The John
Hathaway Bequest
Roger Street
John Hathaway was a one-of-a-kind
dedicated cyclist. He was credited in
his youth with numerous records for speed and in later years for covering vast
distances. He was a founding member of
our Club. John and his accomplishments
are unknown to some of the more recent Randonneurs. I was fortunate to see John put his over 70 year-old efforts into
hills and to witness John's signature riding style. However, in retrospect, I know nothing of the powerhouse that was
John Hathaway.
The John Hathaway Trophy, now
affectionately referred to as the Iron Butt Award, is given to the BC
Randonneur who accumulates the most event kilometres in the cycling
season. To qualify, you must be a
member and complete a series of 200/300/400/600 kilometre rides in the B.C.
Randonneurs annual schedule.
International rides recognized by the ACP (France Randonneurs) and the
RM (International Randonneurs) are included in the total.
On his death, John left a small
estate. The Randonneurs were the
recipients of $5,000, which we wish to use in his tribute. We have considered various ways to express
John's life-style with the bequest: dedicated bicycle routes, international
cycling signs, airport cycling assembly kiosks, assistance for plane, train and
boat wayfarers, etc., etc. I think that
the involvement of public property and physical signage places a long-term
responsibility on club individuals for maintenance, which will become more of a
burden than a memorial. I therefore suggest
the following for your consideration.
The bequest will fund an annual payment of $500 for more than ten
years. And the money will go to THE
ANNUAL WINNER OF THE IRON BUTT (JOHN HATHAWAY) AWARD!!
Why not?
Because we should not pursue our hobby for profit. Because we should not sully our pure sport
for monetary reward. Because we cannot
maintain our good nature towards our fellow road riders if "money" is
at stake. Because additional
responsibility is placed on the ride organizers for rules enforcement and
completion statistics and on the data base manager for comprehensive
compilations. Because money is not an
incentive.
Why?
Because winning the Iron Butt award is not cheap and some aspirants may
be held back by costs, not ability.
Because the reaction of various individuals to this proposed $500 Iron
Butt award has been interesting.
Because our membership might increase.
Because I think it is a good match of the bequest to a long-term
memorial. Because this award is worth
it. And because - WHY NOT.
It is my hope that the John Hathaway (Iron
Butt) Fund will receive additional contributions and bequests - from both
recognized and unrecognized Iron Butts - and continue in perpetuity.
Do you have another suggestion or are you
supportive of the above proposal? Make
a submission to the newsletter, phone your president or vice-president, attend
the monthly directors' meeting. Be sure
your opinions and ideas are considered when a decision is reached.
Last update: 6 January 2002