Hosted by Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Carolina
Durham showed up. And so did you.
The 5th Annual Major Taylor International Cycling Convention made its first-ever East Coast stop, and the community answered in a way that broke every record in MTICA history. Close to 1,000 people came to downtown Durham for four days of riding, connection, history, and celebration. Every mile, every moment, every memory belongs to this community.
To every rider, volunteer, vendor, sponsor, and supporter who made this weekend what it was: thank you. Durham is proud to have had you.
📊
By the Numbers
~1,000
Total Attendees
800+
Cyclists on the Road
32+
States Represented
195
Post-Event Survey Responses
4.61/5
Average Overall Rating
8.8/10
Avg Personal Meaning Score
48%
Rated Personal Meaning 10 out of 10
47%
First-Time MTICA Convention Attendees
41%
Very Likely to Return to Durham
24+
Vendors and Expo Partners
85+
MTICA Member Clubs Nationwide
5
Conventions. One Growing Movement.
Every registered rider received an official 2026 convention swag bag
Store Closes July 31, 2026 · Order Before It's Gone
Official 2026 Convention Store
Wear Durham. Represent the Movement.
You rode it. Now wear it. The official 2026 Major Taylor International Cycling Convention jersey is the only piece of gear that puts Durham, this community, and this moment on your back. Whether you were on the century route or cheering at the finish line, this jersey belongs to you.
The store closes permanently on July 31, 2026. No reorders after that date. If you want one, now is the time.
Saturday morning wave start - CCB Plaza / Major Taylor Lane, Durham, NC
🎟
VIP Welcome Reception - Thursday
The convention kicked off Thursday evening with an invitation-only reception at the Durham Convention Center Plaza. Hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and the first gathering of the weekend set the tone for everything that followed.
VIP Welcome Reception - CCB Plaza, Durham, NC
2026 MTICA Convention VIP Swag Bag
🚴
Freedom Ride to Bennett Place - Friday
One of the most powerful moments of the weekend. Riders rolled out to Historic Bennett Place for a guided tour that became, in the words of attendees, "an emotional rollercoaster." History, reflection, and community on two wheels through Durham's streets to one of North Carolina's most significant historic sites.
🏪
Major Taylor Village - Vendor and Sponsor Expo
The first formal vendor expo in MTICA Convention history. 24+ vendors and partners activated across CCB Plaza on Friday and Saturday, bringing brand energy, product showcases, and community connection to the heart of downtown Durham.
Soul City Cycling representing at Major Taylor Village - SRAM Expo, Durham, NC
Major Taylor Village - CCB Plaza, downtown Durham
Trek Bicycles on-site support - Major Taylor Village, Durham, NC
🎤
Welcoming Ceremony and Featured Sessions - Friday
The official welcoming ceremony brought MTCCNC and MTICA leadership to the stage at CCB Plaza. Historian Lynne Tolman then delivered "Major Taylor: Myths, Mistakes, and Mysteries," followed by a live audience podcast with the Bahati Foundation on the lasting legacy of Marshall "Major" Taylor.
Durham landmarks meet cycling community - the iconic Durham Bull and a rider repping her letters
🏁
Saturday Main Rides - 20, 40, 62, and 100 Miles
Wave starts began at 7 AM with the century riders leading the charge. Hundreds of cyclists spread across four distances, supported by SAG vehicles and rest stops through the roads of Durham and surrounding counties.
The clubs came from everywhere. APA, MT Virginia, MT Elite Indy, MT Los Angeles - all in Durham.
Ready to roll - CCB Plaza start line, Durham, NC
Wave starts underway - downtown Durham, Saturday, June 6
Major Taylor Oklahoma rolling through downtown Durham - Saturday main ride
Every background. Every level. Every mile counted.
Finish line celebration at CCB Plaza - Saturday, June 6
🎉
Finish Line Festival
DJ, emcee, finisher medals, giveaways, and pure community joy. The plaza transformed as riders returned from the road to cheers, music, and the kind of energy that makes people come back year after year.
Metro 313 Cyclones - Major Taylor Detroit - finishing strong with their hardware
2026 Finisher Medal - Every rider earned it.
Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Carolina - your hosts, ready to ride
🌟
Youth Riders - The Next Generation Takes the Line
Youth programming brought the next generation of Major Taylor riders to the start line. Young cyclists from partner organizations rode alongside adult members, carrying the mission of the convention forward on their own wheels.
The next generation of Major Taylor riders - MTICA 2026 Youth Ride, Durham, NC
Our volunteers made the whole weekend possible - Major Taylor Lane, Durham, NC
🤝
Durham Showed Up - City Partnership in Action
The City of Durham, Durham Parks and Recreation, and the Durham Police Department were genuine partners throughout the weekend. DPD presence was friendly, visible, and community-focused from the opening reception through Saturday's ride and beyond.
Durham PD rode with the community all weekend long
🕊
Major Taylor Legacy Dinner - Saturday Evening
Bay 7 in the Durham American Tobacco District became the setting for an unforgettable evening. Anchored by the Sankofa theme "Reach Back, Ride Forward," the Legacy Dinner featured a curated Southern menu, ceremonial moments, the 2027 location reveal, and dancing that lasted until the final song.
