Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will ride to the world’s ultimate motorcycling show this August - and their stage will be most of the United States. The Ride Home is the biggest free American road trip ever planned with thousands of Harley riders from across the world travelling the highways, byways and interstates as part of the Motor Company’s 100th Anniversary celebrations.

Their destination is Harley-Davidson’s home city of Milwaukee for a non-stop, four-day 100th birthday party that’ll be attended by 250,000 Harley fans – maybe more. But first there’s the prospect of joining one of the four enormous free rolling celebrations crossing the deserts, mountains and prairies. Harley riders from over 50 countries have already confirmed their attendance for what promises to be a truly international event.

The Ride Home has four separate starting points in New York; Portland: Las Vegas; and Baton Rouge. The V-twin powered convoys will stop at 26 cities for street parties, parades, live music and local celebrations.

“Riding across America on a Harley is already regarded as one of the classic motorcycling experiences but the Ride Home promises to take this experience to a new dimension,” said Steve Earnshaw of Harley-Davidson Europe. “Nearly every city along the way is hosting the party and the noise, colour and atmosphere promises to be something unique.”

Riders can leave and re-join the Ride Home convoys as often as they want (setting off on their own adventures) and Harley-Davidson dealerships will open their doors to offer hospitality and servicing support.

Harley enthusiasts from nearly every European nation will be there and many shipping agents are now fully booked. One British-based agent is shipping motorcycles from as far afield as Estonia, Russia and South Africa.

The QE2, the famous transatlantic liner, is offering the last word in luxury. Ride your V-Rod or Electra Glide right onto the ship at Southampton (England) – enjoy six days of complete pampering – then head straight out onto the New York streets.

Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals (www.hdrentals.com) is also reporting a strong upturn in bookings. Many European riders are choosing to leave their Harleys at home and are renting motorcycles in the United States from over 150 rental locations.

Riding, partying and celebrating Harley’s 100 years of heritage is just one part of the Ride Home story. Riders are combining the trip of a lifetime with fundraising work for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are aiming to raise a total of £8.5 million for the MDA through its 100th Anniversary events.