BIKERS HIT THE ROAD FOR NEEDY.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

With cloudless blue skies and tree-lined roads to guide them, more than 200 leather-clad bikers roared through the Conejo Valley on Sunday to raise money and collect food for the needy.

Traveling from as far as Orange County to meet at a remote restaurant off Mulholland Highway, members of a statewide motorcyclists' rights organization rode about 120 miles through cities including Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Newbury Park and Moorpark.

The sixth annual Manna Food Run, sponsored by the American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, benefited the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank.

``We try to help the best way we can - these are people who have very little,'' said Roger Smith, vice president of ABATE in Thousand Oaks. ``We want to do what we can to make their lives a little easier.''

Last year, the group raised about $500, 60 turkeys and a truckload of groceries that were donated to a local food shelter. After two hours of sign-ups Sunday morning, ABATE had received more than $1,000 and several boxes filled with canned food from participating riders.

ABATE of California is dedicated to preserving freedom of choice and freedom of the road, with emphasis on education and safety, Smith said. Members also support charity events and are active in public awareness safety programs.

Robin Shane, president and founder of ABATE in the west San Fernando Valley, said Sunday's food run is one of many yearly fund-raising efforts in which ABATE members can promote their cause while helping the needy.

Earlier this month, the motorcyclists raised more than $1 million during the 1996 Love Ride.

In addition to benefiting those in need, fund-raisers also help bikers break down stereotypes, Shane said.

``We don't go around raping and pillaging - we're not mean, scary people,'' said Shane, 36, an executive secretary and mother of two who lives in Santa Clarita. ``We all have jobs, we all have kids. We're people, just like everyone else.''

Computer technicians, accountants and lawyers were among those who admired each other's chrome work and custom-made bikes before hitting the road Sunday.

Debbie Briant of Simi Valley took a break from her job in corporate sales to embark on the daylong journey.

``This scene is full of life and camaraderie,'' said Briant, who started riding a year ago when her husband bought a Harley. Wearing her black, fringed leather jacket Sunday, Briant admitted she was once afraid to ride on the back of her husband's bike.

``Now, I'm always the one to say, come on, honey, let's go for a ride!''

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--Color only in Simi edition) A motorcyclist makes a practice run on Mulholland Highway in preparation for the Conejo charity ride.

(2--Simi edition only) Bikers who took part in the Manna Food Run can be seen through a motorcycle's windshield.

(3) Participants filled boxes like these with nonperishable food items.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News