Meet Greg Masterson of Metro Atlanta Cycling Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Masterson.

Greg, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Atlanta in 1988 and got involved with the club immediately. I enjoyed riding with the club and we did century rides all over the southeast and hosted rides around Atlanta. I increased my involvement in the club by holding various positions such as Ride Coordinator, Treasurer, Minister of Information and became club President in the early 2000’s. During that time the club has grown from about 40 riders to 80. Our goal is not to increase the number of club members but have members dedicated to the club mission. That’s what allows us to have the success we have. In 2006 we put on the “One Love Century” which is a ride with options from 16 to 100 miles. Our first year we had close to 500 riders which is unheard of for a first-year event.

It’s a testimony to the reputation our club built over the years. This year was our 11th year hosting the One Love and we had about 1000 riders, and 10 sponsors. Over the 11 years, we raised around $100,000 which we give to inner city programs that support youth cycling like the Dream Team.
Also during that time I’ve ridden over 160,000 miles. I have a little success racing, winner the Georgia Games Road race, Mt Cheaha gran fondo hill climb, Raccoon Mountain, Hillarious, Georgia Golden Olympics. I’ve also done the Mt Evens Hill climb in Colorado, and the Col de Tourmalet Time Trial in France.

I also do some ultra-distance riding. I’m a 2 time Super Randonneur (complete rides of 200K, 300K, 400K and 600K in time limits), Boston Montreal, Boston 1200K. Last year with 6 other club members we did an R-12 which is a 200K for 12 consecutive months.

Bottom line, I love spending time on the bike whether it’s a fast group ride or a long ride in the country with friends.

OUR MISSION: “To promote cycling in the black community and build camaraderie among all cyclists.”

The Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC) began in the mid 80’s out of the now defunct Yellow Jersey Bicycle Shop in South Dekalb. The Yellow Jersey Bicycle Shop opened its doors not only to serve the cycling community, but also to bring awareness of the sport to the black community. The club’s founding members, Larry Anderson and Dikobe McFarlane, shared the same vision and as a result, started MACC. Some of the club’s original members who were instrumental in developing the club included Larry and Betty Anderson, Stan and Julie Foster, Art Durden, Marvin Anderson, Curtis Cobb, Dikobe McFarlane, Walter Williams, Stan Smith, Melvin Washington, Stefan Hood, and Fred Butler.

The club consists of a wide range of riders from various ages, backgrounds, and professions, who all have a common enthusiasm and love for cycling. Many of the members are also mountain bikers, coaches, racers, tennis players, swimmers, and runners, who participate in a wide range of sports and other activities when not on their road bikes. Members regularly participate in 100-mile century rides, criterium road races, and track racing at the local velodrome in East Point, Georgia.

MACC welcomes new members who have an interest in cycling and general health and fitness. MACC guidelines are governed by the rules of the road, basic cycling etiquette, and courtesy to fellow cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. We share the road and obey all traffic rules, call out road obstacles, and look out for each other when we ride. Unlike most cycling clubs, MACC does not have any outside sponsors. Members support the club entirely through yearly dues and proceeds from their various fundraising activities.

MACC men and women can be easily spotted among the colorful jerseys of the peloton. Yellow, red, black, and green are the colors found on MACC’s club jersey, which also displays the legendary black 1899 Word Champion cyclist, Major Taylor. Additional symbols found on the jerseys are typically mountain summits and the important symbol of unity amongst humanity “funtuntunefu-denkyemfunefu”. These Pan-Africa colors combined with the “Leader of the Tour” jersey color (the pinnacle of cycling) and the selected symbols provide a visual presentation of MACC’s heart and soul. One Love!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my early years of being club president, I would get frustrated at lack of involvement and sent email rants to the club. Fortunately, I had some experienced club members who would take the time to talk to me and while appreciating my energy teach me to be more positive. Curtis Cobb, Gene Broomfield and Don Webster have really helped me out over the years.

Please tell us about Metro Atlanta Cycling Club.
MACC’s One Love Century is set apart from others by the level of service we give. There are a lot of centuries for different charities but we go a step farther in supporting the riders. We have people out along the course to give directions and have water for the riders. We have people take a riders bike for them when they pull into a rest stop. In 10 years our event has doubled in size and brings riders from all over the country and we really don’t advertise very much. Our goal is not to put in the biggest century just the best.

To join our club you have to do 7 rides, one of which has to be 50 miles or more. Also, take an edu test and be able to change a flat tire and perform minor repairs to your bike. We want our members to knowledgeable good cyclists.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. Cycling teaches you that life is a journey. That’s the beauty of it. I’m glad an fortunate to have the club members we have.

Pricing:

• club dues are $35

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.maccattack.com/
• Email: maccpres@hotmail.com
• Facebook: Metro Atlanta Cycling Cub – MACC @MetroAtantaCyclingClub

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