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KindHuman Announces Winners of its Take The Lead Cycling Scholarships

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kindhuman-campionne-sponsorship-bike
The KindHuman Campionne carbon road bike, albeit with a slightly higher spec build.

PRESS RELEASE: Monday morning, April 7th, KindHuman co-founders Gavin Brauer and Adam Abramowicz announced to a gathering of employees, customers, friends and press their 2014 Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship recipients.

In December, the bicycle and cycling apparel manufacturer announced their Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship and their mission to change the way the bicycle industry sponsors athletes. In an effort to reward character and kindness over talent and speed, KindHuman wants to place human achievements with the bike, through the bike and for the bike on top of the podium. KindHuman is pleased to announce the recipients of their first ever Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship. The scholarship is just one part of KindHuman’s commitment to change the world through cycling.

Co-founder and Creative Leader, Adam Abramowicz said about the scholarship, “Without the scholarship, there is no KindHuman. Plain and simple. KindHuman was founded to support the growth and longevity of cycling and the scholarship is a perfect example of how we’re doing just that.”

Abramowicz went on to explain how overwhelming the quality of character and how exceptional the applicants were and are. He continued, “It made our decision very, very difficult.

“We had young boys and girls from all over the United States and Canada send in their video or written applications, we had the great opportunity to meet many of the applicants in person, and we were humbled by how our mission to change the world through cycling resonated with these kids.

“In the end, we had to pick two, one boy and one girl and I think that we couldn’t have hand picked two better ambassadors for cycling. We are please to announce our first ever KindHuman Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship recipients…

KindHuman_KeishawnBlackstone

“Nine months ago a young man in Los Angeles, California decided he needed a change in his life. He weighed over 250-pounds, he was overweight and unhealthy. He was inspired to ride when he saw the members of the Major Motion Cycling Club one day. Now, nine months later, Keishawn weighs 150-pounds, is in the best shape of his life and is an active member in his local cycling community even jumping into his first races this spring. Keishawn is a member of his high school police academy, he will be applying to attend West Point after graduation. His mission through the Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship is to share his story with other young people and let them know that just like him, they can make healthy changes that will change their lives.

KindHuman-KatMayar

“Our next recipient is from the Greater Toronto Area. While at the Toronto International Bike Show, she took the time out of her busy finals schedule to come and speak to us and hand us her written application. I think that the contents of her application speak perfectly to exactly why we chose her, ‘I feel as if we are all meant to be global citizens acting for each other, rather than everyone for themselves. I would like to combine my passions for global citizenship with another one of my strong interests: sports and active living, namely cycling and triathlon. Why not introduce a ‘youth to youth’ initiative that would involve a group of young athletes going overseas to work hands on with other children to introduce cycling and advocate the importance of sports to underprivileged communities. Personally, this scholarship was never about winning a bike to keep for myself; rather, I see it as an opportunity to instigate change, an opportunity to start a partnership with a company that holds similar values and interests at heart.’ We are thrilled to announce Katerina Mayer as a 2014 Take The Lead Cycling Scholarship recipient. ‘Kat’ as we now know to call her is an A student who intends to go to medical school in the hopes of joining a health organization that can promote global healthcare…

Keishawn and Kat will be receiving a complete KindHuman Kampionne carbon bike assembled with Shimano 105, Ritchey Logic components and Reynolds wheels along with official KindHuman Cycling Team kit, Modern Krochet gloves, Flag cycling cap, and Basik socks. Ritchey Logic donated all components to the scholarship and Lazer helmets will be supporting the recipients with Genesis helmets.

KindHuman reiterated that their decision was very difficult because each of the applicants are model cyclists who are doing some incredible things on and off the bike. All of this years applicants will be receiving some level of scholarship from the company.

Abramowicz said in closing, “We are very proud to help Keishawn, Kat and the rest of the applicants on their cycling journeys and hope that as KindHuman grows, so too can this scholarship.”

The company will be posting progress updates from their scholarship recipients on their Facebook, Twitter and Blog so fans can keep up with the kids they’ve supported. Anyone can contribute to scholarship recipients simply by wearing or riding KindHuman products. To learn more, visit www.kindhuman.cc.

KindHuman was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Toronto, ON. The company is built on a commitment to create opportunity for people through cycling. KindHuman products are designed in North America and produced around the globe. The company offers a comprehensive buying experience online and through their KindHuman Pro Shop retail locations with all sales directly supporting the future of cycling. Because every time you wear or ride a KindHuman product we give a portion of your purchase to our Take the Lead Cycling Scholarship and other great causes. It is KindHuman’s mission to empower communities to Take the Lead and create a better world – through cycling.

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PsiSquared
PsiSquared
9 years ago

Kudos to Kind Human for giving back.

Mike
Mike
9 years ago

“albeit with a slightly higher spec build” Great reporting, BR.

So the grand total of KindHuman’s donation was: a Chinese frame ($500) with 105 ($650) and donated wheels (free) X2= $2300

I can’t wait to spend $6000 on the bike pictured and benefit from all its reverse-engineered Trek, Specialized, Look, Cannondale, and BMC road bike innovations while Gavin Brauer and Adam Abramowicz sip espressos and figure out new ways to rip people off with their idiotically-branded scams.

Maybe they can find some folks in Portland TIG-welding cheap steel bikes, re-brand them KindHuman from their offices 3000 miles away, but not forget to pepper the marketing with “artisinal” “handmade” and “USA” –oh wait– https://bikerumor.com/2014/01/08/found-kindhuman-kampionne-carbon-road-bike-made-in-us-steel-bikes-with-custom-options/

(deleted)

badbikemechanic
badbikemechanic
9 years ago

Another smore bile. When will bike companies start getting creative about their colorways? Bright colors are in!

