Now in it’s 6th year, Seattle’s chapter of the Major Taylor Project (MTP) is hosting its 4th Annual Spinathon on Thursday, March 20 5-8 PM. Spin spots are still available at the Magnuson Athletic Club location. (The Spinathon is also happening at Live Love Flow, but this location is fully booked!)
Register to participate at Magnuson Athletic Club
You can ride for some or all of the 3-hour event.
The MTP is inspired by the life and accomplishments of Marshall “Major” Taylor, who was the first African American professional cyclist. Born in 1878, Major Taylor’s professional racing career spanned 13 years and included the world one-mile track cycling championship in 1899. He remained committed to his passion in the face of adversity and continues to be a source of inspiration to all athletes.
The MTP is a year-round, youth development cycling program produced by the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Diversity and Inclusion department. The MTP integrates bicycling, healthy living, bicycle maintenance, road safety awareness, and the importance of working toward individual goals. MTP is focused on introducing youth from diverse communities to cycling and creating an inclusive culture of bicycling that will continue to future generations.
There are multiple ways to support the Major Taylor Project and this year’s Spinathon:
- Collect donations from supporters and increase you chance to win great prizes. Participants who raise $1,000 or more receive a Major Taylor Project jersey.
- Sponsor a Major Taylor Student: You can support a student for some or all of the Spinathon.
- If your employer participates in the Bike to Work Month Team Challenge you can pledge your support to the Major Taylor Project and have your organization match your contributions. Also, the Major Taylor Spinathon is a perfect “tune up” for Bike to Work Month.
- If you are unable to participate you can make a direct donation online.
Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation
(Please write “MTP” in the memo line on your check)
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S
Seattle, WA 98115
Last year’s Spinathon raised $30,000, and this year’s goal is $50,000. 100% of the proceeds go to reaching more students at existing Major Taylor Project sites in South and Southeast Seattle, as well as supporting the newly-created Major Taylor Project Youth Leadership Retreat.
Led by Ed Ewing, the MTP is becoming a hallmark of Seattle’s cycling culture. The big news for 2014 is that the Major Taylor Project is expanding to two new schools, Foster High School in Tukwila, and Denny Middle School in Delridge.
These schools will be added to a list that currently includes:
- Global Connections High School, Seatac, WA: 77% of all reporting students receive free or reduced lunch
- YES Foundation of White Center in partnership with Evergreen High School Community Schools Collaboration, White Center, WA: 63-73% of all reporting students are on free or reduced lunch
- Sand Point Transitional Housing, Seattle, WA: Provides over 94 homeless families with transitional housing units
- Chief Sealth High School, Seattle, WA: 54.5% of all reporting students receive free or reduced lunch
- Highline High School, Burien, WA: 64.6% of all reporting students receive free or reduced lunch
Look for the distinctive MTP jerseys around Seattle and in event rides leading up to the 2014 Seattle to Portland.
