Major Taylor June & July Events

Two seasons in Australia were pivotal in the bicycle racing career of 1899 world champion Major Taylor. We'll lift a glass of wine or beer from Down Under while we hear all about it from the author of a new book, "Major Taylor in Australia."Seating is limited at the June 10 wine-tasting and author talk, so it's best to buy tickets now to reserve your spot. MAJOR TAYLOR DOWN UNDER   Wine-tasting and author talk June 10 Join us for Major Taylor Down Under, a presentation by Jim Fitzpatrick, author of "Major Taylor in Australia," and a sampling of wines and beer from Down Under, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, at KJ Baaron's Fine Wine & Spirits, 220 Summer St., Worcester, Mass. Tickets are $18.99 for this tribute to the 1899 champ and the guest list is filling up fast. Read more ... The "Major Taylor in Australia" book tour: June 6, Rochester, N.Y. June 10, Worcester, Mass. June 11, Winchester, Mass. June 15, Indianapolis, Ind. June 16, Minneapolis, Minn. June 18, Davis, Calif. June 22, San Diego, Calif. MORE RAFFLE PRIZES   George Street Bike Challenge for Major Taylor Win an autographed copy of "New Red Bike," James Ransome's charming storybook for the training-wheels set, or a shiny new grown-up bike, in the 2011 George Street raffle. Grand prize in the raffle is a Diamondback Podium 3 road bike from Barney's Bicycle. Whether or not you're competing in the hill climb in Worcester on July 24, you could put yourself on the Podium! Other cool prizes: comfy wool sports apparel fromJoneswares; a $25 Amazon.com gift card from Luke Hayes, author of the children's e-book "Major Taylor, Bicycle Champion"; the book "Celebrate People's History" from the Feminist Press; the book "Major Taylor in Australia" by Jim Fitzpatrick; "I Love My Bike" from Chronicle Books; hand-printed stencil artwork from Janet Bike Girl; gift boxes fromJust Soap; and a Major Taylor cycling jersey. In the 10th annual George Street Bike Challenge for Major Tayloron Sunday, July 24, in Worcester, Mass., it's one rider at a time against the clock on a short, steep hill in Worcester, Mass., where Major Taylor himself trained. Registration is $20, including a T-shirt.  MAJOR TAYLOR CYCLING JERSEY   9 jerseys left in stockMajor Taylor cycling jerseys are going fast. Available sizes are men's L, and women's M and XL. Other sizes can be backordered for fall delivery. Order here ... FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION   Q:How did Major Taylor's income compare to the money that baseball players made in his era? A: In 1903, Major Taylor's earnings approached $50,000. Honus Wagner's 1908 baseball salary of $10,000 (soon matched by Ty Cobb's) was considered sensational, a landmark in American pro sports. The book "Major Taylor in Australia" by Jim Fitzpatrick has more details of sports superstars' relative earnings.

Hope to see you June 10 at Major Taylor Down Under in Worcester, at George Street on July 24, or both. In between, join our friends in the Seven Hills Wheelmen on the King's Tour of the Quabbin on June 12.    Tailwinds, Lynne Tolman info@majortaylorassociation.org Major Taylor Association