In its short existence, Harley-Davidson's all women MDA ride at Daytona Beach Bike Week has become a highlight of the motorcycle event.

Limited to female riders and led by Karen Davidson, the charity ride has done more than catch the wandering eyes of their male counterparts. In 2009 the event helped Harley-Davidson Motor Company and its family of customers, dealers, employees and suppliers raise $4.5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Once again during this year’s 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week, hundreds of female motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson Motor Company will come together to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and their efforts to find a cure for neuromuscular disease.
 
The 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and feature hundreds of female motorcyclists who’ll ride through the streets of Daytona celebrating their freedom and passion for the sport, as well as supporting the important work of the MDA. All of the ride participants will be encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their friends and families to support MDA Summer Camp programs across the country. The first 500 eligible riders will receive a 2010 MDA pin, Women’s Ride flag and riders who raise $600 will receive a one-of-a-kind charm. Also, the top three fundraisers will receive a Harley-Davidson jacket. Last year’s ride raised more than $65,000 for MDA Summer Camps.

Ride staging will take place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. near Gate 70 of the Daytona International Speedway. The ride will depart at 10 a.m. and continue to Riverfront Park on Beach Street. Female riders of any brand of motorcycle interested in participating in the ride, or those interested in pledging support for the riders can go to Harley-Davidson's MDA website.

In addition to the Women’s Ride, the Motor Company is also hosting a women’s area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street throughout Bike Week. Experienced women riders or those just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the sport by participating in bike lift seminars and getting information about learning to ride. They’ll also be able to enter a raffle to win a new Pink Label Collection item from Harley-Davidson MotorClothes®.

"Each year, tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson dealers, suppliers, riders and employees give of their time, their money and their love to help fulfill the dreams of a brighter future for kids with muscular dystrophy," Harley-Davidson Motor Company Executive Vice President of Product Planning, Jim McCaslin said as he presented a check on behalf of those who raised funds for MDA at last year's Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day.

"There is something truly special about the bond we've developed with the children and families served by MDA," he said.