staying true to her roots. As Gabby continues to carve her own path, one thing is clear: whether on the bike or in the recording studio, she is driven by the unshakable passion and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Her journey is far from over, and with each race and each song, she is proving that there are no limits to what she can achieve.
Edited by KBR on March 19, 2025
