MAJOR TAYLOR

Who are we?

Major Taylor Iowa (MTIA) is the first Major Taylor cycling club in Iowa. There are Major Taylor cycling clubs all over the world and to my knowledge, the Major Taylor Clubs are the only cycling club EVER to be named after a cyclist. We are excited to see this club established in Iowa. MTIA is just one of many Major Taylor cycling clubs that exist in the United States and abroad.

Our Major Taylor Iowa family is comprised of active recreational riders that enjoy a variety of riding styles, distances and speeds (commuting, trail, road, MTB, gravel, touring, long distance, competing and fitness). We vary in ages from children to adult. Our skills range from novice beginners to advanced riders.

Who is Major Taylor?

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was an amazingly talented black athlete from 1878-1932. He was most likely given his nickname “Major” because of his military style clothing he wore as he entertained and performed bike stunts outside his local bike shop in Indianapolis. These performances launched him into becoming the cycling legend known today. On a whim the bike store owner invited him to ride in a 10 mile race.  Taylor, age 13 at the time had never raced, but showed up to ride and won! In his short career, he cycled on a track, was a professional road racer, did distance and sprints. By age 19, the Worcester Whirlwind, as he was also affectionaly called, had set numerous world records and won both World and National championships all while fighting harsh and cruel racism. In 1899 he won the 1-mile and 2-mile track spring world championships in Montreal, Canada. In both 1899 and 1900 he won the American sprint championships. He was the first USA-born African American to be a world champion. He is also known for riding 1,732 miles in 142 hours, during a 6 day race at Madison Square Gardens. He earned 8th place. At every turn Major Taylor faced what he called the dreadful monster, even with this prejudice and such hatred, he, along with those that came alongside him, paved the way for future black athletes, he became the second black world champion in any sport! Even though few know his name, it doesn’t diminish that he was the greatest cyclist of his time and his story continues to inspire those that hear it. 

Our Mission

Through his story and our club we hope to advocate for black cyclists by cultivating a supportive community of like minded cyclists that build up, encourage equity and spark passion for the sport of cycling so it can be more accessible regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or experience level.