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Please join us for an amazing riding experience as we celebrate the life of Indianapolis native and African-American world champion cyclist, Marshall “Major” Taylor. Whether you are a seasoned rider or new to cycling, we have route options to suit everyone. Choose between the 14, 30, and 62-mile metric century ride including rest stops and points of interest along the way. This is your chance to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and prove your cycling passion, no matter your skill level.
What's a Fondo?
Fondo is Italian for “big ride” — but the Honor Major Taylor is not just a big ride. It's a multi-day cycling celebration with food, pro/am bike races, live music, family festival, and so much more!
What's Included
You'll receive some really great perks with your ride experience, including:
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Chip-timing
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Major Taylor points of interest along the scenic, marked routes
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Rest stops with fruit, bars, and hydration
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Honor Major Taylor t-shirt
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An amazing farm-to-table breakfast/lunch catered by Rize
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Post-ride celebration in University Park with food, live music, festivities, and an all-day bike racing action!
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Post ride entertainment provided by Cascadoux Steel Drum Band featuring Soca, Calypso and Reggae
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Complimentary, secure bicycle parking will be available throughout the event so riders can stay and and enjoy the festivities.
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Entry into the Family Festival/Adventure Zone
This ride occurs on streets open to vehicular traffic. Participants are expected to obey all traffic laws and rules of the road.
Amazing Meal
Your after-ride experience would not be complete without an amazing farm-to-table breakfast or lunch prepared by Rize. Your meal will feature ingredients fresh from the farms in Indiana, fresh baked items made in house, along with the hydroponically grown produce from CRG's Grow greenhouse.
Breakfast Service (10:00 AM - 12:30PM)
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Chia Pudding Cups & Yogurt Parfait Cups (vegan)
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Cinnamon Roll bites - VG
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Egg Tarts with seasonal veggies and gruyere cheese - VG
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Bacon & Sausage
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Fresh Fruit (vegan)
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Applesauce pouches
Lunch Service (12:30 - 2:00 PM)
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Spicy Mango Chicken Wraps (with VG option)
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Rize Salad (vegan option)
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BLT (with VG option)
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Chips
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PB&J’s
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Applesauce pouches
VG = Vegetarian
Registration
Now thru June 30, 2023 = $75
July 1 - 31, 2023 = $85
August 1 - 26, 2023 = $95
Jersey Store
Shop here >
2023 Routes
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Piccolo - 14 miles
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Medio - 30 miles
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Gran - 62 miles (metric century)
*Routes subject to change based upon road conditions. All changes will be updated on Ride With GPS.
Rest Stops
Rest Stop #1: Major Taylor Velodrome (Mile 6 - All)
Rest Stop #2: 6408 Hoover Rd. (Mile 13 - Medio)
Rest Stop #3: 9014 Moore Rd. (Mile 20 - Gran)
Rest Stop #4: Towne Meadow Elementary (Mile 45 - Gran)
Check-In/Start
6:30 - 7:15 AM
Location: 240 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
Pre-registering for the ride in advance is highly encouraged; however, participants may also register the day of the ride.
Schedule of Events
6:30 - 7:15 AM: Check-in
7:45 AM: Opening Ceremony
7:50 AM: Rider staging
8:00 AM: Ride start
What to Bring
Please find below our list of helpful requirements and suggestions for your best ride experience.
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Bicycle (Required)
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Helmet (Required)
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Bike Lock (Optional - for Pedal & Park)
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Water bottle, extra hydration if needed.
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Saddle pack, including tire levers, pump/CO2, extra tubes, puncture repair kit, multi-tool
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Sunscreen
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Mobile phone (suggested)
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Identification and emergency contact info (drivers license, ID card, Road ID, etc.)
Ride Rules & Etiquette
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Helmets are required on the ride.
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Children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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All participants must be on bicycles. No runners, pedestrians, pets, or scooters please.
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This ride occurs on streets open to vehicular traffic. Please obey all traffic laws as they pertain to bicyclists. If you see that a traffic signal is going to turn red, please stop and call out "stopping" for the other riders.
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Please be courteous to motorists and to each other at all times. When passing others on a road or trail, always let other riders and pedestrians know you are there by calling out "on your right" or "on your left."
Hotel
In need of a great hotel in downtown Indianapolis! The Sheraton City Centre is just steps away from the Start/Finish of the ride and festival!
Parking
We've got you covered! Check out our event parking options here.
About Marshall "Major" Taylor
Marshall “Major” Taylor (b.1878- d.1932) was a world-class, African American bicycle racer once known as the “World’s Fastest Man.” As an athlete, Taylor had a gunpowder sprint, fast and powerful, that transformed races within sight of the finish line and delighted audiences on three continents at a time when bicycling racing ranked as one of the world’s most popular sports.
Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor is an inspiration and model for today, not only for his athletic achievements in the face of unrelenting racism, but also because of his integrity, generosity of spirit, concern for others, and invaluable contribution to America’s non-violent struggle for equality. If you are interested in learning more about the life of Major Taylor, please refer to our Resources section at the bottom of this page.
"In a word I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blaze my own trail."
- Marshall "Major" Taylor
About the Major Taylor Mural
The Major Taylor mural, produced by Shawn Michael Warren, is the first of the Bicentennial Legends portrait murals, a project of the Arts Council of Indianapolis in partnership with the Major Taylor Coalition, an informal group of Central Indiana residents who are passionate about seeing Taylor honored in his hometown of Indianapolis.
Learn more about Major Taylor
Below is a compilation of books, articles, and resources that celebrate the life and achievements of Marshall "Major" Taylor.
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Major Taylor to be honored with mural | Indy Star | September 23, 2020
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Fans of late champion cyclist Major Taylor say it’s time for city to embrace icon | Indianapolis Business Journal | February 28, 2019 | Hayleigh Colombo
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The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero (book) | Michael Kranish
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Why Haven't You Heard of Marshall "Major" Taylor? | Outside Magazine | April 19, 2018 | Todd Balf
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Uncovering The Story Of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's 1st Black Sports Star | NPR Podcast | Fresh Air | Terry Gross interview with Michael Kranish | June 18, 2019
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Major Taylor Velodrome at the IndyCycloplex, Indianapolis, IN



