MAD Maps Re-Envisions the Digital Map with the Launch of Harley-Davidson® iPhone App

SAN FRANCISCO--Digital maps are traditionally designed to help you find addresses or the shortest route from A to B. But with its latest iPhone app designed especially for Harley-Davidson® riders, MAD Maps is turning that idea on its head.

“Instead of relying on satellites in the sky, our development depends on real people on the ground.”

Being motorcyclists themselves, MAD Maps staff knows firsthand that bikers relish the experience of ticking off the miles. So in conjunction with Harley-Davidson and tech partner Abalta Technologies, MAD Maps lets motorcyclists download electronic versions of scenic loops right to their iPhone. Users can purchase their rides from a library of more than 1000 routes in the continental U.S. Rides are searchable by current location, city or state.

MAD Maps aren’t your ordinary road maps. The company develops its maps with the help of local scouts who know the back roads like the back of their hand. This enables the maps to highlight the very best roads, roadhouses, roadside attractions, and more. “Our scouts are our product,” said MAD Maps Founder Jennifer Lefferts. “Instead of relying on satellites in the sky, our development depends on real people on the ground.”

Being able to do all this from an iPhone is a convenience to riders because they can download a map at a moment’s notice, without having to plan ahead. In addition, downloading maps on an iPhone is an ideal alternative to the traditional paper map.

The app costs 99 cents and includes your choice of five rides anywhere in the country. Headed to Daytona? Make sure you ride along the shores of the Atlantic on our “Coastal Cruise” tour. Sturgis bound? Definitely download our “Canyon Tour” which takes you through three of the Black Hills’ most scenic canyons: Boulder, Spearfish and Vanocker. Just looking for a new adventure in your backyard? We’ve got you covered.

All additional trips are 99 cents each. That’s less than a penny a mile for a guaranteed great ride.

Because it’s built with Harley® riders in mind, the app lets customers quickly and easily find the nearest Harley-Davidson® dealership in case they want to make a stop while on the road.

Ready to pull over for the night? The H-D® iPhone app also shows you the nearest Best Western location, giving users a special 10 percent discount when they book the Harley-Davidson® rate. Riders can also receive more rewards and incentives when they sign up for Ride Rewards, Best Western’s free rewards program for Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts. Best Western Ride Rewards members receive automatic upgrade to gold elite status and 10 percent bonus points. For more information and to book the Harley-Davidson rate at one of Best Western’s Rider-Friendly® properties please visit BWrider.com.

The officially licensed H-D® iPhone app is just the latest addition to MAD Maps’ growing product line, which includes printed regional maps, national maps, GPS downloads and the original iPhone app.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

For more information about Harley-Davidson and its products, visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

About Best Western Hotels

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewards®, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

About Abalta Technologies

Abalta Technologies is a leading global professional services company in the GPS navigation and digital-mapping industry. Abalta Technologies enables companies to leverage integrated services to address their business challenges from product concept through launch and impact the market with exceptional products. Visit www.abaltatech.com for more information.