Adam
9 years ago

@badbikemechamic, first : are you really that bad of a bike mechanic? I think you’re bluffing. Second, we love bright colors. The Kampionne was our debut bike so being a new company we stayed safe with the colors but we just debuted our new Krest, you can see it at http://www.kindhuman.cc … I think you’ll like our “bright” color options.

We are also experimenting with some two-faced color ways on some of our new bikes. One color on one side, another on the opposite side. So while the Kampionne might be a bit “safe” we are definitely experimenting on some more creative paint for the future.

Cheers mate!

Chris
Chris
9 years ago

@badbikemechanic

Wow. A company doing a great thing for kids and on the second comment the hate is already coming. When I was racing as a teen I was thankful for any piece of bike, let alone a full bike, and couldn’t give a damn about the color just as long as it helped me get to the next race.

ry
ry
9 years ago

I don’t know a lot about KindHuman, but so far I like this company.

pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
9 years ago

l think hes just saying white and black is pretty conservative.
You guys are doing good work(-:

Mike
Mike
9 years ago

Go directly to http://dengfubikes.com and buy the “Kampionne”. With the $2000 you’ll save, buy a kid a bike. As a bonus it won’t say “I’m a really nice person who is friendly and who you should like and feel good about because I do good things please like me!” on the side.

Sardinian Rider
Sardinian Rider
9 years ago

Am I the only sucker that this winter pedaled no stop 4 to 5 days a week since early september and managed to gain almost 4 kilos over last winter ? I hope is just muscles,dayum…

Adam
9 years ago

@Sardinian Rider : It’s all muscle.

Henry
Henry
9 years ago

Its really great to see this kind of stuff happening! Good job KindHuman!

Adam
9 years ago

First, thanks to everyone here for reading and your encouragement. Starting any business is never easy and your support does help.

@Mike : I just want to correct a few “facts” that you’ve stated. In your calculations, you forgot to recognize Ritchey and Lazer helmets who also donated free product to this project. Though, we are purchasing the groupsets and wheels, those were not donated. Our “Chinese” frame, is actually manufactured in a small factory in Taiwan. Just wanted to point that out if we’re counting dollars and cents. The scholarship for us is not about the total dollar amount we are donating but about the effect that this program has on these kids and the encouragement to continue being good ambassadors for cycling in their communities. You’re right, in the grand scheme of things it’s only a few thousand dollars. As we repeatedly state, as our very small company grows so will our commitment.

Also, on your comment about cheap steel bikes from Portland. They actually come from Eugene and they don’t use cheap steel at all. Reynolds 853, not the most expensive steel, but it’s not cheap. These bikes are welded by a fabricator who has been making bikes for over 30 years.

PS – I personally don’t sip espresso. Gavin does.

We’d be happy to discuss our “scam” further, feel free to call or email us anytime to hear what we’re really trying to accomplish with our little company. If you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll buy you a beer. Or an espresso. Even though I don’t like espresso. But, Gavin does.

Geoff
Geoff
8 years ago
Reply to  Adam

I’m with Myles on this one. Couldn’t have said it any better. Keep up the good work kindhuman.

Myles
Myles
9 years ago

I don’t see what’s so wrong with a company trying wedge a spot for themselves in the market however they may try. I especially don’t see how KindHuman’s honest attempts to promote positive actions in the cycling community could be perceived as a gimmick. It’s their marketing tool, yes, but is that any worse than reading marketing lies from Trek or Specialized? “Nothing is faster, smoother.” Come on. Honestly, I’m amazed at how intelligent the internet is when they come across something they don’t like. It’s so easy to poo-poo on something that you have a detached association to but I bet if you got to know the people behind the company or the people they are trying to support then your feelings might be different. As cyclists, we so quickly come together to defend other cyclists when under attack by ignorant motorists, news reporters or law makers but the second one of us tries to do something positive as a business it is a scam or a gimmick. Give me a break.

KindHuman did not sue another company over a widely used phrase. KindHuman didn’t blindly make millions of dollars off of the biggest cheat in the history of sports. While their mission is novel, and might not be your cup of tea, of all of the scammers and gimmickry in the bike business I don’t think KindHuman is one of them.

Good luck to them. I for one am excited to see how this company develops.

Pat
Pat
9 years ago

If you knew the things KindHuman has done for riders outside of the scholarship that they haven’t marketed, you might realize that what they do is anything but a gimmick. I personally know a local rider who was forced to sell all of his bikes so that he could afford cancer treatment. KindHuman caught wind of his story and gave him a bike.

They did that out of the goodness of their hearts and as far as I know have never mentioned it publicly. I feel that the world deserves to hear that. I don’t recall Livestrong ever doing anything quite like that.

I’m with Henry, Ry and psi on this one.

AndrewH
AndrewH
9 years ago

There will always be naysayers out there who are quick to make comments without a shred of evidence, based purely on their own feels. All these people manage to do is make themselves look ridiculous while making a community come even closer together. Adam, your response was perfect and further demonstrates the sensible considered approach that you and your company are taking in building your brand.

I personally had never heard of Kindhuman until I walked into your Avenue Road store last weekend. all I can say is that I was blown away. The Krest frame is incredible. I am currently in the market for a new R3 or an Addict and the Krest frame has completely turned that choice on it’s head. I was super impressed by the bike and the people in the store.

Before I was to make any crazy disparaging remarks, I might consider paying them a visit – it will change your impression!

And Mike, even if the donation is a few thousand, that is way more than most would do. Kindhuman, awesome job you guys. love what your are doing!

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