Steve Hed was truly an original. To walk around his sprawling compound in Minnesota was to get a glimpse into the mind of a genius. Stacks of new rims, clever improvised tools, wild concepts that may or may not ever see the light of day, just about anything and everything could be found on site. Even after providing the cycling world so much, Steve was taken far too early after collapsing outside of the building.
To honor Steve and other industry icons in the future, NAHBS will be introducing a new award at this year’s show. Called the H.E.D. award, the three letters will represent Humanitarianism, Excellence, and Direction. The first annual H.E.D award will be given posthumously to Steve Hed and accepted by his wife Anne. In the future it will be given to those who most closely represent the legend that was Steve Hed…
From NAHBS:
BOULDER, COLO. (12/22/2015) – Humanitarianism. Excellence. Direction: These are the three key characteristics of the late Steve Hed that The North American Handmade Bicycle Show will use as criteria for the inaugural H.E.D annual award at this February’s show. The first award will be given posthumously to Steve and presented to his wife Anne at the show, to be held at the Sacramento Convention Center in California.
Future annual awards will be presented to frame builders, industry veterans, or athletes who over the course of an entire career have best exemplified the creative genius, humanitarianism and gregariousness of this legendary figure and his brand HED Cycling.
“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, says 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.”
Accepting the award on Steve’s behalf at the NAHBS award ceremony, will be Anne Hed, his wife of 24 years. “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,” she says. “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.”
Heading into its 12th year, NAHBS – the world’s largest exhibition of handmade bikes, frames and components – is dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals and companies around the world, providing an interactive forum for frame builders and cycling enthusiasts to share their ideas, expertise, and support for an incredibly special industry with a long and rich history.
The show will take place February 26th– 28th at the Sacramento Convention Center: 1030 15th Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA, 95814. Exhibitors, attendees, and media can register to attend the 2016 show at the NAHBS website now.
