Family values and ice cream may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of bikers, but a local group of motorcycle riders is determined to debunk the stereotypes.

Sure, members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association ride bikes that are big and loud, dress in leather and hoot and holler -- but only for ice cream.

After spending just one afternoon with members of GWRRA, it is obvious that motorcycle riding is more than just a hobby. It's a big part of their lives.

The bikes gleam. They're detailed with pin-striping, names and murals.

"Each bike is as different as each member," said Carrie Huntington, GWRRA member and Western Pennsylvania representative for the Retreads, a motorcycle-riding group that's members must be at least 40 years old.

Ms. Huntington said the Retreads and GWRRA stress the importance of safety.

"We're two distinct groups but we're all talking about mature, responsible bikers with an emphasis on safety," Ms. Huntington said.

Tom Bridgen, GWRRA's public affairs coordinator agreed.

"Safety is our biggest concern," he said, adding that motorcyclists wear leather because it is provides the best protection from weather and injury. In addition to the leather jacket, many motorcyclists wear leather boots -- which cover at least their ankles -- jeans or leather pants and leather gloves.

Most members of GWRRA also carry a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit on their bikes.

For the members of GWRRA and the Retreads, riding is a family affair. The Smith family of Greenville, all of whom are Gold Wing riders, bear that out.

The Smiths have three generations of bikers, two motorcycles, two trikes and a sidecar for the youngest family member, 8-year-old Samantha.

The family is headed by Leo and Kathy Smith, who each have their own Gold Wing. Their two sons, Shawn and Lester, each have a bike, too.

Shawn and his wife Tracey, ride with their daughter Samantha in a state-of-the-art sidecar that almost like a mini-bedroom. It has pillows, stuffed animals, a TV and VCR so Samantha can watch her Scooby Doo tapes on long trips.

The sidecar also has a radio hookup so Samantha can communicate with her parents and although the side-car is covered, Samantha always wears a helmet and seatbelt.

GWRRA discourages drinking and driving and encourages wearing a helmet. Even though some states don't require it, Bridgen said he never rides without a helmet.

Bridgen's 1992 Gold Wing has 119,000 miles on it. It is one of seven bikes he owns.

The GWRRA and Retreads also participate in many community service projects.

They've participated in fund-raisers for the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States and the Multiple Sclerosis Bike-a-Thon, in addition to smaller fund-raisers such as those to help curb medical costs of cancer patients.

The most-recent event for the group was a bike-a-thon. GWRRA members assisted the state police with traffic control for the more than 1,800 bikers who raised more than $47,000.

"We're not all bad boys," said Danny Root, charter chapter member of GWRRA.

"As a chapter, we have a lot of fun," Root said. "We come together because we share the sport; where we've been and where were going."

GWRRA is not just for those who ride Honda Gold Wings, some members have Harley Davidsons and BMWs.

"It isn't what you ride -- just that you ride," Ms. Huntington said.

The Gold Wing, made by Honda and built in Marysville, Ohio, was designed specifically for the American market. They are one of a few models of bikes that can go in reverse and have cruise control.

Cathy Seckman of Calcutta, Ohio, who rides a BMW, called Gold Wings "the Cadillac of motorcycles." The average bike starts at about $17,000, but can cost as much as $50,000.

Ms. Seckman, who's been riding a motorcycle for 15 years, said that she still shocks people when they find out she's a biker. But as motorcycle manufacturers are starting to make bikes that women want, and eight percent of new buyers are women, Ms. Seckman said people are more understanding, especially other bikers.