Buell Motorcycle Company announced today that Carter Sisney of Bozeman, Mont., has been selected as the grand prize winner of its American Adventure Grant program for 2009. For his winning essay describing his vision of the ultimate American riding adventure, Sisney has been awarded a new 2009 Buell Ulysses XB12X motorcycle, $2,500 in credit for Buell Parts & Accessories, and a check for $2,500 to complete his dream trip, a tour of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding Beartooth mountains.

"After reading through the thousands of American Adventure Grant entries, the panel of judges settled on Carter Sisney's essay. He had a clear vision for his ride and the right blend of riding experience and sense of adventure to ensure a memorable trip," said Chad Hockerman, Buell Market Outreach Project Manager.

In their online essays, contest applicants were asked to describe their ultimate American on- or off-road riding adventure, including destinations, the planned route, their reasons for wanting to complete the trip, and a description of previous riding experience. The following is the text of Sisney's winning essay:

4am Bozeman, USA- East into Paradise Valley & South into YNP via Yankee Jim  Canyon. I aim to be the only one with enough gusto to get up this early and be soaking in the pre-dawn beauty of The Boiling River's thermal spring, when it legally opens at 5am.  Next, into Cooke City with my mind set on adventure and lunch, before airing down tires for the 4.5 miles North on 4wd trails for 2 nights @ Round Lake Forest Service Cabin (rented from Uncle Sam). Day 3, fresh trout & a hike to Grasshopper Glacier for panoramic views of Montana's highest peaks. Then with tires full, East along the sinuous Beartooth Hwy, known as, "The Most Beautiful Drive in America," with a stay in Red Lodge for rafting, local cuisine, and nightlife. Final 2 days spent circumnavigating The Beartooths, with eager anticipation of finding The Unknown…

"To me, the XB12X embodies an unbounded potential to creatively move through life, one mile at a time. The "Ultimate American Adventure" is not to be found in just a plan, but rather, in an experience unfolding before you. Of my many reasons for this trip, none is more important than this," Sisney said. "What my 15 years of dual sport riding has taught me is that adventure is a state of mind. Its essence is always available."

Sisney expects to take delivery of his new Ulysses this month from Beartooth Harley-Davidson / Buell in Billings, Mont, and to complete his trip this fall.