January 16/01 3:21 am - Special Birthday, Tour Down Under

Posted by Editor on 01/16/01
 

Happy Birthday To Bill Hewes
(courtesy James Wilson)

Written by Les K. Humphreys, President of the Almonte Bicycle Club and Canadian Kilometer Achiever Program (C-KAP) Director, member # 158

Hugh (Bill) Hewes celebrated his 90th birthday at his son Michael's home in Chelsea, Quebec on December 28th, 2000. There to help him celebrate the occasion, along with family and friends were representatives of the Ottawa cycling fraternity, James Wilson, Avery Burdett and Les Humphreys. In the presence of all assembled in Mike and Brenda's living room, Hugh was presented with a gold medal in recognition of his services to the Canadian Kilometer Achiever Program (C-KAP). In making the award, James, current director of the program, made reference to Hugh's pioneering efforts in getting the program started.

C-KAP began as the Canadian Mileage Achiever Program (C-MAP) in 1975 when it was initiated by Tom Parry on behalf of the Ontario Cycling Association as a means of giving recognition to the achievements of recreational bicyclists. (Ed. Note: I remember this well, and was one of the 'original' C-MAPers)

Hugh, who can trace his cycling history back long before the second world war, had become involved in the Ontario scene soon after his retirement. Along with his wife, Elizabeth, Hugh was a regular participant in the OCA touring program and latterly in the Ontario Masters racing program.

When Tom Parry was looking for someone to take over C-MAP, he found a willing victim in Hugh, who, by now had become a regular achiever. Hugh carried on the program with regular correspondence in the same humorous vein that had been Tom's standard. In doing so Hugh gave encouragement to many who would otherwise have never even considered themselves at all athletic. In presenting the C-KAP medal to Hugh, James made reference to the many tributes he had received from those who had benefited from Hugh's wisdom and encouragement.

Hugh's own kilometer achievements are not to be forgotten. In 1987, Hugh logged the greatest distance ever in the Tour of Madawaska. Not satisfied with having ridden there all the way from Toronto, he pedalled over 320 km, all the way back. When he was 80, Hugh was one of three octogenarians who competed over 40 km in an OMCA time trial. On receiving his award from James, Hugh was somewhat apologetic that due to illness, he was finishing his 90th year with a recorded distance in the 3,000's.

Happy 90th, Hugh, there's still lots of miles left on the clock !

Note:

For cyclist who knew Hugh "Bill" Hewes, and would like to send belated best wishes. Send your E-mail to James at jimckap@pobox.mondenet.com James will then print them, and include them, when sending "Bill" his C-KAP annual report, the first week of March.


Tour Down Under, Australia

Stage 1 - Glenelg Criterium 47 km

1 Graeme Brown (Aus) United Water 1:00:03
2 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Credit Agricole
3 Fabio Sacchi (Ita) Saeco Macchine Per Cafe
4 Ciaran Power (Ire) Jacob's Creek-Linda McCartney
5 Fabien De Waele (Bel) Lotto Adecco
6 Nicolas Jalabert (Fra) CSC-World Online
7 David McKenzie (Aus) Jacob's Creek-Linda McCartney
8 Hendrick Van Dijck (Bel) Lotto Adecco
9 Lado Fumic (Ger) University of South Australia
10 Alexandre Chouffe (Fra) Big Mat