FishHawk motorcycle club rules the roads

They won't be taking any rides down seedy back alleys or to a parking lot rumble, but they do venture out on the open roads to state parks, festivals and charity events.

For nearly two years, the FishHawk Motorcycle Enthusiasts club has met at 7:30 p.m. in Park Square the first Thursday of each month for meetings. Weekends, the group has traversed the Tampa Bay area, taking riders to see locales, share meals and make friends who share interest in cruising on choppers.

In late January, 18 riders gathered in Park Square to embark on a 1 p.m., 30-mile-roundtrip ride to Parksdale Farm in Plant City. Before the riders mounted their cycles - Harley-Davidsons, Yamahas, and Suzukis - they stood in the cool breeze, planning the itinerary.

Among the riders were FishHawk Ranch's Bruce and Lois Hiers, who formed the motorcycle club after taking to their first bikes about six years ago. They said they've been pleased with how the informal club has grown from 10 riders in just a few years.

Bruce Hiers, 52, a Tampa marketing consultant, bought a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard, took a motorcycle riding safety course and began riding. He said the spontaneity of the club is what makes the rides fun.

"I saw so many people riding with hair greyer than mine, so it looked easy enough," he said.

Since gathering a few friends for short rides near Valrico, Lithia and Riverview, the Hiers have since been the Pied Pipers for a procession of riders. Lois, 57, who works in information technology, said the more riders there are, the more ideas for trips come up.

Over nearly two years, among the destinations the enthusiasts have trekked to include Bok Tower in Lake Wales, the Yalaha Bakery near Leesburg, the Gamble Plantation in Ellenton and the "Run to the Heartland" motorcycle gathering in Sebring.

Other times, according to Lois, the group just rides within the area, not more than 10 to 20 miles.

"Once we got comfortable riding, we saw a lot of people riding around FishHawk and thought it would be nice to ride with others," she said.

Linda said the group is strictly a social organization and there are no membership fees or dues.

Standing next to his motorcycle, Robert Mejia, who at 49 is currently the baby of the group, said he's enjoyed all the rides since joining in early 2008. The personal computer technician said he's found parts of the area he didn't know about riding on his 1998 Suzuki Katana.

An aspect that makes the FishHawk Motorcycle Enthusiasts club more inclusive is the members' ages. Bruce said the club ranges from the mid-40s to the early 70s and said any riding experience is welcome and it's up to each rider to decide if a trip is within their riding ability.

Jokingly, Mejia said one stipulation has helped lead where rides end up going.

"It depends on how young the group is on how far we go; that depends on how far we get," he said.

Before putting his helmet on, Ron Miller, 73, the oldest club member, said the excitement of getting back on a bike and hitting the open road has been fun. The retired U.S. Marine officer and Anne Arundel County, Md., policeman said he hadn't ridden a motorcycle in about 30 years until he got involved with the club.

"I didn't know if I could even ride after 30 years. I'm sorry I stayed off of them all those years," he said. "But I'm glad I can still do it."

Besides the main club, a subset of the enthusiasts has formed. Called the "Slackers," the group is for retirees and takes shorter rides. Andy DeGagne, 66, said trips are usually only an hour or two to places like Ellenton and Bayshore Boulevard. He said that group meets in Park Square Fridays at 10 a.m.

Before pulling out onto Osprey Ridge Drive and beginning their trip, Jim Hill and his wife, Susan, got ready to mount their 2001 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. Sporting an American flag helmet, Jim said the club lets him "get away from it all."

"I like to get out of the area, get on the road and go and go. It's fun," he said, and the group rumbled its way out of the parking lot.

For information, call (813) 681-6998, e-mail lois.hiers@fishhawkconnect.com or see www.fishhawkconnect.com.