The Slow Roll ride will be led by a very special guest on Monday. Olympic silver medalist Nelson “The Cheetah” Vails will lead the massive pack of cyclists. Nelson is the first African American to win a medal in cycling in the Olympic games. Incredibly, the athlete worked the profession cycling circuit (1988 to 1995) after years of working as a bike messenger in NYC. It was during his professional run that he won silver in the track cycling sprint (Team USA – 1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles). After his racing career, Nelson worked as a cycling commentator and was a significant advocate for bike safety awareness.
Vails is appearing in a series of events in Rochester from Sunday-Tuesday sponsored by Conkey Cruisers, including a screening of the documentary “Cheetah – The Nelson Vails Story” and a panel discussion on e-bikes.
“Regardless of what separates us, the bicycle has had the unique ability throughout history to unite us all through the simple pleasure of riding,” said GObike Buffalo’s Executive Director Justin Booth, “We’re excited for Mr. Vails to come visit our city. As a cycling hero for many, his story of achievement resonates with us all.”
Added Slow Roll Buffalo co-founder Seamus Gallivan, “The honor of welcoming Nelson Vails to lead a Slow Roll is perfectly timed, as we begin and end this week’s ride in the Michigan Street African-American Heritage Corridor. Hopefully ‘The Cheetah’ can handle our leisurely pace!”
Slow Roll Buffalo | Monday, September 26, 2016 | GObike Buffalo Slow Roll community bike ride | Meeting at 5:30 pm and riding at 6:30 pm from The Historic Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway