Gumby, Elmo, Iron Man, Shamu, Scooby Doo and several Easter bunnies gathered with nearly 1,000 others at the top of Vermont Street this past Sunday for a truly unique city tradition.

The 9th annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel event appeared to be the biggest turnout yet, with people lining both sides of the Lombard-esque street.

The event, set to begin at 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday, was heavily advertised on social sites, such as Laughing Squid and Yelp, as well as online advertisements. The event encouraged adults to bring Big Wheel tricycles with no rubber wheels, and to have "dumb Easter fun."

Not only did the numerous participants come with their Big Wheels -- most of them came in eccentric attire and added multimedia components to their Big Wheels.

"I made sure to duct tape my camera to this helmet," said Brad McMurphy, a 28-year-old San Franciscan. "Last time I tried to hold it as I rode down the hill and I ended up with a broken camera and a sprained wrist. This time I am prepared."

Others were sure to heavily decorate their outfits, Big Wheels and helmets with Easter eggs, bunny ears, radios, beer cans and other expressive embellishments.

Just as several dozen more participants made it to the top of Vermont with bright purple and pink Big Wheels slung over their shoulders, the announcers of the event called out their directions and disclaimers.

"What you are about to do is dangerous and stupid," cried out one announcer on his microphone system.

The crowd burst into applause and shouts of support.

"Adults should not be riding on children's toys," broadcasted another announcer.

The event was separated into different heats so that no more than 15 people raced down the treacherous road at once.

Even though the event clearly called for Big Wheels to be the chosen mode of transportation, many people souped up their tricycles. Others chose children's items to sacrifice to Vermont Street, such as a handful of Barbie cars, fire trucks and even wheels attached to a blow-up Shamu.

"I thought that it would be a waste to go out and buy a Big Wheel just for this so I took my little sister's old tricycle and put straps on it like a seat belt," said 24-year-old Tammie Plummer. "I didn't think that it would fall apart as quickly since it was metal but when I took the second turn the wheels buckled and I ate it."

Others had to tap out of the downhill adventure when their wheels popped off, or the whole frame of their vehicle flattened out from their larger-than-toddler weights.

EMTs were also on scene for helping the wounded if racers ended up with more than broken tricycles and bruised egos. Two heats were held back because EMTs were treating and checking riders that crashed harder than most, but no serious injuries were sustained during the event.

Most people were in high spirits and were already discussing improvements they will make for next year's event. Several of the volunteers were estimating that this year's event cost $1,000 to put on and next year's will cost between $5,000 -$6,000 to get the EMTs, portable bathrooms and other necessary elements.

"I have encouraged a lot of people to donate to the BYOBW cause so that we can do all these stupid and fun things here in San Francisco," said Yana Ingersol, a four-year veteran to the event. "When people donate and act respectfully the city and the police leave us alone to our crazy whims."