BIKER NEWS: Bikers rally to support Deming, Luna County charitable causes

BN- A couple just finished lunch at a downtown restaurant on Saturday: "How many bikes were in town," the man asked? His companion answered, "You couldn't travel three city blocks without seeing one."

Motorcycles of all shapes, colors and sounds roared into Deming and Luna County on Saturday in support of the sixth annual Rockin' The Streets Bike Run in memory of Ramon "Momo" Pena III. At the tender age of 18, Momo was taken on a dark rural road when his Chevy S-10 Pickup struck a stray horse in 2009.

The run is held in a tribute to "Momo" by those who knew him as a kind-hearted kid who was always giving of himself.

"It's wonderful to be able to do this each year," said Natasha Jasso, Momo's mother. "We find out each year how much he meant to a lot of people and now they are keeping his spirit of giving alive. It's because of those who support this run that Momo continues to touch lives."

The bike run has generated over $35,000 over the past five years and has also awarded 26 scholarships to Deming High School graduating seniors. The funds collected from the run have also helped families in town who have incurred medical bills for their children. Donations to a number of charitable causes have also been made from the RTS Foundation, including Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots and Shop With A Cop.

"This year, we had 507 riders sign up — that's 350 bikes," said a surprised Victor Pena, co-organizer of the run for the past six years. He is also "Momo's" uncle. "I could not have done any of this without the love, help and support of my wife, Bennita. She does it all."

Victor Pena thanked all he could for making the event grow each year. "It keeps getting bigger and the event is helped out by some big hitters in town like Bill Dupree at Busy Bee Septic and Desert Valley Ready Mix, David Baeza.

Saturday's run began at 11 a.m. when bikes rolled out of Ramon's Towing on East Pine St. There was a traditional stop at Momo's grave site at Mountain View Cemetery before the riders proceeded on to five stops in Luna County.

Voiers' Park on North Country Club Road as the last stop for a barbecue dinner, biker games, an auction, raffles and music. There was a jumping balloon for the kids and a mechanical bull.

"It's awesome and amazing how people come together for something like this and how one person can make an impact on other peoples' lives," said an emotional Jasso. She reflected on her family and friends who gather at this time each year to reminisce about experiences with Momo. "It fills my heart with pride to hear stories," she added.

More: http://www.demingheadlight.com/story/news/local/2015/09/13/bikers-rally-support-deming-luna-county-charitable-causes/72286216/