The first thing you might notice about Staci Patton is her fiery red hair but then shortly after striking up a conversation with her you’ll be drawn in by her enthusiasm, passion for helping others, and willingness to keep things real. Cycling ambassador, Whole30 certified coach, Studio Performer at Life Time Athletic, and entrepreneur. We had plenty to chat about.
The journey, trials, tribulations of other entrepreneurs is something that always interests me. I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2012 and find it to be extremely rewarding at times, but also, can be very isolating. There’s a little comfort each time you sit down with someone who’s shared some of those same experiences and know that you’re not alone.
Let’s move on to something a little brighter. Like maybe her super cool bright orange Francis Francis espresso machine. Or maybe, her lime green & white 1971 VW bus. Or maybe, her harlequin painted ALLIED ALFA. She’s done a wonderful job of surrounding herself with lively colors that can’t help but to make your day a little “brighter”.
I did a little homework for this one, trying to find those skeletons in Staci’s closet, but really just further solidified that she’s always been a bad ass.
You can’t Google Staci Patton without immediately taking notice of what an amazing BMX career you’ve had. You finished fifth in world at the age of 16, and seventh in the world as a Junior Elite. At what age did you start racing BMX and with all of that success, what lessons would you say translate over best to road and gravel?
”I started racing when I was 8. I would say that I’m most thankful for the bike handling skills that came from BMX. It’s a different sport because it’s so power based, so that makes Strava segments and sprints like something I’m pretty decent at. But I think probably the bike handling skills is the biggest.”
You became an entrepreneur at the early age of 20. What would be the biggest piece of advice you could offer someone considering taking the entrepreneurial path?
”Don’t feel like you need to know it all before you do it. Like, you just have to be open to figuring it out along the way. Be green enough to ask the questions and to seek advice from people, but don’t be so green that you let somebody who is tainted in their industry impact how you feel about what you’re doing. There’s so much excitement that comes from being self-employed. At times, it can be a very lonely spot, but also, it’s like the most gratifying.”
With a background in health and nutrition coaching, what would you say is the silver bullet to making the most of your daily nutrition?
”Knowing what your body needs and how it’s best fueled. Because, not any one thing, like the way that you eat, might be great for you, but doesn’t mean it’ll be great for me. You just have to become your own science experiment and play around. And once you know that, you can live with so much more freedom around your own food choices. That’s what brought me to the Whole30. I’m a Whole30 certified coach, and that nutritional reset is what taught me what foods are good for me, and what foods aren’t.”
We chatted for a bit regarding nutrition. As a cyclist, it’s something that’s always on your mind at some level. At the shop we’ve been making an effort to eat a little more clean, BUT, I think I got the green light to continue eating the gummy bears and the mid-ride honeybun. Because, well, I think it works for me and at the very least, they always seem to make my day a little better.
The coffee we enjoyed: Captain + Stoker - Aponte Village
Origin: Colombia
Notes: Tangerine, balanced, red gummy bear
My thoughts: I’ve been a fan of Captain + Stoker for a minute now. I enjoy their social, their shop vibe is stellar and appreciated their approach and navigation through COVID. When they released the Aponte Village, I knew I was going to have to give it a shot. It’s honey processed and with one of the notes being Red Gummy Bear I wasn’t about to miss out. I’ve really enjoyed this coffee. It’s sweet and citrusy up front and that red gummy bear becomes more apparent as it cools. It’s one of those coffees to me that builds momentum as it’s cooling and good to the very last drop.
Future Coffee Ride Guests:
4/15 - Alan White (Gravel Doc)
4/22 - Heather Laufer