The Major Taylor Club of Austin was established in 2011 to honor and prolong the legacy of Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor, who in 1899 became the first African American champion in cycling history, and arguably one of the cycling world’s greatest sportsmen. Faced with a racist majority in the sport that pulled every legal and illegal shady tactic they could, Major Taylor still managed to maintain his humility, keep all bitterness at bay and become a world champion.
It is Major Taylor’s true spirit of a champion that The Major Taylor Club of Austin wishes to promote in every cyclist. With this spirit in mind, they focus on inspiring a love of cycling in minority communities as a healthy alternative mode of transportation, a competitive sport, a way of staying fit, and building community through subculture. Major Taylor believed that we could all be champions of the cause. With that principle in mind, the Major Taylor Club of Austin is open to people of all races, ages, and skill levels. So join them and be a champion of the cycling cause.
Hawaii resident Karen Brown Donovan, the great-granddaughter of champion cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor, believes that despite the racism that drove him away from Indianapolis in 1895, he would have appreciated the acclaim he’s receiving now in the Indiana State Museum.
If y’all are heading to Austin why not bring your bike and join The Major Taylor club for a ride. If you’re visiting in summer and plan on cycling Austin gets pretty dang hot, you’ll want to stay in a hotel with a pool. Or if you’re bringing a partner maybe something romantic. After your ride why not indulge in some Bar-B-Que