RIDER: NO MOTORCYCLE GROUP STEREOTYPES

HARLEY HEAVEN: Club members proudly wear this emblem.

CAPE GIRARDEAU Asked to name one of the largest social organizations in the world, most people would miss one of the least obvious the international Harley Owners Group (HOG). The Harley-Davidson motorcycle aficionados are rapidly swelling in numbers, surpassing older, broader-based groups.

Although the one point of commonality is solely the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the membership contrasts widely in its diversity. People from many disparate backgrounds and professions come together, linked by the two-wheeled common bond.

The HOG local chapter mirrors the international group with its incongruous mix of members. "We have a wide range of people and more businessmen and professionals than before," said Jeannie Hinck of Cape Girardeau, who, with her husband, Bill, are HOG members. "It's because biking, aside from the social aspect, is such a tension reliever. Executives can take off their suit and tie and then take it easy riding. When they put on their riding leathers, they can be different."

"There is no stereotype member since we have such a wide variety of members. Most are white- and blue-collar people. Most are couples riding together on a bike. Only one female member, Kathy Broussard, has her own bike."

Members do not base their interest on the economics of motorcycle riding. People who bought small, used cycles years ago for $200 should be prepared for sticker-shock when shopping for a new two-wheeler. Prices range from $4,200 for a H-D Sportster and can easily reach $15,000 for a fully-dressed Ultraglide model.

For some, the process just begins with the purchase when they customize the bikes. "You would not believe the amount of money some spend on their bikes," Hinck said. "You need to understand they focus their attention to their bikes, which become sort of a status symbol of sorts." The Hincks ride a conventional 1987 touring bike.

The philosophy behind the interest is not simply motorcycles but Harley-Davidsons. Hinck explained the bikes are "the original and now the only American-made bike. Harleys are built better, designed better, look better, have better craftsmanship and retain value better," she said.

Hinck said the company almost slipped into extinction about 10 years ago when its quality lessened and cheaper, imported bikes flooded the market. But a resurgence in quality, coupled with a campaign to change the public's concept of Harley owners' image, resurrected the manufacturer.

The perception that pervaded many years of Marlon Brando in "The Wild Ones," "Hell's Angels" and "Outlaws" is gradually fading from view. "That's a Hollywood false image," she asserted. "Actually, our group has moms and dads who enjoy the comradery and brotherhood of riding. HOG does not attract the outlaw element."

While a few of the 60 members of the local chapter are in their 20s, most are of the baby-boomer generation and older. "There's a lot of gray hair and beards in the group," Hinck, 39, said.

People are drawn to the organization for various reasons. "It's a lifestyle, perhaps one of the open road, she said. "And you don't have to conform to others' expectations." Hinck said the one irony is the "conformity of uniformity" in the apparel worn. Wearing leathers is based in part on aesthetics, wanting to make a statement of philosophy, and on practical functionality of the protection it gives in case of accident, said Hinck.

The slogan of the group, "Live to Ride, Ride to Live," is reflected in its retinue of a group ride once a month from April through October. A planning committee decides the destination, plans the route and coordinates the trip. Regional rallies (five yearly) and nationwide rallies are also important gatherings to the members.

Aside from the social and brotherhood aspects, HOG actively participates in altruistic endeavors. The local chapter raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and needy families, is active in Adopt-A-Highway, Friends of the Park campaign and other causes.

The group is growing rapidly from the original roster of 15 charter members three years ago. Sonny and Barb Minor, the local Harley-Davidson dealers, organized the association.

Hinck, assistant director of HOG, and her husband have been involved in other forms of recreation, including hang gliding, hot-air ballooning, boating, flying and horse riding.

A 1970 graduate of Central High School, she started working on a career in music 15 years ago. She and fellow entrepreneurs Bill and Janet Hopkins of Burfordville operate the Little Ole Opry Co. on Highway 34 east of Burfordville.