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Registration Now Open for Harley-Davidson's 2nd Annual Daytona Women's Ride


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Hundreds of Women Riders to Share Passion and Raise Funds for MDA

MILWAUKEE, December 18, 2008: Last year in Daytona, hundreds of women riders joined together on the Harley-Davidson Daytona Women's Day Ride and raised $67,000 for MDA. Registration for the 2009 ride on Tuesday, March 3, is now open with a limited number of spots available for women riders.

The Women's Day Ride, designed to celebrate women riders, as well as generate funds for the MDA, is open to the first 500 eligible female Harley-Davidson or Buell riders who register at http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders before Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. Aside from riding together through the streets of Daytona, participating women riders are also encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their families and friends, which will be used to support the MDA's Summer Camp programs across the country. For nearly 30 years, the Harley-Davidson family of dealers, employees, riders and suppliers has helped raise more than $65 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

"Last year the Women's Day Ride was a huge success," said Leslie Prevish, Women's Outreach Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "Riding down the road with hundreds of women riders was truly inspirational, and more importantly, we raised $67,000 for MDA. Hopefully this year, with the support of our generous female riders, as well as their friends and family, we'll easily eclipse that mark."

All participating riders will receive a 2009 MDA pin, as well as an MDA/Harley-Davidson bike flag. The top three fundraisers among the group will receive a Harley-Davidson jacket, and every rider who raises at least $600 will receive a special 2009 MDA Women's Day Ride sterling silver charm.

Daytona Women's Booth

Women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling -- seeking the freedom and control associated with the open road, polished chrome and a sweet sounding engine. In fact today, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that more than 12% of U.S. motorcyclists are women.

To help fuel that trend and encourage women to meet and talk about their experiences, the Motor Company is also hosting a Women's Booth at the Ocean Center throughout Daytona Bike Week where experienced women riders or those just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the sport. The booth will include bike lift seminars as well as information about learning to ride, "helmet hair" tips, healthy living while on the road and more.

Women that visit the booth will also have the chance to meet Karen Davidson, the great grand-daughter of one of the Motor Company founders, and are invited to share their riding stories or dreams of getting behind the handlebars by signing a banner featured at the booth.

What Else Harley's Doing to Inspire Women to Ride

Harley-Davidson's We Ride is a basic overview on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport. It features information on how and where women can learn to ride with details on the Rider's Edge New Rider Course and the best way to fit a motorcycle for a woman's ergonomic and functional needs. It also includes tips on getting involved and staying active with riding groups, as well as inspirational stories from real women who have answered the call of the open road. The special 48-page riding guide is available for free download at WOMEN RIDERS or for free shipment when you order online and can also be picked up at any local Harley-Davidson dealership.

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are hosting free women-only Garage Parties to encourage them to get involved in motorcycling. The Harley-Davidson Garage Party event provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise.