About Nelson Vails

The Nelson Vails Jersey

Cheetah The NelsonVails Story

The road began in Harlem, NYC for “The Cheetah”, Nelson Vails. Harlem may seem an unlikely beginning for a cycling legend, but it was there that Nelson started on the path to become the first African-American to win an Olympic medal in cycling. His silver medal from the 1984 Los Angeles Games is the crowning jewel to a prolific and successful career on both the track and road. My Special Edition Jersey is 100% Made in Italy.

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Cheetah The NelsonVails Story

Nelson Beasley Vails (born October 13, 1960) is a retired road and track cyclist from the United States. He rode as a professional from 1988 to 1995 representing the USA at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he won the silver medal in the sprint, behind countryman Mark Gorski.

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Cheetah The NelsonVails Story

Something new for 2021

A new cycling fitness opportunity coming soon

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Nelson Vails Black History Month Celebration

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Welcome to Palm Springs

Tour de Palm Springs “Ride with Nelly” Black History Month Cycling Celebration This group event is for all cycling fitness levels ~ February 19-20. 2021

Please join me for a fun cycling fitness weekend in and around Palm Springs, CA in celebration of Black History Month. I hope that all the Major Taylor clubs, as well as all other cycling clubs can come out and represent by wearing their Club kits.

I am honored to be the only African American to win an Olympic medal in cycling and who is still active in the cycling world today. I sure look forward to meeting and riding with all of you.

This is an annual event for Major Taylor Cycling Club Los Angeles and the Cali Riderz.

They will be out in force and assisting with the after-ride parties. They hope to enjoy the sun and fun with their East Coast cycling friends.

The Ride with Nelly Tour de Palm Springs event will take place February 19-20, 2020 at the Hyatt Palm Springs, the host hotel. Just click on the hotel reservation or event registration links.

Friday 19th

We will host an afternoon equipment check and warm up ride (optional)

Evening Packet Pickup, Street Expo Shopping Meet & Greet Red Carpet Walk

BYOB poolside party in the Cali Riderz Cabana Suite

Speak Easy Cocktail Hour in the Nelson Vails Suite

Saturday 20th

Ride time and group photos at the Hyatt will be announced

After ride group dinner buffet $ TBA

BYOB poolside party in the Cali Riderz Cabana Suite

Speak Easy Cocktail Hour in the Nelson Vails Suite

Sunday Morning 21th

Mellow Group Coffee Ride

After Ride Brunch at the Hyatt

Late check out optional

If you are flying in, please note that many airlines service the Palm Springs Airport (PSP) or you can easily fly into one of the surrounding airports, rent a vehicle and drive to Palm Springs. There is a free Airport Shuttle from Palm Springs Airport for Hyatt guests. LAX has cheaper flights and it’s a 2-hour easy drive with a big outlet mall shopping along the way!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY TO JOIN US IN BEAUTIFUL PALM SPRINGS FOR THE PERFECT WINTER WEATHER RIDE AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION!