Posted on 04/11/2022 9:48:41 AM PDT by nickcarraway
On Sunday, about 1,000 bikers rolled into Hollister for their motorcycles to be blessed on Palm Sunday. It’s a tradition hosted by the Top Hatters club and has been going strong for 29 years.
“You want to get your bike blessed. You want be safe on the road, have the Lord protect you on your travels,” said Robert Poelker, Top Hatter club chairman.
Bikers say it’s a day that’s not just a blessing for them but also for the community, bringing in some much-needed business. Bike event promoter, Bob Richards said, “It’s a blessing for businesses as well in this area, in the Hollister area. As you turn around, everything equates to revenue and things of that nature.”
Before the event, bikers first gathered outside Hollister Power Sports for food and music. Richards said bikers came from all over the state to attend.
“Out of central, southern and Northern California, but there are people that travel from Reno," Richards said. "I came from Sacramento this morning."
The group then rode their bikes to Sacred Heart Church for the blessing, riding under an arch of palms while being sprinkled with holy water, all in hopes that it’ll bring safety for going into the riding season.
“Especially nowadays with cell phones and with all the distractions you have and all the people on the road," Richards explained. "Keep you safe from the road gremlins and all the other things that happen when you're out there riding your
I’m sure the “hells angels” are licking their chops to hear The Gospel of Christ. SMH...
Can I get my car blessed?
Can I get my car blessed?
_____________________________
Yes. Every new car I buy, I get blessed.
Did they charge extra for that option?
The guy from Fargo includes it with the True Coat.
Texas Gator ping.
I worked for a local H-D dealer in the South Bay back in the summer of ‘82, and there was a “First Annual West Coast Bike Blessing” that took place in the area (Sunnyvale/Santa Clara) during that time. I attended it and took pictures, which I still have.
This event must have started later, as 1982 was more than 29 years ago, if my math is correct.
No extra charge. After Mass ask the priest to bless your car. If he has time, he will. Sometimes they want you to make an appointment. Sometimes they have to say Mass or need to get across town for brunch or a game.
Hollister is where a bunch of bikers got drunk and rowdy and rioted over the Independence Day weekend in 1947. Although the press sensationalized the event, it only resulted in a few dozen arrests and injuries and some minor property damage.
 |   |
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list | |
| The List of Ping Lists | |
That’s what I’ll do, I’ll make an appointment to get my car blessed.
Thanks!
Yep. The Hollister riot was an invention of a reporter. One local said that the Rodeo crowd was much worse.
I knew a woman who was a bar maid in Sturgis for a couple of years. She said that the servers liked the bikers during bike Week because they tipped well and didn’t unduly harass them. On the other hand they hated the Rodeo cowboys because they were cheap and got physical too often.
Want a blessing? LEAVE California.
And I bet there wasn’t a single shooting......................
Nothing like the Top Hatters
Thanks for the ping!
To God be the glory!
Dont forget about your Guardian Angel.
ask him to keep you safe. Sometimes they aren’t paying attention, but other times, when we are saved by an instant; that may be our Guardian Angel.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.