Philadelphia, April 21, 2011 — More than 1,200 motorcycle riders will rumble through Southeastern Pennsylvania to take part in the 24th Annual Ride for Life on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Ride for Life 24 is bringing chrome and leather together once again for families in the mid-Atlantic area affected by neuromuscular diseases in what has become a favorite tradition in the region and the biggest motorcycle charity ride in the nation.  Since 1988, Ride for Life has raised more than $15 million to help MDA assist local families living with progressive muscle diseases.

“Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Pennsylvania and surrounding states are looking forward to being part of the Ride for Life tradition that’s all about having a great time while helping MDA speed worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for muscle diseases affecting so many families in the area,” said Brian Bentley, dealer principal of Brian’s Harley-Davidson and Ride for Life Steering Committee president. “The 2011 Ride for Life will be bigger and better than ever. The two-day event features an outstanding ride to Dorney Park, the new West Reading Biker Block Party being sponsored by local businesses, and Ride for Life’s first ever chili cook-off competition.”

The event kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m. at the VF Outlet Center where guests can enjoy live entertainment, food, games, shopping and the First Ride for Life Chili Cook-Off that will feature signature recipes from H.O.G. chapter representatives and representatives from participating Harley-Davidson dealerships. The event will continue with the Downtown Biker Party in West Reading at 6 p.m., and is open to the public. (See the Ride for Life 24 website for full entertainment lineup and schedule of events).

Day two of the event begins with a parade of more than 1,000 motorcyclists starting at East Penn Manufacturing and riding to Dorney Park in Allentown. Once at the amusement park, all participants will have complete access to the fun — including free parking, food, a bike raffle drawing and the closing ceremony.

MDA’s National Goodwill Ambassador, 12-year-old Abbey Umali who is serving an unprecedented fourth term, will be on site, along with several MDA goodwill ambassadors from multiple states to thank Ride for Life participants for the incredible difference they’re making for so many families fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases.

Ride for Life is coordinated by the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association and MDA. “This extraordinary event is a must for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts,” explained Carol Schaeffer, dealer principal for Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson.  “For more than 30 years, Harley-Davidson and its H.O.G chapters have been riding to help MDA.  With great weather and so much fun in the forecast, Ride for Life is once again poised to throttle up contributions to advance MDA’s lifesaving mission.”

Riders raise funds primarily by soliciting pledges from friends and local businesses, aiming for goals like funding one minute of MDA research at $74. Other targets include $800 for a week at MDA summer camp for a child with a neuromuscular disease.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Ride for Life is open to anyone and all brands of motorcycles. Adults must raise a minimum of $50 to participate for one day at the event and a minimum of $75 for two days. Children 3-12 years of age must collect a minimum of $40 to enter, and kids up to 3 years of age are free.

For more information about the 24th Annual Ride for Life event, contact Regional Director for Business Development Vicki Berkowitz at (610) 557-4403 (vberkowitz@mdausa.org), or visit http://www.mdarideforlife.org/ and the EHDDA website at http://www.ridewithus.org/.