2012 Olympics: Velodrome

Having broken ground in March 2009, the 2012 Olympics velodrome is the first structure to be completed for the games.

The architectural team, Hopkins Architects, completed the building on time and within the budget. (City Square take note.)

The 6,000 seat arena boasts a 35-mile track that was built of sustainable Siberian pine by 26 carpenters over an 8-week period.  The banks, a beautiful 42-degrees, with a long straight-away towards the finish that is going to be perfect for those last minute, gut busting, sprints, will surely make for some great races.

With sustainability being the key word for all Olympic venues, the velodrome employs a lightweight, cable-net roof construction that uses natural light and features a roof that captures the rainwater.

I'm sure Major Taylor Association is pleased with the facility.  Now, if we can only get them to name it after the "Worcester Whirlwind", then, that would make it perfect!

2010 George Street Bike Challenge

The date has been set, July 25, 2010, and you can begin to prepare for the George Street Bike Challenge.

Every year, the Major Taylor Association sponsors the George Street Bike Challenge, which draws bicycling fans from throughout New England and the world.

I truly enjoy knowing that Major Taylor, a premiere cyclist, called Worcester his home at some point in his life.

Help spread the word about the Major Taylor Association by checking out their website at http://www.majortaylorassociation.org.

Major Taylor: 2009 George Street Bike Challenge

When it comes to marketing and "getting a jump on things" I love that the Major Taylor Association has put together a short marketing video for the 2009 George Street Bike Challenge. The event is taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2009. For more information, see the Major Taylor Association events website.

Uphill time trial. July 26, 2009 (the last Sunday in July). See how fast you can pedal up this two-block quad-buster in downtown Worcester, Mass., that was a training ground for 1899 world champion Major Taylor.

Major Taylor Century Information

MAJOR TAYLOR CENTURY -- Sept. 21, 2008

Seven Hills Wheelmen and 10th Gear Christian Youth Cyclists present:

MAJOR TAYLOR CENTURY
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Whitinsville, Massachusetts
www.sevenhillswheelmen.org/centuries.htm

Bicycle 25, 62 or 100 miles on the scenic roads of south-central Massachusetts, plus a bit of Rhode Island and Connecticut.

All rides leave from the Whitin Community Center, 60 Main St., Whitinsville, Mass.

CENTURY (100 miles) -- check-in 7:15-8 a.m., depart 8 a.m.
METRIC CENTURY (62 miles) -- check in 8:30-9 a.m., depart 9 a.m.
QUARTER CENTURY (25 miles) -- check-in 9:30-10 a.m., depart 10 a.m.
RAIN OR SHINE

Entry fees -- Before Sept. 16, 10th Gear & Seven Hills Wheelmen members, $15; nonmembers, $20.
Day of ride, 10th Gear & Seven Hills Wheelmen members, $20; nonmembers, $25.

Online preregistration: www.sevenhillswheelmen.org/majortaylor

Mail-in registration: Make checks payable to 10thGear and mail to:
10thGear/MTC, c/o Village Congregational Church, P.O. Box 217, Whitinsville, MA 01588

Entry fee covers continental breakfast, cue sheet, arrowed route and snacks. Helmets are required. Proceeds benefit 10th Gear, Major Taylor Association, and Seven Hills Wheelmen.

WHO WAS MAJOR TAYLOR?

Marshall W. "Major" Taylor (1878-1932), who lived in Worcester, was world cycling champion in 1899 and American sprint champion in 1900. Known as "the Worcester Whirlwind" and "the colored cyclone," he was the second black world champion in any sport (the first was bantamweight boxer George Dixon in 1891). More about Major Taylor and the new Major Taylor monument at the Worcester Public Library: www.majortaylorassociation.org

Thank you to Lynne Tolman at the Major Taylor Association for the information.