The Major Taylor Invitational

Is this a Major Taylor sponsored event?

The event is hosted by the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Central Indiana and Bike Indianapolis, the bicycle advocacy group for central Indiana, in support of bringing the cycling clubs of Major Taylor and cyclists in general together for the first time ever during Juneteenth Weekend.

Is there a host hotel?

Visit the Major Taylor Weekend hotel site, or call 317-262-8191 and refer to the Major Taylor Weekend rate. Hotel questions can be directed to housing@visitindy.com. If you need to arrive earlier or leave later, please call or email.

Will maps be provided?

We hope most people will use navigation, and will provide links to RideWithGPS, Strava, and a few others. We will also email route maps and cue sheets to all registered riders. In addition, each route will be marked with distinctive Dan Henrys.

Will the Registration Fee cover include any other activities?

The registration fee covers all three rides, the Saturday evening reception, and rider goodie bag. We hope that riders will bring their families along to celebrate this gathering in honor of a great man and athlete, Major Taylor. It is certainly not a requirement to bring your family if you don't feel it's worthwhile; but Indianapolis provides Family activities for a 3-day weekend vacation.

Will there be a jersey available for purchase?

The kit is available at https://www.varlocustom.com/majorinvitational2. The design has the image of Miss Liberty on the front. She sits atop the Circle Monument in the center of Indianapolis and acts as the de facto mascot of the city. On the back is an image of Major Taylor. The color comes from the blue jersey that Major Taylor often wore while racing. Your kit will be mailed to you, but it will not likely arrive before the event.

Will there be SAG stops?

SAG locations will be included on the route maps. Each SAG will have energy bars, fruit, water, and energy drinks. The 100 mile extension is unsupported. You will have to rely on convenience stores and other establishments for that portion if you choose to ride it.

Why is there not a Century Route?

The event does not include a 100 mile option. For those looking to have a 100 mile option, there is a 38 mile add-on to the 62 mile ride. We don't provide support because we hope that riders will choose from the supported distances which will allow time to meet like minded riders from across the country that are gathering as one collective unit for the first time under Marshall 'Major' Taylor.

How much elevation should I expect?

Indianapolis is incredibly flat. We consider an overpass to be a hill. While we won't finalize the routes until we get the road construction plans from the city in the spring, you should expect less than 1000 feet for the 31 mile course, around 1500 feet over the 62 mile course, and 2000 over the 100. Those are likely higher than the actual elevation will be.

What are some of the highlights of the actual ride?

Minority vendors in the central Indiana area will be used wherever possible to provide services to this event. The Friday evening historic ride and the Saturday evening reception are focused on the life of Major Taylor, one of the most amazing Black Americans ever. Some of the community events are listed on the registration page with links and additional details to come as the negotiations continue.