The third annual Woolshed Classic Motorcycle Rally on the Darling Downs will have a packed program later this month, says co-ordinator Mark Morrissey.
The event has moved from autumn to spring because the first two rallies at the historic Jondaryan Woolshed, 40km west of Toowoomba, were affected by rain.
“There has been a tremendous response this year and we are expecting a packed house,” Mark says.
“We can camp about 1300 people and had over 600 last year but the change of date seems to have worked very well and we already have more than that number booked with three weeks to go.”
Packed program
The program on the weekend of August 25-27 will feature a big semi-trailer sound stage for live bands between the bar and the restaurant.
Other program highlight are classic motorcycle movies in the Woolshed, trade stalls, motorcycle club displays, classic dirt bike and trials demonstrations, blacksmithing demo, grand parade, plus food, coffee and beverage stalls, including boutique brewer with chilli beer.
“One of the local Toowoomba groups is bringing in excess of 20 classic bikes and there has been a very big uptake from various Ulysses groups up and down the coast,” Mark says.
“The Kwaka 9 group are also coming back with a bigger display as well as other classic groups form Brisbane and a group of fellows from last year who between them are bringing another 18 or 20.
“The dirt bike fellows from Dalby have a tilt tray full of vintage enduro and trials bikes coming as well as other members of their group bringing their own stuff individually.”
Rally T shirts and badges will be available shortly to order online.
Camping sites can be booked by visiting the Jondaryan Woolshed web site.
Special rally camping fees are from $10 per person per night with hot showers and flush toilets.
Trade stall and public entry is a gold coin donation with funds going to the Endeavour Foundation.
Mark says catering profits also go to Endeavour Foundation and last year they raised $7500.
Historic Jondaryan Woolshed
The Woolshed sits just off the Warrego Highway, 40km west of Toowoomba and 160km west of Brisbane. There are plenty of great riding roads to get there around including the Bunya Mountains.
The historic complex stands on 64 hectares (160 acres) and can cater for enormous numbers of day visitors and thousands of campers.
The licensed Jondaryan Woolshed complex includes the historic woolshed, village, museum, cafe, food hall, arenas and paddocks. There are also public toilets and showers, disabled facilities and a large vehicle park.
The Woolshed has hosted large outdoor events for more than 30 years including the nine-day Australian Heritage Festival run from about 1974 until 2010 and attracting crowds of more than 20,000.