. It was a hundred years in the making and we’ll never see anything like it in our lifetime again. It’s huge (more than 25 acres), it’s truly an entertainment extravaganza (more than 12 bands on two stages) and it has something for everyone. On the weekend of July 20-21, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Harley-Davidson Motor Company will officially kick-start its 100th Anniversary with the Open Road Tour: a series of gigantic weekend festivals roaring into 10 cities worldwide celebrating motorcycles, music, history and more. Once the Open Road Tour rolls to a stop in the Summer of 2003, enthusiasts can join the Ride Home, organized rides throughout North America heading to Milwaukee, for three days of celebrations and special events. The official birthday party will take place in Milwaukee on August 31, 2003 and launch Harley-Davidson into the next 100 years. But because the world has never seen an event the size or scope of the Open Road Tour it may be easier to look at it this way S It’s bigger than a concert – Every Open Road Tour stop will feature at least 12 incredible musical acts over three days. Tim McGraw, Hootie and the Blowfish and Bob Dylan are just some the big names already on board.It’s cooler than the Guggenheim “Art of the Motorcycle” – Elvis and Jon Bon Jovi’s Harleys are just a few of the amazing motorcycles on display. Everywhere spectators walk they’ll find multi-media displays revealing the colorful history of the Motor Company, never before seen machines and artifacts from the Harley-Davidson Archives, and even vintage motorcycle toys!It’s no county fair – Motorcycle drill teams and stunt riders will put on daily shows. Need an adrenaline break? How about a 2,000-seat cinema showcasing Harley-Davidson’s portrayal in the movies over time, or the children’s pavilion that has kids games and other entertainment for children like demo-rides on Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson ride-on motorcycle toys.And it’s got entertainment you can’t see anywhere else — There are also theatre-style shows including a high energy tap and rhythm spectacular and a biker fashion show you can only find at a Harley-Davidson event. “It’s hard to put into words,” said Joanne Bischmann, vice president of marketing for Harley-Davidson. “We knew that kicking-off Harley-Davidson’s next 100 years was going to call for something huge, something that couldn’t easily be described in words, but would be an unforgettable Harley-Davidson experience for anyone who participated. We think the Open Road Tour fits the bill.” SO YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO SOME GREAT MUSIC The Open Road Tour will feature different bands each day, in every city – and the music will continue all day long on two different stages. In July, Atlanta will be grooving with Steel Pulse, banging their heads with Ted Nugent, rocking with Journey and stomping their feet to Tim McGraw. When the Open Road Tour rolls across the globe, the musical entertainment will include other top-name artists including the Neville Brothers, Alison Krauss, Billy Idol, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hootie and the Blowfish, Indigenous and Bob Dylan. HOW ABOUT SOME HISTORY THAT WILL MOVE YOU The history of Harley-Davidson is rich in drama, passion and tradition. Open Road Tour visitors are invited to take in 100 years of Harley-Davidson history through multi-media and historic displays, which include: original artifacts, historical engines and an extraordinary collection of materials from company marketingcampaigns. Inside The Journey tent, visitors will also be encouraged to step into a story booth and share their favorite Harley-Davidson experiences. Starting with a re-creation of the historic shed where the company was born, visitors can trace the history of Harley-Davidson in all aspects, even an archive collection of motorcycle toys. A special pavilion at the Open Road Tour called The Machine will feature a stunning exhibition of select motorcycles from the Harley-Davidson archives. Many of the unique motorcycles featured inside The Machine have never been seen in public before. The Open Road Tour also features another special exhibit called The Culture which features Harley-Davidson’s distinctive style that has inspired people and popular culture around the world. Moving around The Culture, visitors will quickly become part of the world of Harley-Davidson, as they take in a look at Harley-Davidson in the movies, as well as a special exhibit from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Visitors will also be encouraged to try on the latest, as well as vintage Harley-Davidson MotorClothes. SIT BACK AND GET READY FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH To get your motor running, the Open Road Tour will also feature motorcycle demo rides at all Open Road Tour locations. Visitors who are 18 years of age or older, and have a valid motorcycle license, will be able to ride any 2003 Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle of their choice, including the hot Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod. For non-riders and riders alike, Harley-Davidson has also put together an extensive line-up of motorcycle action. From the skill and artistry of motorcycle drill teams, to the raw nerve of stunt riders, Open Road Tour motorcycle action is sure to rev the adrenaline of any on-looker. Visitors can also get a taste of the look that makes-up Harley-Davidson by attending special fashion shows throughout the weekends. SOMETHING FOR THE LITTLEST HARLEY FANS No one is either too young or too old to be part of the Harley-Davidson family and experience, especially at the Open Road Tour. Working in conjunction with Toys “R” Us, Harley-Davidson has developed a special children’s pavilion to satisfy all of the younger members of the family. Kids will even have the chance to demo-ride some of the Fisher Price Harley-Davidson ride-on toys. AND IT’S ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE The Harley-Davidson Open Road Tour and other 100th Anniversary events will raise funds to help find a cure for muscular dystrophy and aid research and program services for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases. Since 1980, the Harley-Davidson family of customers, dealers and employees has raised nearly $40 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). “The Open Road Tour festival is going to give people around the world a chance to get a feel for what we mean by the Harley-Davidson experience,” said Bischmann. “During the Open Road Tour and other 100th Anniversary events, we hope to raise $5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.” Tickets for U.S. and Canadian Open Road Tour stops are on sale now. To purchase tickets for the Open Road Tour, visit www.harley-davidson.com , www.ticketmaster.com or contact your local Ticket Master office. Tickets for Open Road Tour event stops are $55.00 per day in the U.S. and $75.00 Canadian per day in Canada. For additional information on the Open Road Tour or the 100th Anniversary, visit www.harley-davidson.com
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