Peter McCaffery, who was involved in cycling for most of his adult life in various forms, has died from cancer at the age of 84.
McCaffery was a keen cyclist and would ultimately work as a national commissaire before turning his focus to organizing midweek criteriums in the Greater Toronto Area, a popular event for cyclists of all levels. The series began in 1997, and he would eventually pass it on to future organizers and move to Nanaimo, B.C. The event still exists now and is a popular summer series just outside of Toronto.
Founder of Midweek Cycling Club
“It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Peter McCaffery, who, along with Amit Ghosh and Peter Morse, was a founding member of Midweek Cycling Club. Peter has a long legacy of helping organize bike races–not least of all the Midweek Crit in Mississauga (then held at the Hershey Centre, and another location closely before that). Thank you for sharing your joy and passion, Peter,” a post on the Midweek Cycling Club Instagram read.
McCaffery and his partner, Kit, would head west after retiring. He would eventually found the Mid Island Velo Association in 2009 and serve as its president for five years.
West Coast work
“MIVA’s roots grew out of the OBB Wheelers and the Mid Island region’s rich cycling presence. For many years as president and later director, Peter McCaffery worked tirelessly to bring MIVA to where it is today. Peter’s efforts have not only encouraged many people to get out and ride but also inspired others to personal bests. All summer long, for 20 consecutive weeks, Peter volunteered his time by driving out to the time trial course, setting it up, taking registration, timing everyone, posting results, and then doing it all again at the criterium a few days later. The amount of time and effort Peter selflessly put into MIVA and the cycling community is astounding. Peter enjoyed riding up and remains an inspiration to us all,” a post on the website read.
McCaffery still rode avidly in his later years. He’d branch out from his regular ride and try e-bikes, as well as riding rail bikes and recumbents.
The staff of Canadian Cycling Magazine sends their condolences to Peter, his family and friends, and all those who were touched by his enthusiasm and commitment to cycling over the years. Ride on, Peter.
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