DIVERSIFYING CYCLING FROM THE GROUND UPAnnouncing Major Taylor Austin, a cycling club whose mission is to increase awareness and participation of cycling within minority communities. The official launch of Major Taylor Austin will take place February 23rd – 26th, 2012 as part of the National Brotherhood of Cyclists’ first annual Midwinter Southwest Cycling Summit in Austin, TX. A four day weekend of riding, socializing and cycling inspiration thanks in part to generous support from Trek.
RIDE YOUR BIKE
Weekend registrants will enjoy four days of supported riding based out of Mellow Johnny’s, private social events, and gift bag including event t-shirt. Register now at majortayloraustin.org
MEET A LEGEND: NELSON VAILS RIDE AND TALK
Thursday February 23rd
Free and open to the public
The featured guest for the weekend is Nelson Vails, the first African American Olympic medalist in cycling and a 2009 Inductee to the Cycling Hall of Fame. The public will be able to “Get Back in the Saddle with Nelly” with a 20 mile social ride Thursday Feb 23rd at 4:00pm. The event begins at 7:00pm with cycling historian and biographer Andrew Ritchie introducing 1899 World Champion Marshall “Major” Taylor to modern-day cyclists. The program continues with Nelson Vails discussing his days as a New York City bike messenger and rise to Olympic athlete. Videos of Nelly on the pro race circuit will be followed by social time hosted by Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop.
GROW THE MOVEMENT
Saturday, February 25th
Free and open to the public
Join Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole and other community leaders for a tour through one of Austin’s historic districts. Choose between the walking tour or family-friendly bike tour departing Huston-Tillotson University at 11:00am on Saturday, February 25th. The tour precedes the African-American Community Heritage Festival, the culmination of Black History Month in Austin. Bikes will be available for check out to the public thanks to BikeTexas. Bikes are limited, so reserve now. Visit www.majortayloraustin.org for reservations.
GROW THE MOVEMENT
Saturday, February 25th
Free and open to the public
Community advocate turned filmmaker Yolanda Davis-Overstreet will show a sneak peek of her documentary RIDE:In Living Color. This unique film profiles African Americans who have made or are making a difference in their lives and communities through cycling. A panel discussion will address the resurgence of cycling within communities of color across the country and resources locally helping to Grow The Movement.
