“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 percent 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 www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders 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.
For more information about Harley-Davidson and women and riding, visit www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.
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. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.