mmccolm@valleypublishing.com 

MONTE VISTA - What began as an effort to promote motorcycle safety and honor the memory of a beloved rider became an emotional morning filled with prayer and community as about 50 people gathered Saturday at Chapman Park for the first ever “Blessing of the Bikes.” 

Organized by Ivette Atencio and her husband, TJ, the free event brought together riders, and friends from across the San Luis Valley and beyond. Motorcycles lined the park near the pavilion as attendees gathered carrying helmets, riding gear and memories to be blessed for a safe riding season. 

For the Atencio’s, the event was deeply personal. 

Before the blessing began, Ivette welcomed those gathered and thanked the community for supporting the inaugural event. 

"This is our first time organizing this," Atencio said. "We just want to thank everybody and appreciate you coming out this morning." 

She explained that the idea grew from personal tragedy and a desire to bring awareness to motorcycle safety. 

"Our family has experienced the trauma of seeing someone we love seriously injured in a motorcycle crash," Atencio said. "It was very traumatizing not just for us, but for the community." 

More than a decade ago, Atencio’s husband TJ survived a serious motorcycle accident involving a drunk driver near the Monte Vista bridge. The crash changed both of their lives and left emotional scars that took years to heal. 

"I just encourage everybody to watch out for one another and keep your eyes open," Atencio said. "That's what community is about." 

For TJ, the event was about much more than motorcycles. 

"It feels good to be here today," he said. "It's important, not only in my life, but my whole family's life, and I think every biker’s life too." 

Having survived the devastating crash himself, TJ said he understands firsthand how quickly life can change. 

"You don't always have to be a defensive driver, but you never know what can happen in the blink of an eye," he said. "Your whole world can change." 

TJ said he was encouraged by the turnout and hopes the event continues to grow in the years ahead. 

"I'm happy with the turnout that we had," he said. "I wish it would have been bigger, but this is year number one, so I think we're on the right track." 

At the heart of the gathering was the memory of Billy Cisneros. 

Family members and friends described Cisneros as more than a rider. He was a devoted father, cousin, friend and an important part of the local community. Cisneros had been with TJ the night of his accident and remained a source of support and friendship for many years after, until his sudden passing.  

On Saturday, Billy's daughters, Stephanie and Brooke Cisneros, brought their father's motorcycle to the park, the bike was parked on a trailer and placed among the other bikes gathered for the blessing. 

Throughout the morning, people stopped to admire the motorcycle, speak with Billy’s daughters and share memories and reflect on the man who meant so much to so many. Though Billy did not pass away on a motorcycle, the memory of who he was, was deeply connected to the ride because he loved his motorcycle and the ride so much.  

As the blessing began, emotions were visible. 

When asked how it felt to be there, Stephanie simply replied, "Emotional." 

Brooke echoed those feelings while expressing gratitude to everyone who came to honor her father. 

"I'm very proud to see everybody here today," Brooke said. "It's just a big blessing for him, and it's nice to see everybody come together."  

Stephanie also stated, “Dad would be so proud.”  

The sisters stood near their father's motorcycle after the ceremony, embracing loved ones as memories of Billy were shared. For many in attendance, it felt as though his presence was still there among them. 

The event also drew riders from outside the valley. 

Among them was Mario Roybal, who traveled from Pueblo to attend the blessing. 

"I'm a God-fearing man, so I figured this was an opportunity to come and see what's going on and get a blessing," Roybal said. 

Roybal said riding motorcycles always comes with risks, making events like the Blessing of the Bikes especially meaningful. 

"Any time you're on a motorcycle, it's always a gamble, so any help from the Lord is definitely helpful," he said. 

Pastor Adrian Hurtado led the blessing, offering prayers over the motorcycles, helmets, riding gear and those preparing for the season ahead. 

"We pray for each rider of these bikes, that they may enjoy their time as they ride," Hurtado prayed. "Be with them in every circumstance, in dangerous times and in times where they feel unsafe." 

Hurtado also prayed for protection, comfort, confidence, and guidance for riders on the road. 

"We pray a blessing over these bikes, and we pray a blessing over these riders," he said. 

The atmosphere throughout the morning balanced grief and gratitude, remembrance and hope. 

Following the blessing, attendees gathered beneath the pavilion visiting with one another and sharing stories while enjoying food and refreshments.  

Several participants spoke about organizing memorial rides in the years ahead, echoing Ivette's vision of making the Blessing of the Bikes an annual tradition. 

By the end of the gathering, it was clear the event had become much more than a motorcycle blessing. 

It was a celebration of friendship and family. It was a reminder to watch out for one another on the road. And it was an opportunity to honor a man whose memory continues to ride alongside those who loved him. 

As engines started and riders prepared to head home, the words printed on the event flyer seemed especially fitting. 

"Bless the ride. Protect the journey." 

For those who attended -especially Brooke and Stephanie Cisneros, and TJ Atencio, that journey now includes carrying Billy's memory forward with every mile traveled and every road still ahead.