WHY THE TWEED COAST?

It was Chris’s move to the spectacular and pristine border region around Coolangatta/Tweed Heads that ignited the spark that has created the concept for Bike Fest Oz!. Over the past 12 months, in partnership with his great longtime mate Craig Hughes, a local rider and Harley enthusiast who knows all the area’s best back roads and country pubs, Chris has come to appreciate how ‘motorcycle-friendly’ this coastal Mecca and its hinterland are. Whether cruising up to the lookout in Byron Bay, checking out the many beaches in the area, marvelling at the endless natural attractions, or stopping off at quaint country pubs, there is no such thing as too much time in the saddle on both sides of the border, he reckons.

“Honestly, literally whenever we’ve got a spare few minutes, I jump on my bike and with Hughsey we head for … well, anywhere really,” he said. “No matter where you roam, there is a curly road, beautiful coastline, historic country town, or tranquil lake, river or waterfall somewhere to marvel at and enjoy. The natural beauty on show is truly breathtaking. I really can’t think of anywhere more suited to our Bike Fest Oz! concept, and, of course, having suffered through the disastrous floods of early 2022 the area and its hard-hit residents and businesses could do with a break.

“But we’re not limiting Bike Fest Oz! to any one central location, because there are so many great rides and attractions within easy reach in south-east Queensland/northern NSW. So, we plan on including various events and rides that will take us as far north as the incredible Gold Coast Motor Museum, run by my hardcore bike and car enthusiast mates, the Amor brothers, Carl and Grant, and potentially as far south as Byron Bay.

“But ultimately, we want our visitors to begin planning their own rides and with so many options available, whether you ride an all-terrain adventure bike or large tourer, now is the time to start planning.”