By BRIDGET COOK
THE largest crowd of spectators and bike riders in the event’s history rumbled into Casey on Saturday for the MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
More than 9500 motorcyclist lined High Street for the 10am wave-off to make their way to the Moto GP in Phillip Island.
Thousands of spectators also turned out to central Cranbourne to join in the fun and excitement of the roar of the motorbikes, celebrity guest Mick Molloy and the range of family activities and entertainment on offer.
City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said it was such a thrill to join Mick Molloy in the cherry picker to wave-off the motorcyclists.
“9500 bikes were an awesome site and one that I will never forget,” she said.
“From the cherry picker you could not only see the bikes but you could feel roar from underneath and have a real sense of the atmosphere enjoyed by everyone there.
“Having Mick Molloy was the icing on the cake and helped make the day the success it was.
“By the time the last bike passed under the cherry picker, the first bike had just reached the airport south of Tooradin which is 17 kilometres away.
“It took 28 minutes for all the bikes to pass under the cherry picker and was the largest number recorded the 15 years that the event has been running.”
Cr Stapledon said it was great to see so many people at the event.
“The roar of the motorbikes and the sight of so much chrome and colour is fantastic,” she said.
“This is a really special event for the City of Casey.
“Cranbourne comes alive with excitement and enthusiasm and there’s a real carnival atmosphere.
“This unique event brings thousands of visitors to Casey and over 15 years it has just kept getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger to be the massive gathering of bikes, families and friends that it is today.
“I would like to acknowledge local traders, community groups and residents of the area and, of course, the motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, for getting involved in this event.”
