It’s great to see so many enthusiastic and passionate motorcyclists providing their various reactions on our date change next year, from the heart of winter in mid-August to June 7-11. 2023. And while we realise that not everyone is supportive of the move, given that some people have to make changes well in advance for annual holidays etc, but as we said last week, we did it for very good reasons.

We had a few very compelling concerns that brought about the changes, especially taking into account our deadline for finalizing all Festival arrangements — December 31 — was rapidly approaching. A commitment was made very early in the planning for 2023 that no significant changes could be made once the New Year was on us as we appreciated that many riders from around Australia and NZ needed to make plans well ahead of time in order to attend our fantastic celebration of all things motorcycling. But really it was the only responsible option we had to ensure everyone placing faith in us to organize our great Festival wouldn’t be disappointed.

And one of the first signs that we’re absolutely on the right track is that we’ve already had an approach from a major Queensland tourism body to ask us how they can help us make Bike Fest Oz! 2023 as exciting and fun as possible! Can’t reveal too much just yet, but it is so encouraging considering all of the battles we’ve had to fight south of the border in recent times just to get heard and noticed, let alone supported.

Basically, without going over old ground too much, it was a unanimous decision in the end given that it came to be increasingly obvious that local authorities, in the shape of the Tweed Shire Council and others, were not supportive of the event, with Green elements in Council in particular doing their best to resist and undermine the event. Given that the Council has a big influence on public events, including the issuing of permits – and fines – for all sorts of activities, plus the issuing of grants and other support, we were left with no other choice but to seek another suitable location. As it was, it was soon apparent that one of our original preferred locations, the nearby twin-town border centre of Coolangatta/Tweed was overwhelmingly the compelling alternative. In particular, because it already hosts – and has a history of supporting – events for motoring and motorcycling enthusiasts. Especially the extremely popular Cooly Rocks On annual car/bike/rock ‘n’ roll festival.

So as all BFO! 2023 followers and potential visitors now know, we have settled on running our event from June 7 to 11, which happens to coincide with Cooly Rocks On festival. But while Bike Fest Oz! 2023 will still very much be its own standalone Festival, with many dedicated activities for visiting bike riders, the date match means that our visitors now have an enormous range of extra activities, entertainment and venues to attend, along with the many official Bike Fest Oz! runs/shows/exhibits and other great events we have planned (and will be announcing from now on).

So, it is now well and truly ‘Full Speed Ahead!’ as we close in on the final six months of the inaugural Bike Fest Oz! and all of the great fun activities, events, rides and shows that we have planned for our visitors and supporters.

Meantime, we thank you all of your interest so far and wish all riders of all bikes a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year and will have some more great news for you very early in 2023. Watch this space!