Honor Major Taylor Fondo

Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 8:00 AM

240 N. Meridian St. 46204

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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 change 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:

Chip-timing
Major Taylor points of interest along the scenic, marked routes
Rest stops with fruit, bars, and hydration
Honor Major Taylor t-shirt
An amazing farm-to-table breakfast/lunch catered by Rize
Post-ride celebration in University Park with food, live music, festivities, and an all-day bike racing action!
Post ride entertainment provided by Cascadoux Steel Drum Band featuring Soca, Calypso and Reggae
Complimentary, secure bicycle parking will be available throughout the event so riders can stay and and enjoy the festivities.
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)

Chia Pudding Cups & Yogurt Parfait Cups (vegan)
Cinnamon Roll bites - VG
Egg Tarts with seasonal veggies and gruyere cheese - VG
Bacon & Sausage
Fresh Fruit (vegan)
Applesauce pouches

Lunch Service (12:30 - 2:00 PM)

Spicy Mango Chicken Wraps (with VG option)
Rize Salad (vegan option)
BLT (with VG option)
Chips
PB&J’s
Applesauce pouches

VG = Vegetarian

Registration

Online Registration >

Now thru June 15, 2023 = $75

June 16 - July 31, 2023 = $85

August 1 - 26, 2023 = $95

Jersey Store
Shop here >

2023 Routes

Preview the routes* >

Piccolo - 14 miles
Medio - 30 miles
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 (all routes)

Rest Stop #2: TBD (30-mile route)

Rest Stop #3: TBD (62-mile route - out)

Rest Stop #4: Creekside Middle School (62-mile route - back)

Check-In/Start

6:30 - 7:45 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 - 7:45 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.

Bicycle (Required)
Helmet (Required)
Bike Lock (Optional - for Pedal & Park)
Water bottle, extra hydration if needed.
Saddle pack, including tire levers, pump/CO2, extra tubes, puncture repair kit, multi-tool
Sunscreen
Mobile phone (suggested)
Identification and emergency contact info (drivers license, ID card, Road ID, etc.)

Ride Rules & Etiquette

Helmets are required on the ride.
Children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
All participants must be on bicycles. No runners, pedestrians, pets, or scooters please.
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.
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!

Book your room >

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.