Posted on 10/24/2003 5:06:20 PM PDT by martin_fierro
``Indian ...Ride On!'' Event Planned for Indian Motorcycle Enthusiasts -- Nationwide grassroots effort to garner support for America's 1st Motorcycle Company --
GILROY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2003--Frank O' Connell, a passionate rider of Indian motorcycles and Chairman of Indian Motorcycle Corporation, today announced plans to galvanize grassroots support for the country's oldest U.S. manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles. On September 19th, 2003, Indian Motorcycle Corporation ceased production, citing the high cost of operations. "We've let too many great American brands go away," O'Connell said, "and a lot more than brands go away -- jobs go away, opportunities go away, futures go away, and people go away."
On Saturday, November 1st, motorcycle riders across the country are invited to join in and show their support for Indian Motorcycle by taking part in a nationwide "INDIAN...RIDE ON!" event. O'Connell and his wife, Barbara, are personally sponsoring and funding the event.
Simultaneous "INDIAN...RIDE ON!" events will take place at independent dealerships in cities across the U.S. All Indian riders and other motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as proud non-biker Americans wishing to lend support for this American icon, are encouraged to participate. Dealers have been encouraged to plan rides in various cities to national landmarks, symbolic of American values (Golden Gate Bridge, Gettysburg Battlefield, Sears Tower, site of the former World Trade Towers, for example) on that date to show their support for Indian Motorcycle. Supporters can participate by contacting their local Indian dealer for event logistics.
On that same day, a major press conference and ride will take place in Los Angeles. The details of the ride and media location will be announced shortly. Indian riders and other motorcycle enthusiasts as well as celebrities, athletes, and politicians will be invited to attend. Riders have been encouraged to ride to L.A. to show their outpouring of support for Indian Motorcycle. Those who are unable to attend any of these events are urged to express their thoughts by emailing rideon@indianmotorcycle.com or by mail to Indian Ride On, PMB #10, 353-East 10th Street, Gilroy, CA. 95020-6577. All correspondence will be presented at this press conference on Saturday, November 1st.
As an avid Indian Motorcycle rider, Governor-elect Schwarzenegger of California will receive a special invitation to attend.
"The thousands of riders all over America who will show up at our 'INDIAN...RIDE ON!' event next week, are riding a whole lot more than their motorcycles," O'Connell said. "They're riding their passions, their dreams and their memories, and they're riding them hard toward tomorrow. We will not let this proud name slip away."
Note: Photo of 2004 Indian Chief available upon request.
Contacts Stephanie Blank 212-981-2529 x23 / cell 917.593.2907 stephanie@adam-friedman.com or Adam Friedman 212-981-2529 x23 /cell 914.419.7384 adam@adam-friedman.com
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