The AMA Grand Tours with KOA Along the Way is shaping up for 2009. Featuring nationwide motorcycle hunts for themed locations, the new season will begin April 1 and end Nov. 30. Best of all, the 2009 AMA Grand Tours will include three new and one "classic" Grand Tour.

"It's going to be another great year, and we are very pleased that KOA is back on board," said AMA Riding Manager Dave Hembroff. "As in 2008, KOA will be offering season-long Value Kards Rewards to participants, redeemable for a 10 percent discount at any of their more than 400 locations in the United States and Canada. "

Added President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America Inc. Shane Ott, "We love having our motorcycling guests join us. We have several accommodations options perfect for motorcyclists, including everything from small KOA Kabins all the way to our Lodges, which come with full bathrooms and kitchens. Of course, we still welcome tent campers, too."

"We have some more announcements to make about the themes of this year's Grand Tours," said Hembroff. "I don't want to give away too much too early, but I can say that we are going to have something for everyone."

In a Grand Tour, participants score points for visiting specific locations -- usually documenting the visit with a photo -- and accumulating those points toward prizes awarded at the end of the season. Unlike many other organized road-riding events, riders complete the requirements at their own pace.

Not only will this year's participants enjoy some great roads and the personal satisfaction that comes from completing a memorable and challenging ride, but they'll also have a shot at several awards. In the 2008 Cycle Trader AMA Grand Tours, with KOA Along the Way, some lucky riders brought home serious prizes, including a 2009 Moto Guzzi Norge.

"During peak riding season, we had numerous Grand Tours running simultaneously and riders visiting every state," Hembroff said. "Some of our participants logged tens of thousands of miles in search of tour destinations. As for the prizes, our sponsors were incredibly generous this year. We are so grateful for all their support."

Grand Tour participants in 2008 were required to submit their finisher packages to the AMA offices by Nov. 30, 2008.

From those dedicated riders, the following grand-prize winners were selected:

• John Frick of Cincinnati, Ohio: Moto Guzzi's Grand Tour of Italy in America; winner of a 2009 Moto Guzzi Norge

• Art McMillan of Castle Rock, Colo.: Hall of Fame Grand Tour presented by the AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum; winner of a trip to the 2009 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

• Gary Amon of Rochester, N.Y.: Talk Like a Pirate Grand Tour presented by Carnival Cruise Lines and Magic Cruises; winner of a Carnival Cruise

• Kurt Brandt of King's Mountain, N.C.: AMA "World's Largest" Classic Grand Tour, presented by BikeBandit.com; winner of a BikeBandit.com custom "head to toe" motorcycle gear and accessory package.

Other 2008 Grand Tour winners: Phil Perry, Richard Antoine, Tim Lile, Kevin Galloway, David Heckman, Wayne Chenevert, Frank Rogers, John Stokes, Jim Weatherhead, Steve Parendo, Claye Curtis, Kevin Morris, Ron Sutton, Barbara Smith and Tim Murphy.

In all, participants shared in prizes valued at more than $20,000 from the sponsors named above, as well as Baxley Trailer Chocks, Chatterbox USA, Scorpion USA, ROK Straps, DOWCO and Chase Harper.

For more information about the series or other AMA Premier Touring Series road riding events, be sure to check the AMA web site at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com and select the Riding link; call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1202, or e-mail dhembroff@ama-cycle.org