Dick Burke, the founder and chairman of Trek Bikes died last Monday at age 73.

In 1976, with $100,000 in seed money … and a hunch that a high-quality American-made frame could fill the gap between Schwinn and the imported Japanese frame market, Burke started Trek Bicycle in a rented red pole barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. With a payroll of five, Trek began handcrafting high-end steel touring frames. Under Burke’s leadership, Trek grew from those humble beginnings into what is today the United States’ largest bicycle manufacturer. In 1998 Burke stepped down as CEO of Trek, turning day-to-day operations over to his son John. He remained active in the family business until the time of his death, serving as chairman of the board.