Organizers of the third annual Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup expected more entries than 165 bikes they had last year.
But more than 400?
“It was beyond expectations,” spokesman Dave Vranjes said Monday about the turnout on a sunny, warm weekend that more than doubled the 2011 number.
“We believe it’s going to continue to grow,” he stated, adding that there were “a large number of people who came out to support the event.”
A Show and Shine on Saturday afternoon on Dunsmuir Avenue kickstarted proceedings.
“As far as the eye could see, there were bikes down both sides of the street,” Vranjes said.
Dunsmuir was closed to vehicle traffic from First to Fourth streets for the Show and Shine. Motorcycle skills contests and games followed at 5 p.m.
A pancake breakfast hosted by Cumberland Rotary, vendor booths, raffles, and a beer garden helped to augment the full-day event.
After another pancake breakfast courtesy of Cumberland Rotarians began Sunday’s program, a poker run went from Cumberland to Royston, Courtenay, Comox, Lazo and Merville before climbing Mount Washington, then returning to Cumberland.
Vranjes noted the benefit to the Comox Valley economy from the influx of out-of-town motorbikes and spectators.
“It brings a tremendous influx of people into the community for shopping, restaurants, entertainment….”
An estimated $10,000 worth of prizes helped to lure people here.
A committee led by chair Jean Cameron and a team of volunteers did the rest.
“Any weekend event like that takes a tremendous amount of organization,” Vranjes noted, thanking the community at large for supporting the Roundup.
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