Vikings Ride for Life a Roaring Success

16 July 1999

Vikings Ride for Life a Roaring Success

    BELLE PLAINE, Minn.--July 15, 1999--Led by a gleaming pack of new 1999 Excelsior-Henderson(TM) Super X(R) motorcycles, more than 4,000 Minnesota motorcyclists participated in the Vikings Ride for Life on Saturday, July 10. The fundraising ride, sponsored by Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles, benefited the Viking Children's Fund.
    The Metrodome stadium parking lot in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota served as the starting point for the State Patrol-escorted group ride to Grand Casino in Hinkley, Minnesota. Riders of all makes of motorcycles, including more than 50 new Super X owners, began lining up as early as 7a.m. for the scheduled 10 a.m. start. The beautiful morning and sunny forecast bolstered same-day registrations, creating a long line of motorcycles staged for the ride. By 9 a.m., it was apparent that this year's ride was going to be something special.
    Joel Norenberg, Director of Marketing for Excelsior-Henderson said, "With 2,500 pre-registered motorcycles, we knew it was going to be a big event. But the excitement of seeing the new Super X and the absolutely perfect weather brought out another 1,500 bikes--making this year's ride the largest in the event's five-year history."
    Once the ride was underway, the Minnesota State Patrol estimated the length of the column of rumbling motorcycles to be 28 miles. At various points along the route, spectators gathered to film, photograph and wave to the long line of bikes.
    Reaching Grand Casino, motorcycles flowed into the parking lot for a full hour, filling the lot to capacity. Riders were treated to 1999 Excelsior-Henderson Super X demo-rides, food, beverages, live music at the open-air amphitheater, and random drawings for prizes.
    Also on the ride was the custom painted Minnesota Viking's Bike. This 1999 Super X, custom-painted in purple, gold and black, was created as part of the recent partnership between Excelsior-Henderson and the Minnesota Vikings.
    Excelsior-Henderson Co-Founders Dave and Jennie Hanlon said, "This entire day has been great. Everyone at Excelsior-Henderson is proud to be partnered with the Minnesota Vikings for this great event. We're looking forward to future events!"
    Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company manufactures, markets and sells premium heavyweight American cruiser motorcycles, as well as related parts, apparel and accessories branded with a name that evokes an authentic American motorcycling heritage and lifestyle. The Company distributes its products through a national dealer network. Excelsior-Henderson is one of only two authentic American motorcycle companies exclusively committed to the manufacture of motorcycles.