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Around the Americas Motorcycle Ride

17 June 1999

Charity Motorcycle Ride Benefiting the American Red Cross To Leave Irvine June 28

    IRVINE, Calif. -- Following a June 28 press conference at Kawasaki Motors 
Corp., U.S.A., to kick off the "Around the Americas" charity ride, a trio of 
recent college graduates will leave Irvine, Calif., on a four-month motorcycle 
adventure through Central and South America benefiting the American Red Cross' 
International Services.

    Sunny Irvine, Juan Diaz Rivera and Jason T. Sturgis, who call their group
"Search the Earth," will ride their personally-purchased Kawasaki KLR650
adventure-touring motorcycles down the Pan-American Highway to Ushuaia,
Argentina, at the tip of South America.  They hope to raise $100,000 for the
American Red Cross and draw attention to the charity's relief efforts in South
America, especially to victims of hurricanes Mitch and George that wreaked
havoc in Central America last summer.

    "This ride started out as a simple adventure," said Sturgis, a recent
graduate of Pepperdine University.  "We have all taken it upon ourselves to
try and make a difference in the lives of the people that we will be
visiting."

    Diaz Rivera was born and raised in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and recently
graduated with a bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University.  Irvine is a
seasoned world traveler and recently graduated from the University of San
Diego.

    Designed for both highway and off-road use, the dual-purpose KLR650 is
especially well suited to the diverse need of the three Search the Earth
riders.  Its large displacement engine allows for comfortable long-distance
cruising at highway speeds.  A wide, padded seat, large 6.1-gallon fuel tank,
mini fairing, handguards and proven dependability for rugged, off-road areas
add to its popularity for adventure touring. An engine crankshaft
counterbalancer and electric starter provide additional rider comfort and
convenience.  Other adventure-tourers who chose the KLR650 for long-distance
expeditions include a young author who departed from Miami this past March for
a three-year journey -- also to the tip of South American -- as well as a
rider who recently left Chicago on a solo adventure to Alaska.

    "Kawasaki is delighted that Search the Earth chose our KLR650 for this
expedition; its adventure-touring capabilities are well established," said Bob
Moffit, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management, Kawasaki Motorcycle
Division.  "We look forward to meeting these riders and sending them on their
adventure with the well wishes of the entire company."

    In addition to providing parts and technical and logistical support to
Search the Earth's cause through its Latin American distributors, Kawasaki
provided approximately $65,000 in relief aid in the aftermath of last year's
hurricanes in Central America.  Additionally, Kawasaki donated 60 electrical
generators to relief efforts, with one-third of those going to the Red Cross.

    Those who wish to make a donation on behalf of Search the Earth should
send checks to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box
37243, Washington, DC 20013.  Donations can also be made using a credit card
by calling 1-800-help-now.

    Search The Earth has also received support from Acerbis, Aerostich,
Alpinestar, Arai Helmets, Baja Off-Road Designs, Bridgestone, Belstaff,
Clearview, Chase Harper, Chatterbox, City Bike, Cycoactive, Design Salt, Dual
Star, Galfer, Gorilla Automotive, IMS Products, Kryptonite, Leatherman Tools,
Magellan, Motorola, MSR camping, OmniMap, Progressive Suspension, Roadgear,
Saddleman Seats, Scott USA, Uni-Filter and White Brothers in the form of
equipment, advice and enthusiasm.

    Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., is located at 9950 Jeronimo Road, at the
corner of Bake Parkway.