A Word from the President
Hello Major Taylor family, friends, and cycling community. The 2026 MTICA Convention in Durham, North Carolina, has come to a close, and what an unforgettable experience it was! As I look back on last month's gathering, I feel so grateful for everything we shared. I want to start by thanking everyone who made it possible, especially those who brought us together in Durham.
First, thank you to everyone who traveled to Durham and helped bring the spirit of Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor to life. His presence was felt everywhere, from the rustling trees to the laughter throughout the city. Because of you, Major Taylor truly filled Durham for a few unforgettable days.
A very special thank you to Jeannette Richardson-Hinton, who took up the mantle of organizing this convention. Jeannette, you told me to trust you — and you delivered, making this gathering possible.
To Stefanee Richardson, I can hardly express how much I appreciate your vision, dedication, and tireless effort. You took on so many roles: MTICA Treasurer, Major Taylor North Carolina Treasurer, full-time professional, globe-trotter, and graduate student. You made your vision for this convention a reality, and I am truly grateful for everything you did.
To the Executive Committee, volunteers, route crew, coordinators, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who helped, thank you for making this event possible. If you've never organized something this big, it's hard to describe how much work it takes. But seeing everyone's smiles made it all worthwhile!
The Durham Marriott became our home. Our banners — including the newest one honoring the Major Taylor founders (the nine gentlemen from Columbus, Ohio, led by George Harper) — were proudly displayed. Their vision made all of this possible and set the tone for everything that followed.
Thank you to Charise Stephens and her team for bringing the Major Taylor Kids, and to the Black Farm Project youth team for adding energy and inspiration to our gathering.
A special welcome to Major Taylor Maui and the 309 Urban Cycling Club of Miami, our newest family members. We look forward to seeing your chapters grow and can't wait to visit Maui as our family continues to expand.
Thank you to our amazing photographer Lanny D. Ealey and to everyone who captured memories. We'll be sharing links to these photos and videos soon.
The Saturday night Legacy Dinner was a highlight, with great food, fellowship, and unforgettable moments. Thank you to everyone who signed up for the VIP experience. We hope you had a wonderful time and that we met your expectations.
This was our largest convention yet, with more than 800 cyclists and over 1,000 attendees. All of our swag was North Carolina-grown, and the spirit of the city and state was everywhere. Special thanks to the city of Durham, the Marriott staff, and our sponsors: SRAM, Trek, USA Cycling, and the League of American Bicyclists. Bill Nesper, your words meant so much to us and perfectly captured the moment.
Congratulations to Marco Speeks and the Michigan Major Taylor Advocacy Group for earning the 2026 Trailblazer Award and for getting September 23 declared Major Taylor Day in Michigan. Let's work together so more states do the same, and let this success guide us forward.
Congratulations also to Linda Davis, widow of the late James Davis, for receiving an award we had hoped to present to James at an earlier convention but were unable to. James's spirit truly lives on in our community.
Thank you to the 25 attendees who have never missed a Major Taylor Convention. Your commitment means the world to us.
Looking ahead, get ready for Sanford, Florida! The 2027 MTICA Convention will be held June 2–6. Sanford has a rich history, and although Major Taylor never traveled past Savannah, we'll be taking his legacy further than ever. This next chapter begins in Sanford, where our journey continues.
Registration opens July 15. If you attended this year, watch your inbox for a special gift. Sanford International Airport is ready to welcome everyone!
Finally, look out for our updated MTICA website, launching soon. It will highlight everything we've accomplished over the past five years, and with your help, we'll do even more. This next step will keep our momentum going and connect our past to what comes next.
Thank you, Major Taylor family. See you on the road!
Bill "Bro. Bill" Gaston
Founder & President, MTICA
What Is MTICA About?
The Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance (MTICA) was founded to honor the extraordinary legacy of Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor — the pioneering African-American world champion cyclist who defied racial barriers and rose to global greatness at the turn of the 20th century. Major Taylor's story is one of excellence, perseverance, and grace under pressure, and it is the heartbeat of everything we do.
Our Mission: In honor of Major Taylor's legacy, we are committed to uniting the cycling community through the power of inclusion.
Our Vision: Our vision is to carry out the ideas Major Taylor tried to teach the cycling community on the track.
MTICA brings together Major Taylor cycling clubs from across the United States and beyond, connecting riders, advocates, and community leaders around a shared purpose. We are a community of builders — building inclusion one ride at a time.
To learn more about MTICA, our clubs, and how to get involved, visit us at mtica.org.
