Riders, start your engines!

GP Run Cranbourne 145721_01 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Victoria Stone-Meadows

THE roar of motorbike engines will fill the air of Cranbourne on Saturday 22 October when the 18th Annual GP Run takes to the streets once again.
What started out as a few bikes getting together for a ride, has grown over the years into a stream of thousands of motorbikes and a sea of colour parading towards the island.
An annual Cranbourne tradition, the GP Run will see thousands of motorbikes rumble down High Street and onto the South Gippsland Highway headed for Phillip Island for the 2016 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Held in conjunction with the City of Casey and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the Cranbourne GP Run is a sight to behold and an event not to be missed.
The benefit of the day sees local businesses and charities showcase themselves and take advantage of the influx of tourists.
Local charity, the Casey Cardinia Foundation is the official partner of this year’s GP Run and the bikes will be waved off by the Casey Young Citizen of the Year, Oliver Thomson.
One of the largest events on the calendar for Cranbourne, the GP Run will attract thousands of locals and visitors from across the country to watch the bikes leave for Phillip Island.
One and all are encouraged to attend this momentous event and there will be many activities on the day to keep every member of the family entertained.
Local food producers and storekeepers will be out in force to feed the crowds and there will be all manner of entertainment to make the day truly something special.
Roads will be closed off early in the morning for the event and there will be heavy traffic management plans in place.
The main activity hub of the festival will be centred on the South Gippsland Highway (High Street) in Cranbourne.
The entertainment and activities kick off just after 8am on Saturday and the official wave off and run begin at 10am.
Get your engines revving, your hearts pumping and your feet moving into Cranbourne for this motor-powered spectacular.