National Press Release

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mentor as a "trusted counselor or guide." Mentors can come from various backgrounds and ages, but all share a common goal of sharing their passion with others. So as the nation celebrates National Mentoring Month (1), Harley-Davidson is encouraging riders to share their passion for the open road with others through a special mentoring program called Share Your Spark.

Share Your Spark: A Guide to Mentoring is a tool kit the Motor Company developed for current and aspiring riders featuring information on how to be a resource and support system to others during their motorcycling journey. The mentoring kit includes information for both potential mentors and mentees, including a DVD showcasing tips on how to become or find a mentor, stories from successful mentoring experiences, a special Share Your Spark pin and a planning and reflection guide.

"The mentoring experiences is empowering for both parties involved," said Leslie Prevish, market outreach manager, Harley-Davidson. "For the mentor, they get to share their passion with someone who aspires to live the same dream they do. For the mentee, they learn through the collective experiences of their guide. Of course, the mentoring relationship also leads to many life-lasting friendships."

Prevish adds that Share Your Spark is not just for women, but the Motor Company's research indicates many women have expressed their desire to be -- and find -- a good riding mentor.

Over the past several years, women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling -- seeking the freedom and adventure associated with the open road, polished chrome and a sweet sounding engine. In fact, the number of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has tripled over the past 20 years, with women now accounting for nearly 12 percent of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases.

What Else Harley's Doing to Inspire Women to Ride

Harley-Davidson's We Ride is a comprehensive and inspirational 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(R) New Rider Course, as well as 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, including 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 http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders or can also be picked up at any local Harley-Davidson dealership.

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are also hosting 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 meet others who are interested in riding.

For more information about Share Your Spark, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or visit http://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 http://www.harley-davidson.com.

    (1) National Mentoring Month (NMM) was first held in January 2002 and is
        spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the
        Corporation for National and Community Service.  For more information,
        visit http://www.mentoring.com

SOURCE Harley-Davidson