**Major Taylor Cycling Club of Columbus, Ohio: Over 46 Years of Trailblazing Excellence**
In 1979, a visionary group of eight pioneers in Columbus, Ohio, came together to honor the legendary cyclist, Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor. Their shared passion and dedication led to the founding of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Columbus, Ohio, the very first club named in his honor. Cyclists from all over the United States flocked to Columbus to join this groundbreaking club, even before the age of the internet. For the first 20 years, Columbus was the epicenter of the Major Taylor legacy, until other clubs started emerging across the country.
The founding members, including the first president George Harper, vice president Jed Rumora, secretary Robert Bradley, and treasurer John Tolbert, ran the club for over 30 years, organizing hundreds of rides and cycling events. Alongside them were fellow founders Bill Willis, Danny Cunningham, John Fuller, and Lloyd Pate. Their dedication has resulted in the formation of many other Major Taylor Cycling Clubs across the country, all sharing the same pride and admiration for Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor.
Major Taylor's legacy is celebrated far and wide, with clubs now spanning the globe in places like Nairobi, Canada, and Taiwan. His name was mentioned during a cycling event at the 2024 Olympics, highlighting the select few cyclists who embody Major Taylor's riding character. As the first Black world champion cyclist in 1899, Major Taylor's achievements continue to inspire and unite cyclists worldwide. Whether you're part of a Major Taylor club or simply don the kit, every cyclist should honor this legendary figure.
The Major Taylor Cycling Wear was founded by the late Phillip Alloy, a dedicated member of the Columbus Ohio Major Taylor Cycling Club, and is now run by his wife Valerie Alloy. Visit their website https://majortaylor.us/ to support the legacy by purchasing Major Taylor gear. And to stay up to speed with the very first Major Taylor Cycling Club of Columbus, Ohio, visit their website https://www.mtcc1979.com/. Even if you don't live in Columbus, you can join the club to support the very first club named in Major Taylor's honor.
The Major Taylor Cycling Club of Columbus started a tradition of acknowledging "Grand Masters," a title given to cyclists who reach the age of 65 and have demonstrated excellence in cycling over the years. This term celebrates their achievements and dedication to the sport.
The Major Taylor Mountain Summit, started by Columbus, Ohio, and the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC), is an annual event held every April. This summit brings together cycling enthusiasts for training rides and camaraderie. You can find more information about the summit https://majortaylormountainsummit.com.
Columbus was also the first to start a youth cycling group called the MT Youth Ambassadors in the early 1990s. This group was made up of children fostering a love for cycling from a young age and enthusiastic about honoring the legacy of Major Taylor.
With over 46 years of trailblazing excellence, we honor the original founders and their remarkable vision. Their dedication has inspired a worldwide movement, and the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Columbus, Ohio, remains a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause.
The founders are still rolling, and don’t let their age fool you! If you’re ever in Columbus, Ohio, join them for the "Grandmaster Roll" ride on Sunday mornings. These riders are incredible!
Their rite of passage was a 200-mile ride weekend called the TOSRV (Tour of the Scioto River Valley), a 100-mile ride down to Portsmouth, Ohio, from Columbus, and back. To become a Major Taylor member, you needed to be able to ride 100 miles, which was a century. Their first TOSRV was in 1978, and by 1979, they had named their group the Major Taylor Cycling Club. This ride still exists 67 years later, celebrating the strength and dedication of its members. You can find more information about the TOSRV https://outdoor-pursuits.org/tosrv/
In 2010, then-Mayor Michael B. Coleman dedicated a Major Taylor plaque and a bench with metal plates naming all the members at that time in Academy Park, located at 279 Nelson Road, Columbus, Ohio. He also dedicated 4 miles of the Alum Creek Trail to the Major Taylor Cycling Club. If you’re ever in Columbus, make sure to visit these landmarks to honor the legacy of Major Taylor.
To all the participants in the 2025 Major Taylor International Ride Challenge, we salute you! Your passion, perseverance, and camaraderie embody the spirit of Major Taylor and the values of our club. During Black History Month, you pushed the pedals to honor the legend for 28 days, becoming true legends yourselves. Here's to over 46 years of trailblazing excellence and many more to come!
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