TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2008 – As part of a historic ride, 500 women motorcycle riders will cruise into Daytona Beach, Fla., on March 4 for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Daytona Women's Day Ride, that will also raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's summer camp program. The Motor Company believes this is the largest Harley-Davidson women’s ride in its 105-year history.

Harley-Davidson organized the ride to raise funds to help kids with muscle diseases attend MDA summer camps, and also to provide recognition to women motorcycle riders. The Harley-Davidson Women's Day event coincides with the annual Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Show held during Daytona Beach Bike Week, Feb. 29 through March 9. 

“I’ve always known that the Harley-Davidson family is a loyal partner in our fight against muscular dystrophy, and this event is just another example,” said MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis. “’My kids’ and I are very grateful to all of the women taking part in this fantastic ride.”  

Riders are being asked to gather pledges and donations from friends and family members, and will receive prizes for reaching specific dollar amounts. For raising $400, the women will get a sterling silver Daytona Women's Ride 2008 MDA Charm that can also be worn as a pendant. Raising $800 – the cost to send one child to camp for a week - will earn an MDA Charm with a gold bar & shield and a bejeweled arch.

Leading the rider group will be Karen Davidson, creative director of general merchandise for the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company based in Milwaukee, Wis., and great-granddaughter of one of the company's founders, William A. Davidson. Six women, winners of Harley-Davidson's "Get Down to Daytona" contest, will accompany Davidson, leaving Atlanta on March 1. They will be joined by they additional women riders for the final leg of the ride to arrive at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach at 10:45 a.m.

The top three fundraisers for MDA’s summer camp program will be recognized at the Ocean Center, where they'll receive a Harley-Davidson women's jacket, and have lunch with Karen Davidson, the six "Get Down to Daytona" contest winners and MDA ambassadors.

Harley-Davidson, a leading producer of motorcycles worldwide, began its partnership with MDA in 1980. Since then its family of dealers, customers, employees, suppliers and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapters has raised more than $65 million for “Jerry’s kids.”  H.O.G. chapters and enthusiasts add to the fun at dozens of camps with "Harley-Davidson Day." Campers hang out with the bikers, have their pictures taken sitting on motorcycles, or take sidecar rides. 

Each year, more than 4,000 children attend 90 weeklong summer camp sessions across the United States, and enjoy a week of accessible activities such as swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, sports and games. Youngsters ages 6 to 17 affected by any of the more than 40 diseases in MDA's program attend at no cost to their families.

MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy 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.