getting back in the game
this year’s major taylor race was last sunday. i missed the registration (which was kind of ideal) and thus could not enter the race proper, but i had a great time nonetheless. the event is a one-person-at-a-time time trial up george st, a super super steep hill (only two blocks long) off main st near the courthouse. because there is no real head-to-head competition, people of all ages and ability levels participate, some to compete, but most to just to participate, and rep. and because it’s one person at a time, you can really cheer on every single person, which is really fun, and since it’s kind of grueling and in close quarters (the audience lines the sidewalk), the cheering really helps to motivate people. we were camped out pretty far up the hill, and i really feel like our voices and antics pulled people that otherwise might’ve given up. really a great feeling.
that afternoon and night more flitting around. after the hill climb and the traditional pickle barrel lunch, me and MZ, ML and MC all ambled to mouse feet house in home invasion mode to “watch a movie” aka “take a nap”, which ruled and as i expected, randa made cookies, which we ate (cookies: good). waking up all groggy we strode umbrellaed in the rain to the soda place for suicides and deck steaks, then hung out in the parking lot under the 7-11 eave for a good long time. a dinner party at jenna’s house produced two kinds of enchilada, then back to the fold. NICE.
now a little more on the topic of major taylor:
major taylor was a bicycle hero who lived in worcester at the turn of the century (19th - 20th, not 20th - 21st). he was only the second black athlete to become a world champion at anything (after boxer george dixon), and was conspired against at every level of organized bicycling for the duration of his career. he was constantly being threatened by fans and was at least once beat up by another racer. bicycle associations moved many races to sundays, when they knew he could not race for religious reasons. but he persevered and didn’t just “survive”, but became a champion, and what’s more, remained the entire time a gentleman. GOD BLESS.
also, i know i say this every year, but in re: the major taylor hill climb, next year is the year to rep, so train up, get a 1:1 gear ratio if you need to, get your costume ready, and notch your pride up.
major taylor on wikipedia
major taylor association hill climb
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