SPEEDWAY, IN (BRAIN)—The 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, slated for Sacramento, California, March 2-4, has increased its inclusion of new builders by upping the number of new builder tables to 20, up from 14 at the 2011 show in Austin, Texas.
Show founder and president, Don Walker, said, "One of the reasons NAHBS was founded was to create a venue for new builders to meet with and learn from the masters. Every industry needs a steady input of fresh ideas and new talent, and if the concentration of media and discerning public we get at NAHBS helps to build careers, the show is succeeding in one of its objectives. Last year we filled all our new builder spots, so this year I am increasing the number."
All NAHBS exhibitors, either new or veteran, are required to have product liability insurance. The main distinctions of the new builders are those that have been in business for less than two years or that have completed fewer than 50 frames.
The fact that a new builder lacks experience does not mean he or she lacks talent. For example, Aaron Dykstra, of Six-Eleven Bicycles won the Rookie of the Year award in 2010 for the best new builder. Part of that prize is the eligibility for a full booth at the following year's show, and when he came back in 2011 as a full exhibitor, Six-Eleven Bicycles won the Best Track Bike award.
