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AUSTRALIAN Motorcycle Imports (AMI), owners of the Gold Coast Motorcycle Rally (GCMR – formerly Gold Coast Bike Week) have announced postponement of the planned August 2009 Rally. The rally will happen next year at a new Queensland venue and at a new time of the year. The present culture of public and government concern over OMG violence is making it harder than ever for motorcycle event organizers. AMI's Managing Director Nick Bullen explained “we have been working through issues for months to try and accommodate the requirements of local licensing and permit authorities in the Gold Coast area, but it eventually became apparent that despite the trouble-free history of the event, and the economic benefits and national and international profile that the event brings to the Gold Coast, it was an uphill battle trying to stage this year’s event. We did eventually receive all necessary permits and approvals, except for camping (which was never approved on this site, but a blind eye was turned to allow limited camping) but traders and spectators all want to camp at the rally site. It is pointless staging an event that does suit our vendors and spectators. As far as we are concerned, this is a postponement, and not a cancellation; we are already hard at work looking for an alternate Queensland venue in an area that we hope will appreciate and welcome the investment and business that the GCMR will bring to their area. All deposits paid will be fully refunded and we apologize to anyone who has made plans to attend with holiday or travel bookings. ” GCMR is AMD's Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building Affiliate event for Australia, and this year the 2008 winner Joe Schembri is travelling to the USA to represent Australia at the 6th annual World Championship at Sturgis. AMI’s National Marketing Manager, Neal Bolam, went on to explain that “the prestige and credibility that World Championship affiliation has brought to the Rally is certainly something that we are looking to build on as we continue to refine the nature, profile and schedule of the event in a way that continues to develop it as a great opportunity for the Harley aftermarket, custom v-twin and wider motorcycle industry communities. There will be an Australian round of the AMD Pro Show in 2010 and the winner will compete at the World Championships at Sturgis in August 2010. We want to stage an event that is safe, enjoyable and fun for everybody, a show for our industry to exhibit its products, an opportunity to induct 2 new members each year into the Australian Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a chance to recognize leaders with the Australian Motorcycle Industry Awards and a platform for our nations talented custom motorcycle builders to display their creations to the world audience. The Australian National Chopper Show and the AMD Pro Show are the two biggest and most recognized shows in our country.” Australia’s biggest and best motorcycle rally and shows are about to get a whole lot bigger and better. Stay tuned for more updates!
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