Italy - American Style

August 20, 2008 - New York - The official touring season is well underway and participants in Moto Guzzi's inaugural "Grand Tour" have visited some of Italy's most famous destinations, from Rimini to Venice, from the Vatican to Tuscany. And they're doing it without having to show a passport.

It's all part of the "Grand Tour of Italy in America," sponsored by Moto Guzzi. Taking place across the United States, the tour rewards motorcycle enthusiasts who visit places like Venice, Arizona; Rimini, South Carolina; Tuscany, California; even The Vatican, Louisiana. What better way for Italian manufacturer, Moto Guzzi, to celebrate 87 years of motorcycling than with a US-based program steeped in Italian themes, designed to satisfy the wanderlust inherent in the hearts and minds of touring enthusiasts?

Moto Guzzi's "Grand Tour of Italy in America" has already proven itself the most popular tour offered by AMA Road Riding Cycle Trader Tours with KOA Along the Way. Riders have the opportunity to discover all things Italian right here in America by visiting U.S. destinations with distinct Italian themes and names. Rewards include collectible participant pins, the opportunity to accumulate points toward prizes and the chance to win the grand prize, a new Moto Guzzi Norge.

The experience is unique among rallies because it allows riders to chart their own, individual course from the official list of destinations, then ride at their own pace. Without daily time or mileage limits, the tour reflects that most coveted aspect of Italian life: relaxation. The rules are simple. Riders visit predetermined sites on their motorcycle and document it with a photo to provide proof that they reached the official stop. One point is earned for each destination in a participant's home state, two points are awarded for locations in adjoining states, and three points are earned for all distant destinations.

At the end of the touring season, competitors with 25 or more points will earn a commemorative pin and be entered into a special sweepstakes with one lucky participant taking home the grand prize: a 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200.

The Norge 1200 is the Grand Turismo of the 21st century, an elegant touring motorcycle with dynamic design, exceptional performance, superb ergonomics and long-distance comfort. Other sweepstakes winners will receive "motociclista style" wearables from Moto Guzzi's new line of retro-inspired sweaters as well as modern riding gear designed for the serious enthusiast.

"The Moto Guzzi Grand Tour of Italy in America" runs through November 30th, leaving plenty of time to get out on the road and experience Italy in America. To register as a participant visit **www.amadirectlink.com** and download an entry form and official rules. No one walks away empty-handed:all registrants will receive a complimentary Moto Guzzi towel, collectible pin, and a coupon that can be redeemed for a new Moto Guzzi hat.

Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group
Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi is one of Europe's oldest continuous manufacturers of motorcycles. This revered brand continues to produce machines from its original location on the beautiful shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario, Italy. For information about Moto Guzzi, visit **www.motoguzzi-us.com**.

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 708,500 vehicles sold in 2007, 5 R&D; centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market. Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.