Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance
No other cycling club network in the world bears an individual's name — and Major Taylor earned that honor. Uniting 90+ clubs across 35 states and 5 countries, MTICA carries his legacy into every mile.
Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was the first Black American to win a world championship in any sport — claiming the cycling world title in 1899. Born in Indianapolis shortly after the end of slavery, he overcame relentless racial hostility to become an international superstar, winning 42 of 57 European races in 1901 alone.
"He went against all odds during a time where he wasn't supposed to do that as a Black man."
— Damia Thomas, Velo City Riders, BaltimoreHis grave reads: "An honest, courageous and God-fearing, clean living gentlemanly athlete. A credit to his race who always gave out his best."
Learn His Full Story
In 2020, William L. Gaston of Aurora, Illinois had one question: what if we got everyone together? Not just one club — all of them. He wanted to create something that didn't exist — a way for any Major Taylor cyclist to connect with another Major Taylor club in another city. If you wanted to pack your bike and ride somewhere new, there was no vehicle for that. No network. No home base. So he built one. What started as a conversation became a convention. What became a convention became a movement. Today, MTICA represents 90+ clubs and an estimated 10,000+ active cyclists worldwide — and we're just getting started.
Read Our Story →The 2026 Durham convention was the most attended in MTICA history — 800 riders taking to the roads of North Carolina together. Each year, the family grows bigger.
MTICA partnered with the IRONMAN Foundation to bring Major Taylor cyclists to the triathlon world — our members didn't just ride, they competed as swimmers and runners too. A landmark moment for our community.
MTICA took our advocacy to Washington D.C. — meeting with legislators, pushing for cycling infrastructure, and making sure the voices of Black cyclists are heard where policy is made.
From Chicago to California, from Michigan to Major Taylor Taiwan — MTICA is the only organization in the world uniting Major Taylor cycling clubs across every time zone. No one else is doing this.
The Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance (MTICA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by William L. Gaston, uniting Major Taylor cycling clubs across the globe to honor Major Taylor's legacy by growing the sport, and strengthen the cycling community.
In honor of Major Taylor's legacy, we are committed to uniting the cycling community through the power of inclusion.
Our vision is to carry out the ideas Major Taylor tried to teach the cycling community on the track.
Inspiring and empowering young people to embrace cycling, fostering healthy habits and a lifelong love of riding.
Broadening and strengthening the Major Taylor community, fostering inclusivity, connection, and shared purpose among members.
Demonstrating how cycling can enhance physical health and mental well-being, motivating people to embrace positive lifestyle changes through riding.
2027 MTICA Convention · Sanford, FL · June 2, 2027
Ride begins at 8:00 AM — The clock is ticking!
Join hundreds of cyclists from around the world for the MTICA Annual International Convention — a multi-day celebration of fellowship, cycling, wellness, and the enduring legacy of Major Taylor.
You don't have to be a Major Taylor club member to attend — if you love cycling, you are already family. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are.
From the founding Columbus club (1979) to Toronto, Nairobi, Roubaix, London, and Taiwan — the movement spans 90+ clubs across 35 states and 5 countries outside the US.
⭐ Gold = international clubs · 🟢 Green = US clubs
United States
From Chicago to Los Angeles, Detroit to Philadelphia, Atlanta to Indianapolis — Major Taylor clubs unite cyclists in communities across the nation.
International
From Toronto to Nairobi, Roubaix to London to Taiwan — Major Taylor clubs are carrying the banner on every corner of the globe.
Get Involved
Browse the full directory of affiliated Major Taylor clubs worldwide, complete with links to connect with riders in your city.
View Full Directory →
Through our partnership with Major Taylor Kidz and founder Charise Stephens, MTICA is building 14 youth chapters across the country. Our youth enjoy complimentary admission to the national convention — your donations make sure every young rider has a seat at the table. We also accept donations of gently worn cycling gear so every young person can ride in style.
You can also sponsor a young rider by purchasing a full convention registration on their behalf — giving them the complete convention experience, the same rides, events, and fellowship as every adult attendee. It's one of the most direct ways to invest in the next generation of Major Taylor cyclists.
Industry leaders align with MTICA to advance diversity in cycling and honor Major Taylor's legacy. Join them.
CBS News · June 2022
Cyclists traveled to Indianapolis for Juneteenth to honor Major Taylor — a champion who broke barriers 50 years before Jackie Robinson. MTICA President Bill Gaston: "My goal was just to get people together so we could talk. I never knew this is what would come out of it."
Read on CBS News →Major Taylor Association
The Major Taylor Association in Worcester, MA, preserves the history and legacy of Marshall "Major" Taylor — including records, memorabilia, and the story of his 1979 rediscovery that launched a global movement.
Visit MajorTaylorAssociation.org →Bronzeville Trail Task Force · Chicago, IL
MTICA partners with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force to install Major Taylor street signs in every city where he competed — from Indianapolis to Paris. Michigan has already declared a Major Taylor Day. Help us expand this honor nationwide.
Visit BronzevilleTrail.org →The League of American Bicyclists · 2026
Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Advocacy has been named the 2026 Youth Empowerment Award recipient by the League of American Bicyclists — a national honor recognizing their outstanding commitment to empowering young cyclists and building equity in the sport. A proud moment for the entire Major Taylor family.
Read the Full Story →League of American Bicyclists · June 22, 2026
The League of American Bicyclists sits down with 2026 MTICA Trailblazer Award recipient Marco Speeks — founder of Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Advocacy — on pioneering Major Taylor Day in Michigan, building a statewide coalition, and what it would take to bring that recognition to every state in the country.
Read on League of American Bicyclists →Share your rides and convention moments using our hashtags.
