BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show will honor wheel innovator Steve Hed, who died last November, with a new annual award in his name. The H.E.D. Award will be given out for the first time at next year's NAHBS, in Sacramento in February. The first award will be given posthumously to Steve Hed and will be presented to his wife, Anne, at the show.
The award's name is an acronym for Humanitarianism, Excellence, and Direction, characteristics that will be used as criteria for choosing award winners. Organizers expect future awards to be presented to frame builders, industry veterans, or athletes who best exemplify those traits.
"Steve Hed embodied so much of what an outstanding frame builder and human being should be. He was a visionary, a businessman, and a born leader," said show director Don Walker. "But above all, Steve was a giver. He gave on a grand scale — by literally reinventing the wheel and providing the cycling world some of its most treasured and time-honored innovations. And he gave on a small scale — like when he would continue to pay his previously sponsored athletes long after they were in the spotlight."
Anne Hed said, "I am honored that Don has initiated this annual award. Steve was certainly dedicated, generous and always helping others, but he was not the only one in the industry with these traits. Now we have a chance to recognize others who have contributed in ways that may be invisible to the wider public. It's a moving tribute, and along with our children, Rebecca and Andrew, I look forward to hearing all about the contributions of future honorees."
The show will take place Feb. 26-28 at the Sacramento Convention Center.
