I Raced Bicycles
Not road races or motocross or mountain bikes. I raced on an oval track. Sprints! I was competitive. Over the course of seven summers I won multiple sprints. I also learned there are certain athletes that are world-class. People like Major Taylor, The Worcester Whirlwind. I never raced against Taylor. He was way before my time at the turn of 19th and early 20th centuries.
According to sources quoted in Wikipedia, "Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor (November 26, 1878 – June 21, 1932) was an American professional cyclist. Even by modern cycling standards, Taylor could be considered the greatest American sprinter of all time." He held several world records. In this country he beat the mostly white racers so soundly, he was banned from track racing in Indiana. He was allowed to race elsewhere, including Madison Square Garden, if "he didn't act all uppity" after his victories. A superlative athlete, he was a draw. His presence filled the seats at the velodrome.
Sad Notes
He died alone and penniless in Chicago in the early 30s. He was put in a pauper's grave, but he wasn't forgotten. He had innumerable fans. Bike racing was a popular sport then, and he was responsible for filling up the Garden every time he raced.
The owner of Schwinn Bicycles stepped forward to change the outcome. Walter became more than a sad footnote. In 1948, Frank Schwinn had his body exhumed, and then put in a proper grave where his accomplishments could be celebrated. He's remembered in Worcester, too. They have a museum in his honor.
One More Twist
My bike was super light weight. It was manufactured by Frejus. According to the website Vintage-Steel, "Frejus is a rare masterpiece of craftsmanship, a piece of the Italian cycling heritage." The brand was founded in 1896 in Turin by Emmo Ghelfi and then acquired by Emilio Bozzi. The latter was kidnapped and assassinated in the mid-1970s by the Brigate Rosse or BR, an Italian terrorist group. The company then closed.
There's a new documentary about Major Taylor from WTIU, the PBS station in Indianapolis. It airs Monday February 26th. It will also be available on the PBS app.
