TUCSON, Ariz., May 22, 2007 — On June 2, more than 2,000 motorcycle riders from across California will participate in the 13th annual Sierra Hope Ride, an event that raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s fight against neuromuscular diseases.

Riders will meet at Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson at 10 a.m., ride 50 miles east in a police-escorted convoy to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, in the historical Gold Country foothills. The day’s activities there include a barbecue lunch, demonstrations of motorcycle riding skills, and musical entertainment provided by bands The Smithereens and Rewind, and The Hawk 104.1 FM.

Sierra Hope Ride is the largest single-dealership event of its type in the country. Last year, donations that more than 2,000 riders collected from friends and businesses raised more than $350,000 for MDA’s research, service and education programs. Art Mitchell, owner of the motorcycle dealership, said participants are working hard to exceed that amount in 2007. Their incentives include the chance to win a new motorcycle.

More than a decade of support by Mitchell’s and its sister agency, Jamestown Harley-Davidson, have helped MDA fund research and provide health care services for more than 3,000 California families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 of those diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

For more information about the Sierra Hope Ride and/or to obtain a registration packet to participate, call MDA at (209) 578-1757, visit www.sierrahoperide.org, or call Mitchell’s Harley-Davidson at (209) 522-1061 or Jamestown Harley-Davidson at (209) 984-4888.