Matt Metcalf says farewell to Major Taylor Project and Cascade

Today, Cascade staffer and Major Taylor Project (MTP) Coordinator Matt Metcalf, bids Cascade adiue, leaving the Puget Sound region behind for a new chapter in Portland, Ore. 

Matt started volunteering at Cascade in 2013 as an Earn-a-bike volunteer instructor for Highline High School, and within a few months was snatched up as a full-fledged staff member.

"Words can not describe [Matt's] impact and contribution to Cascade Bicycle Club and to the Major Taylor Project," said Ed Ewing, Director of Diversity and Inclusion. 

I sat down with Matt for one last Q&A: 

Q: What's next?

A: I’m moving to Portland to start a underwater hotdog stand/bike shop... in the middle of the Willamette... but, for reals, I’m moving to be with my sweetheart.

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Matt (front left) and his sweetheart (front right).

Q: What's one of your MTP unforgettable moments? 

A: I really liked watching Cascade staffer Robbie Phillips and her friend lead a warm-up cyclocross race lap for Major Taylor students. It was the perfect experience of family — MTP students, Cascade staff and Cascade Ride Leaders. I wasn’t able to race, but it was cool to see people come from way difference places and have those experiences together and share life moments. 

Q: What's something you wish you had time to do still or something that you weren't able to get to?

A: Build out and stock the Fix-it Garage, tools and be a part of setting up a full legitimate shop space was one thing I was looking forward to. And, continue to get more people roped into the Major Taylor Family. 

Q: How has the MTP family grown, changed, evolved? 

A: It started with the core of the family — West Seattle Cycling community and Ed’s friends from his days as a cycling instructor. That group has become a smaller percentage of the whole family, the larger family continues to become more diverse in age, gender identity, geographical representation. 

We’ve also seen a handful of students return and become ride leaders. It’s getting younger. 

Q: How being part of MTP and Cascade changed your life (not to make too big of a deal about it)? 

A: Well, it certainly did change my life. A big piece is I now feel like I have a stronger desire to — and new tools for — bringing folks together from very different backgrounds and experiences... my organizing past has mostly been trying rally up people from people of similar backgrounds, but the bike is so general and universal that it is a great centerpiece to attract folks from all places in life. 

Q: Anything else you want to share? 

A: Someone’s gotta build a ramp and jump into the lake. Don’t make me come back here and not find it done. 

Farewell Matt! We look forward to visiting you in the beautiful City of Roses.