Modsquad Cycles between 114th and 115th Street on FDB/8th Avenue has a great display up on the African-American cyclist Major Taylor. Not being such great bike historians, we had to look up some facts on the famous athlete. Marshall "Major" Taylor was the top cyclist of his day and had his claim to fame in the 1890's as one of the most renowned cyclist in the world. Bicycles of course were a new invention at the time and cycling was a popular speed racing event that would pack arenas such as Madison Square Garden with enthusiastic spectators. Major Taylor would go on to participate in competitions in Europe where he would especially be popular in France. Like most of his African-American contemporaries at the time, the Black Cyclone would find fame and fortune in the world but would return to a very segregated homeland. At the age of 31, he retired because of his weariness from the battle against racism within the sport. Check out the windows at Modsquad and inquire on their special promotions for the month. Modsquad is located at 2119 Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Tel. (212) 865-5050. Take the B,C to 116th Street.
www.modsquadcycles.com
Modsquad Cycles between 114th and 115th Street on FDB/8th Avenue has a great display up on the African-American cyclist Major Taylor. Not being such great bike historians, we had to look up some facts on the famous athlete. Marshall "Major" Taylor was the top cyclist of his day and had his claim to fame in the 1890's as one of the most renowned cyclist in the world. Bicycles of course were a new invention at the time and cycling was a popular speed racing event that would pack arenas such as Madison Square Garden with enthusiastic spectators. Major Taylor would go on to participate in competitions in Europe where he would especially be popular in France. Like most of his African-American contemporaries at the time, the Black Cyclone would find fame and fortune in the world but would return to a very segregated homeland. At the age of 31, he retired because of his weariness from the battle against racism within the sport. Check out the windows at Modsquad and inquire on their special promotions for the month. Modsquad is located at 2119 Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Tel. (212) 865-5050. Take the B,C to 116th Street. www.modsquadcycles.com
Nice!
ReplyDeleteMore info: www.majortaylorassociation.org
In an era when cycling was a major sport, Major Taylor was as big a star as anyone. His life story is an inspiring saga of triumph in the face of unimaginable challenges and a sobering lesson in what fate can hand even the greatest of champions. I salute ModSquad, Team Major Taylor and the Major Taylor Society in keeping his memory alive.
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