The national organization of cycling clubs has organized synchronized tribute rides on Dec. 1 in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York to commemorate the story and lifetime achievements of Marshall “Major” Taylor.
Taylor was an American track cyclist who began his amateur career while he was still a teenager in Indianapolis, Indiana. He became a professional racer in 1896, at the age of 18, and won the sprint event at the 1899 world track championships in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to become the first African American to achieve the level of world champion and the second black athlete to win a world championship in any sport.
In addition to competing on the velodrome, equal access to and the pursuance of education was of great importance to Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor. As such, Hennessy and the NBC will award one $25,000 scholarship. Interested applicants may enter to win the MMT Higher Education Scholarship by sharing their “Never stop. Never settle.” story at www.theNBC.Bike.
Hennessy will further commemorate the cycling champion’s legacy with limited edition offerings inspired by his story, including a beautifully crafted state-of-the-art bicycle and inspired apparel line. Available in time for the holidays, a portion of proceeds will go back to the National Brotherhood of Cyclists:
Major by Affinity, Limited Edition Bicycle for Hennessy (SRP: $2,800)
Hennessy enlisted Brooklyn-based Affinity Cycles to design a limited-edition offering that puts a modern-day twist on Taylor’s original bike from the 1800’s. A nod to the era he raced in, like Taylor, the design is both powerful and timeless – a race-ready machine that is the perfect premium grade commuter bike.
MMT 140 for Hennessy by Pyer Moss (SRP: $150 – $500)
Fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss revisits his original motocross and cycling-inspired line to release a capsule collection for Hennessy. The collection highlights similar themes still relevant today, 140 years after Taylor was born, and includes a cycling cap, graphic tee with custom artwork, parachute jogger pants, a track-style sweatshirt and a nylon bomber jacket.