28th annual Bike Blessing brings riders to Hollister

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Bikers have made the pilgrimage to Hollister for the past 28 years to have their motorcycles blessed on Palm Sunday. This year was slightly different because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After checking in at Hollister Powersports on San Felipe Road, over 1,000 motorcycles rolled through downtown Hollister to the Top Hatters Motorcycle Club clubhouse at 843 San Benito Street. Founded in 1947, it's one of the oldest such organizations in the United States.

The bikers passed under double arches for the drive-thru Top Hatter Bike Blessing. Normally, they would have gone to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, but because of pandemic restrictions the venue was changed to the clubhouse.

Participants paid a $10 donation to receive the bike blessing from retired priest Rudy Ruiz and a commemorative medal that was also blessed. Donations go toward the Top Hatter community pantry and scholarships, said Cesar Flores, a Top Hatter member and San Juan Bautista councilman.


Read full story at: BenitoLink.com