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Motorcycles feature at motoring festival

Goondiwindi
Goondiwindi Customs House

Goondiwindi is set to roar to the sounds of motorcycle exhausts over the June long weekend (June 6-8, 2015) for the inaugural Planes Trains Automobiles and Bikes Festival.

Cr David McMahon says that although motorcycles are listed last, they will be an important part of the festival with a show and shine, historic bike displays and several motorcycle clubs making the pilgrimage to the Queensland border town.

Riders will also be invited to take part in the Saturday parade, forming up at noon in Mill St near the Jolly Swagman Hotel. There is no need to register first.

David says he is also hopeful of setting a world record  for the most motorcycles through a museum. The attempt will take place at Customs House on the Sunday at 2pm. Cost is $5 per rider which includes free entry to the Customs House. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the historic facility.

Goondiwindi is not only home to the famed Gunsynd racehorse, but also a motorcycle-friendly town and just up the road from the official Motorcycle Friendly Town of Texas.

Goondiwindi
Gunsynd statue

David says Gundy daily welcomes riders passing through as it is at the junction of four highways – Bruxner, Gore, Newell and Cunnginham.

“We believe in the motorcycle tourism market here in Goondiwindi,” he says. “We get a lot of riders though on the north-south route and it’s a market we love to tap into. We believe this festival is a great opportunity to develop ongoing relationships with motorcycle groups.”

On the Saturday of the festival, there will be a street parade at noon of bikes and cars, show and shine, live music, markets and children’s activities in the streets.

There are two steam train rides on the Sunday to Toobeah 50km west of Goondiwindi.

Motorbikes will be on display at Customs House Museum throughout the festival.

Goondiwindi
Macintyre River bridge

Other highlights include: Model Railway Exhibition, 40 Model T-Fords on display and 150 years of Rail in Queensland Celebration.

If it’s mechanical and moves, it will be on show.

If you’d like to book accommodation for the weekend, click on this link. 

Planes Trains Automobiles & Bikes schedule

Saturday, June 6, 2015

  • Noon: Street Parade of all cars and motorcycles.
  • 12.30pm:  McIntyre St closed for vehicle display.
  • 1pm:  Food, bar, markets stalls.
  • 1.30pm: Band performs until 7.30pm.
  • 2pm: Registrations open for Motorcycle Show N Shine.
  • 2.30pm: MGs arrive.
  • 3pm: Steam Train arrives from Warwick.
  • 3.30pm: Announcement of winners of show and shine.
  • 7.30pm: Festival  continues in hotels; Where’s Wally party at Royal Hotel.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

  • 7.30am: Steam train departs for Toobeah accompanied by Model T and MG cars. Morning tea by local schools. Tickets available at Customs House or through Southern Downs Steam Railway web site.
  • Noon: Second steam train trip to Toobeah with lunch provided by local schools.
  • 2pm: World Record attempt motorcycles through museum, at Customs House. $5 per rider includes free entry.

Monday, June 8, 2015

  • Steam Train returns.
  • Model Ts on regional tour.