Maleny swap meet rides into 32nd year
Pictured: The Winning Ducati with owner Lex Piper, Ian Oakes and Keith Canning.
Motorcycle enthusiasts from across Queensland and interstate are expected to head to Maleny Showgrounds on June 13 for the annual Maleny Motorcycle Swap Meet.
The Sunshine Coast branch of the Historical Motorcycle Club has held the event every year since 1994, making this year the 32nd Maleny Swap.
Club secretary Keith Canning said the event was the club’s major fundraiser and also helped support charities including Cancer Council Queensland, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Cittamani Cancer Care.
“The club takes this role very seriously and enjoys seeing our fundraising put to good use,” Mr Canning said.
The swap meet brings together people with a shared interest in older motorcycles, with stallholders selling motorcycle-related parts and goods, from complete motorcycles to clothing, riding gear, tools and tyres.
Mr Canning said the event was strictly motorcycle-focused.
“Because ours is a motorcycle swap, anything offered must be motorcycle related,” he said.
Gates open at 6am on Saturday, June 13, with food available throughout the event. Maleny Rotary Club will again provide catering, with the swap meet also serving as an important fundraiser for Rotary.
Mr Canning said visitors often stayed in and around Maleny so they could get an early start on finding bargains or securing a good stall position.
“Businesses around Maleny and the wider Sunshine Coast benefit as these people all take time to eat, sleep and enjoy the area while they are here,” he said.
The event will also include a Bike Show featuring motorcycles owned by members of the Sunshine Coast group. The show is held in honour of a younger past member who died some years ago, with judging decided by People’s Choice.
The Historical Motorcycle Club encourages the restoration and riding of older motorcycles, with eligible club bikes more than 30 years old.
Mr Canning said many people enjoyed seeing older motorcycles back on the road.
“We very often get feedback from the public saying they enjoy seeing these bikes from yesteryear out and about as it brings memories flooding back,” he said.
• The Maleny Motorcycle Swap Meet will be held at Maleny Showgrounds on Saturday, June 13 from 6am. Entry is $10 and swap sites are $10. Stallholder camping is free on Friday night. Contact Keith Canning on 0429000178 or kcvelo@gmail.com.