The Major Taylor Legacy Dinner - Bay 7, Durham American Tobacco District
Candlelit tables, community, and the man we ride for - Bay 7, Durham, NC
Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Carolina - Legacy Dinner at Bay 7
"From the Beginning" - A special collector pin honoring those who have ridden with MTICA since the very first convention
"Wow! What a fantastic 4 days of cycling. The convention attracted a record-breaking number of cyclists traveling from various states and local communities. MTCCNC, thank you for hosting an amazing weekend. Special shout-out to Ed Murchison and Arlo Grady for your tremendous work as ride leads!"
Kay Robbins · Facebook
"Major Taylor North Carolina, you truly hosted an outstanding event. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, appreciated, and part of the family. The hospitality, positivity, and genuine enthusiasm of everyone involved were exceptional. It was clear that a tremendous amount of effort and care went into making the convention such a success."
Ronald Webster · All 5 Conventions · Facebook
"It honestly felt like a family reunion. Many times in the four days we attended were we emotionally moved by the community, love, fun, support, and gratitude we were given. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. Just use this convention as the template and it will be wonderful."
Convention Survey · 3rd Convention Attendee
"Witnessing and being a participant in a positive experience with my brothers and sisters from all across the nation and not hearing or seeing a single negative utterance."
Convention Survey · All 5 Conventions Attendee
"Fun times participating in the 5th Annual MTICA Convention in sunny and warm Durham, NC! Kudos to our host chapter Major Taylor Cycling Club North Carolina for a well organized, executed and overall outstanding job! Marshall 'Major' Taylor would be proud!"
Vee Anne · Major Taylor Cycling Club Cincinnati · Facebook
"Thanks to the North Carolina Major Taylor chapter for their hard work and hospitality. Take the time to know who Marshall Major Taylor was and what he stood for."
Cedrick Chaffee, Soul City Cycling Mississippi · Facebook
"Enjoying an activity that means so much to me with riders of my background who get the same level of joy from being out on their bikes. The sea of melanin was beyond heartwarming."
Convention Survey · First-Time Attendee
"This conference felt very inclusive. Being a newer cyclist, I had a hard time finding events that considered me. The routes were the perfect amount of challenge. Thank you for giving me this experience."
Convention Survey · First-Time Attendee
"Fun Time Volunteering for Major Taylor International Cycling Convention rest stop on the 60 and 100 miler and seeing the cycle family. Great Job Major Taylor NC on hosting a wonderful event!"
Latonya Montford · Volunteer · Facebook
Rodney Hardin · Facebook
"42 miles today of hills and humidity! I made it! Over 75 miles the last 3 days. It was a great time with close to 1,000 cyclists from all across the country. Can't wait until Florida next year!"
Ann Groninger · Facebook
"Is there anything better than miles of great riding with hundreds of new bike friends? This group knows how to put on a good ride and keep the fun going with music, dancing, and mingling. Please come back to NC. We'll be there!"
Black Girls Do Bike · Facebook (187 likes)
"The century riders have returned. Congratulations all!! Time to cool off and celebrate the accomplishment."
Debra Denee Hogg · Volunteer · Facebook
"My Happy Place, volunteering at the MTICA Cycling Conference. Humbling history experience at Bennett Place. Thankful for a safe and happy ride day. Great work MTCCNC!"
Tammy Spell Montgomery, The Black Cyclist · Facebook
"This weekend was one for the books at the MTICA in Durham, North Carolina! The people, the cyclists, the vibe! Major Taylor Cycling Club North Carolina, you all did your thang!"
🤎
Thank You
This convention happened because of you. The riders who traveled from across the country. The clubs who showed up in numbers. The volunteers who gave their time before the first wheel turned. The sponsors and vendors who believed in this community. The Durham city partners who made this East Coast debut possible. And every member of MTCCNC who spent months building something worthy of the legacy we ride for.
Durham gave us streets, scenery, history, and heart. You brought the miles, the music, and the community. Together we built the most successful convention in MTICA history.
From every member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Carolina: thank you for riding with us.
Reach Back, Ride Forward
Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Carolina
Stay Connected
Follow MTICA and MTCCNC for news, updates, and everything coming next.
You made Durham history. Now let's build on it. The 6th Annual Major Taylor International Cycling Convention is coming to Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida, where the waterfront, the culture, and the community are ready to welcome you home.
Where History Inspires the Ride. Register now or get notified the moment registration opens so you don't miss a mile.
Registration may not yet be open. Click the link to register or sign up for early access.
🌸
Convention Strategy and Digital Experience
Stefanee Richardson · The Pink Adventure Consulting
The convention strategy, vendor expo program, digital infrastructure, marketing campaigns, and overall event experience behind this weekend were conceived and executed by Stefanee Richardson - Co-Founder of MTCCNC and Treasurer of MTICA. Stefanee partners with mission-driven organizations in active and outdoor recreation to design convention strategy, event marketing, and digital experiences that build community and last beyond the weekend.
