Cycle, car clubs come together for cause

STAFF WRITER

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link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Ricky Ornelas, left, helps Los Reyes Motorcycle and Car Club members as they wash vehicles Friday evening to raise money for Ornelas’ father, Ricky Ornelas, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

When Los Reyes Car and Motorcycle Club President Ricky Ornelas was injured during a motorcycle accident last Sunday club members wasted no time organizing a fundraiser to help him get back on his feet and back on his bike.

Los Reyes Vice President Vale Sotelo said Ornelas was caught in a strong whirlwind while riding with club members on U.S. 70 and crashed going about 70 mph.

Sotelo said Ornelas sustained a large gash on his head, ruptured kidney, cracked vertebrae, and a punctured lung, but has been reported as being in stable condition as of Friday.

Sotelo said the club’s members teamed up with All-N-One car wash owner Mario Montoya to raise money for Ricky Ornelas with a car wash and hot dogs.

Sotelo said Los Reyes members were joined by members of Thunder Alley Motorcycle Club and Raza Unida Car Club during Friday’s car wash.

Sotelo said the car wash had raised $400 within the first hour.

“We’re just trying to raise some money and help him out any way we can. We’re a family,” Sotelo said.

Sotelo said it had been a long week for Ricky Ornelas’ friends who had been waiting for him to return to stable condition.

Ricky Ornelas’ nephew and Los Reyes member Joseph Ornelas said the car wash had already received an outpouring of community support within its first hour Friday evening.

“He’s loved by everybody,” Joseph Ornelas said of Ricky Ornelas. “Any donations are good, we’re just trying to help him out. I know he’d do it for all of us and he has before.”

Los Reyes’ Jonathan Tapia said that Ricky Ornelas was lucky to be alive after his crash.

Tapia said the car wash was a way for the community and club members to give back to Ricky Ornelas in his time of need.

“We’re going to do what we can to get him on his feet until he gets back,” Tapia said.

Ricky Ornelas sister Teresa Tapia said Ornelas is currently being cared for at University Medical Center in Lubbock.

“He’s enjoying being spoiled,” Teresa Tapia joked. “He’s in good spirits and he’s breathing on his own.”

Teresa Tapia said her family is blessed to receive the support they have seen since Ricky Ornelas’ crash.

“I’m deeply moved by the community. Ricky is such a lovable guy and puts everyone ahead of himself and today just proves that.” Teresa Tapia said.

Teresa Tapia said Los Reyes will be holding another car wash for Ricky Ornelas at All-N-One Sunday starting at 11 a.m.