Major Taylor Trail Keepers
We envision the neighborhoods of the south side of Chicago that surround the Major Taylor Trail as beautiful, safe, fun, and healthy places to live, work and PLAY.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Register here now or click on the image
Join Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago for the Annual Celebration Ride on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Area residents and anyone who can’t cover the registration fee but wants to ride is invited to use a discount code to register, as sponsors have generously donated enough to cover hard costs for the event.
Everyone is welcomed to join the ride, regardless of if they can cover the registration cost or have all the equipment. Riders can use the code MTTKC at checkout to cover the cost of registration and use spare helmets and Divvy bikes available onsite.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Commonwealth Edison
Evanston Bike Club
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago
SRAM
REI
What to Expect on Saturday September 7:
click on each bar below to see more
8 to 8:30 a.m. Registration and check in | Grove 16, Dan Ryan Woods | Map
Early birds: First 10 people to check in at the register table will each receive a copy of the new book picture book Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Grove 16, Dan Ryan Woods, near 83rd and Western (north of 83rd, east of Western) | Map
8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Program recognizing our Trail Keepers Community Heroes
Jason Ward, President of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago’s Board of Directors and
Sabrina Steward, south region area manager for the Chicago Park District.
The Major Taylor Cycling Club has provided strong support for the Major Taylor Trail Keepers throughout the years and Steward’s tenure at the Chicago Park District propelled necessary improvements for the trail. We’re grateful to Jason and Sabrina for their leadership!
9 a.m. Rides start
Participants can ride 16 miles out and back from Dan Ryan Woods to Whistler Woods forest preserves on what TimeOut Chicago calls one of the top 5 Chicago bike trails.
Or for a longer ride, a 30-mile round trip route will take cyclists to Taylor’s burial site at Mt. Glenwood Memory Gardens South.
11:30 a.m. Lunch is served.
Your registration includes lunch! This year we will again be enjoying healthy and delicious barbecue (vegetarian options available, no pork) by Wild 100’s Jerkman.
Get Involved
This is more than just a ride; it’s a movement towards healthier, happier communities. Register now for the Major Taylor Trail Keepers Ride and become a part of our mission to promote active and healthy living in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Spread the word
Help us make a bigger impact by inviting your friends, family, and neighbors to join this celebration of community and well-being. Share this event and use the hashtag #PedalForChangeCHI to connect with fellow participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to ride with purpose and create positive change in our communities. Together, we can make a difference!
Major Taylor Trail Keeper Swag Shop
For those who missed out on a swag bag during our 2023 celebration ride or just would like to look great on our trail or any trail — our new swag shop has launched where you can purchase custom apparel and ride in style!
Now available at the Major Taylor Trail Keeper Store.
2023 Major Taylor Trail Keepers Celebration Ride:
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!
Saturday 8/26/23 — Major Taylor Trail Keepers Celebration Ride
Thank you to everyone who came out August 26 and all of our friends and supporters—what an amazing day!
This was the smoothest and best year ever! Despite our fears of having to cancel the ride this year, we persevered and planned everything out ourselves with the help of our volunteers and board staff.
None of this would have been possible without some divine intervention from God, the support and ongoing partnerships with/from Exelon/ComEd, Forest Preserves of Cook County, REI, SRAM, Evanston Bike Club, Chicago Cycling Club, Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago, Chicago Department of Transportation, and the Chicago Park District!
We cannot wait to see everyone again next year! To stay in touch with us, sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page.
This event was organized by the Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago, Friends of the Major Taylor Trail, and Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago.