Blessing of the Bikes roars into Geelong

MORE than 2,000 motorcycles roared their way onto Cunningham Pier last Sunday, as Geelong hosted the annual Blessing of the Bikes event for the first time.

Held historically in Phillip Island, the Blessing of the Bikes migrated across Port Phillip Bay, and lead organiser Allan Turner said Geelong could not have been a more welcoming city.

“It was a great day all around. We expected a big crowd, and we got it.

“The number of bikes on the day was slightly under what we were aiming for, but with it being the first time we held the event in Geelong, we expected that.

“The pier and the western foreshore was totally covered, everyone had a fantastic day, the music was excellent, and the weather was stunning – we can’t wait to return next year.”

All bikes in attendance were blessed by National Easyriders Chaplain Stephen Wade upon entry with holy water, a traditional part of the event that is said to provide safe passage to riders for the coming year.

All donations raised on the day went towards Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, a charity created in honour of Mr Turner’s daughter, who suddenly passed away from a cerebral aneurysm in 2004 at the age of seven.

The foundation aims to raise awareness of the need for increased organ and tissue donor registration in Australia, a gift Zaidee selflessly gave following her passing by donating her organs and tissues to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Mr Turner said donations were still being counted.

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