Heather Callen to Receive 2026 Pearl Hoel Legacy Award During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

STURGIS, S.D. — For the past decade, if you’ve crossed paths with Cycle Source Magazine, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Heather Callen.

Whether she was working behind the scenes at an event, lending a hand to a builder who needed a little extra attention, helping put another issue to bed or simply welcoming someone into the Cycle Source family, Heather has spent the last 20 years doing what she’s always done—showing up for the motorcycle community.

This year, that dedication is being recognized in one of the biggest ways possible.

Heather has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Pearl Hoel Legacy Award, an honor presented during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to recognize women whose passion, leadership, and lifelong commitment have made a lasting impact on motorcycling.

The award will be presented on Monday, August 10, during Pearl’s Jam at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, one of the Rally’s signature celebrations honoring the legacy of Pearl Hoel and the women who continue to shape the future of motorcycling.

Named for Pearl Hoel, whose warmth and hospitality helped shape the spirit of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from its earliest days, the award celebrates people who leave the motorcycle world better than they found it. Those who know Heather would tell you that’s exactly what she’s spent her career doing.

From the beginning, Cycle Source was never just a business. It was a dream built on long hours, late nights, empty bank accounts, and an unwavering belief that the stories of real riders deserved to be told. While Chris became the face many people recognized, Heather quietly became the heart that kept everything moving.

She has worn just about every hat imaginable—editor, photographer, event organizer, production manager, accountant, travel coordinator, television producer, problem solver, and often the first friendly face people meet when they walk into a Cycle Source booth. Whatever needed done, Heather simply did it.

Together, Chris and Heather have helped grow Cycle Source Magazine into one of the longest-running independent motorcycle publications in America while expanding into streaming television, live events, and projects dedicated to preserving the culture and history of custom motorcycles for future generations.

If you ask Heather about the award, though, she’s likely to tell you it belongs to a whole lot of other people.

“I’m incredibly honored and honestly a little overwhelmed,” Heather said. “I’ve never done this for awards or recognition. I’ve always believed the best part of this industry is the people. I’ve been blessed to spend 20 years surrounded by some of the most talented, generous, and genuine people you could ever hope to meet. This award has Pearl Hoel’s name on it, and that’s something I’ll never take lightly. To be mentioned alongside her legacy is truly humbling.”

Chris Callen says the recognition couldn’t be more fitting.

“Most people only see a small part of what Heather does,” he said. “They see the smile, but they don’t see the thousands of hours behind the scenes, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, or how many people she’s helped over the years without ever expecting anything in return. Cycle Source wouldn’t exist without her. Neither would a lot of friendships we’ve made along the way. I’m proud of her every day, but seeing her receive an award named after Pearl Hoel makes me proud in a whole different way.”

The honor comes as Cycle Source approaches its 30th anniversary—a milestone few independent publications ever reach. Through changing times in both publishing and motorcycling, Heather has remained committed to the same simple mission: celebrate the people who make this lifestyle worth living.

Those who know her understand that motorcycles have never really been the point.

The people have.

And after years of putting those people first, the motorcycle community is saying thank you.

About Heather Callen

Heather Callen is the co-owner of Cycle Source Magazine and Cycle Source TV. For over two decades, she has worked alongside her husband, Chris Callen, documenting the people, places, events, and traditions that define American motorcycle culture. Through publishing, television, live events, and community initiatives, she has dedicated her career to preserving the stories of the motorcycle community and sharing them with the next generation.