Get Ready for Sanford, Florida!
The road leads south! We are beyond excited to announce that the 2027 MTICA Convention will be held in Sanford, Florida — June 2–6, 2027. Sanford International Airport is ready to welcome you, and this community is ready to embrace the Major Taylor family in a big way.
A Land Rich in African American History
Sanford and the surrounding Central Florida region hold deep significance in African American history — and we could not be more proud to bring Major Taylor's legacy to this ground.
Georgetown, the historic African American community in Sanford, has more than 155 years of documented history — predating the city's own incorporation in 1877. African Americans were purchasing property, building businesses, founding churches, and establishing schools here long before the city had a name. Georgetown was home to Saint James AME Church (established 1867), Crooms Academy — Seminole County's first high school for African American students — and a thriving business district along Sanford Avenue. Georgetown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, a recognition long overdue.
Eatonville, just a short drive away, is even more legendary: it is the oldest African American incorporated municipality in the United States, founded in 1887 by Black freedmen who built a self-governing, self-sufficient community from the ground up. Eatonville is also the childhood home of the celebrated writer Zora Neale Hurston, who immortalized it in her work. It stands today as a national historic district and a testament to what Black Americans built when given the freedom to build.
Major Taylor Never Made It to Florida. In fact, he never traveled past Savannah, Georgia — and records tell us he was told to be out of town by sundown. We are going to Florida in honor of Major Taylor — to take his name, his story, and his legacy to the Sunshine State and share who he was with the world. This is our tribute. This is our ride.
What to Expect
We are planning an extraordinary experience for the entire MTICA family. More details are coming, but here is a preview of what's ahead:
- A Saturday Night Gala — Brims & Sundresses: Where History Meets Elegance. Dress to impress in the official color palette of yellow, orange, green, and a hint of blue. This unforgettable evening will be held at the Westin Lake Mary.
- Scenic ride routes through Central Florida's breathtaking landscape — with whispers of history woven into every mile. Detailed route information coming soon.
- An elevated VIP experience — if you loved the VIP in Durham, Sanford will take it to an entirely new level. The VIP Welcome Reception will be held aboard the Barber Lee Riverboat — an elegant evening on the water you will not want to miss.
- 🎤 Major Taylor family and guests will be living it up in the heart of downtown Sanford at Tuffy's — great vibes, great community, and rumor has it there may be spoken word performances at both venues on Thursday night. Stay tuned.
- Additional activities are being planned and details are on the way. Communications will be going out to everyone — no one will be left out. Get ready, Major Taylor family!
🎉 You do NOT have to be a Major Taylor club member to attend. The convention is open to everyone — it is a community event for all cyclists and supporters. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your club!
Registration Is Open!
Registration is open now through Red Podium. Visit the MTICA website for the direct link, or click below to register today. If you attended the 2026 Durham Convention, watch your inbox — a special gift is on its way to you.
The MTICA Website Has Been Revamped!
We are thrilled to announce that mtica.org has been completely relaunched! The new website is a reflection of how far this organization has come — and a window into everything ahead.
Here's what you'll find when you visit:
- Our History & Accomplishments — Five years of milestones, conventions, and community impact, all in one place
- How to Get Involved — Whether you're a rider, an advocate, or a supporter, there's a place for you in this movement
- Advocacy — Join our call for safer roads, improved cycling infrastructure, and greater access to bikes in underserved communities
- Youth Programs — Learn how you can help bring cycling to the next generation in your local community
- Club Directory — Major Taylor clubs are growing across the country and internationally, and more are on the way
- International Signature Ride Calendar — Every Major Taylor club is invited to submit their signature rides and events. This is the one-stop destination to find out where Major Taylor cycling events are happening across the country and around the world. Add Your Ride or Event
🛍️ The MTICA Store Is Open!
Rep the legacy! Head to the MTICA Store to pick up official Major Taylor gear — T-shirts, keychains, water bottles, and more. New items are being added every day, so check back often. Every purchase supports the mission.
📣 Attention, Attention — Major Taylor Just Had a Baby!
The Major Taylor family is growing, and we could not be more thrilled to make this announcement! Please join us in giving a tremendous Major Taylor welcome to the newest member of our family:
🚴 Major Taylor Cycling Club of Tampa Bay 🚴
Welcome to the family! We are so glad you are here.
The road ahead is bright — and we cannot wait to ride it together.
Welcome home! 🎉
Are you interested in starting a Major Taylor club in your city? Contact us — we would love to help you build something great.