By Emily Fredrix
Associated Press

MILWAUKEE - Harley-Davidson knows there's nothing motorcycle enthusiasts crave more than the open road. And now the iconic motorcycle maker is helping them figure out where to go.

The Milwaukee-based manufacturer and mapmaker Rand McNally have paired up to create the "Harley-Davidson Ride Atlas of North America."

The first edition of the atlas, to hit bookstores, dealerships and other outlets in May, contains maps of states and major highways like any other atlas. But it also highlights 25 scenic rides picked by Harley-Davidson and places an emphasis on secondary and minor roads throughout the country, plus Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

"We are all about getting out there and enjoying the open road, so this atlas has a lot of great features that will help riders do that," said Harley spokesman Bob Klein.

The featured rides range from jaunts on Route 66 in Arizona, with suggested stops at Prescott National Forest and the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs, to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and along the Rio Grande on U.S. border with Mexico.

The atlas also contains a bevy of information useful to riders, such as state motorcycle laws, construction information, gasoline availability, distance charts and even maps of Harley-Davidson dealerships. It's covered in a durable, rubber-like material and is designed to fit in a saddle bag.

Rand McNally has published a ride atlas for Harley owners for 21 years, but this is a new venture for the two companies, Rand McNally spokesman Paul Elsberg said.

The company interviewed Harley riders to see what they wanted in an atlas, which is why it is so encompassing, said Laurie Borman, Rand McNally's editorial director.

"Now motorcyclists have their own guide to know where to go, what to do, and how to get there and have fun doing it all," Borman said in a statement.