Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” Michaels said. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life.

Garage Party History
Harley-Davidson started hosting Garage Party events at dealerships throughout the country in 2005 to encourage women to embrace the sport of motorcycling. The growth of female riders has continued to rise over the last two decades. In 1990, women represented just three percent of riders, but according to recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Council, women riders now represent 13 percent of new motorcycle purchasers and 23 percent of all motorcyclists.

Garage Party events are fun and interactive, covering topics such as a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s style and ergonomics and how to gear up for a ride. Garage Party event attendees are organized into small groups, getting their first taste of the camaraderie that goes along with riding. Groups will visit four informational seminars, including:

• Motorcycle Orientation to learn the basic differences between Harley-Davidson motorcycle families.
• MotorClothes® Merchandise to discover the important attributes needed in motorcycle gear.
• Customization to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider’s personal style and ergonomic needs, using Fit Shop that many dealers have.
• Self-Service to find out how just about anyone can handle the weight of a motorcycle, including an interactive experience on picking up a motorcycle – for those who are interested in trying it out.

The women-only Harley-Davidson Garage Party events are free for any woman who is looking to take the next step to get behind the handlebars. For more information about Garage Party events, to find an event in your area, or learn more about the sweepstakes, visit www.harley-davidson.com/garageparty.