Alas Biblio Turismo 4 is over. A great time was had by all who participated and a big thank you to the public libraries that provided such a wonderful reception for the riders. An overview of the ride will be posted shortly.
If you would like to upload any photo's relating to the 2009 ride please contact ross.balharrie(at)gmail.com or go directly to the Biblio Turismo flickr page.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I’m gonna hit the highway like a battering ram
On a silver black phantom bike
When the metal is hot and the engine is hungry
And were all about to see the light
Greetings librarians, it is time to heed the call and make plans for Biblio Turismo 4. The “Bat Out Of Hell Tour”
The most exiting library activity of the year
BE
Like a bat out of hell
AND
be gone when the morning comes
Departing Gosford on November 5 and heading to Katoomba the long way round via Mudgee, Parkes and Blayney.
I can see myself
Tearing up the road
Faster than any other boy has ever gone
And my skin is rough but my soul is ripe
And no ones gonna stop me now
Come join the cool librarians either on your steed or in your cars and burn up the highway and visit the beautiful people in the public library.
If you want to come just email me.
Gosford City Library hosts the event with the help of fellow Biblio Turistas. Sponsorship welcomed.
We will plan the itinerary, suggest accommodation options and help organize meals, all you have to do is pay for your fuel, accommodation and meals.
We have anything from 250cc to Hayabusas join the parade. The itinerary is based on legal speed limits. No one is ever left behind. Check out our web site and flicker to see what we have done in the past.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=biblio+turismo&m=text
It is on rain, hail or shine.
Again their will be a commemorative T shirt and you never know who you might. We have been greeted by Federal Parliament Ministers, Lord mayors and cute librarians, the women were very nice too. All were just so happy to see us and fill us up with coffee and scones. others were sad to see us go while some just wanted to hop on our bikes and join the ride.
The press give us good coverage and you may you’re your picture in the local paper or on the tv news
You can come for all or part of the trip. Or just meet us in the evenings for the end of the road dinners.
On Sunday morning you can make your way home to your loved ones…….or just keep riding like a BAT OUT OF HELL
alan.flores@gosford.nsw.gov.au
02 4325 8801
LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
GOSFORD CITY LIBRARY
5-7 NOVEMBER, 2009
MT=MORNING TEA; AT = AFTENOON TEA
THURSDAY 5th KM TIME BREAK TIME
GOSFORD 9.30
SINGLETON 127 1H 50M MT 11.30
MERRIWA 116 1H 31M LUNCH 13.30
MUDGEE 122 1H 30M AT 16.00
TOTAL 365
NIGHT IN MUDGEE
FRIDAY 6th KM TIME BREAK TIME
MUDGEE 9.00
WELLINGTON 101 1H 20M MT 10.30
DUBBO 51 45M - 11.45
PARKES 120 1H 30M LUNCH 13.45
FORBES 32 26M AT 15.00
TOTAL 304
NIGHT IN FORBES
SATURDAY 7th KM TIME BREAK TIME
FORBES 9.00
CANOWINDRA 71 1H MT 10.00
BLAYNEY 75 1H 20M LUNCH 11.30
Mt PANORAMA 40 35M FUN @ BATHURST 14.00
KATOOMBA 100 1H 10M AT2 15.30
TOTAL 306
NIGHT IN KATOOMBA
On a silver black phantom bike
When the metal is hot and the engine is hungry
And were all about to see the light
Greetings librarians, it is time to heed the call and make plans for Biblio Turismo 4. The “Bat Out Of Hell Tour”
The most exiting library activity of the year
BE
Like a bat out of hell
AND
be gone when the morning comes
Departing Gosford on November 5 and heading to Katoomba the long way round via Mudgee, Parkes and Blayney.
I can see myself
Tearing up the road
Faster than any other boy has ever gone
And my skin is rough but my soul is ripe
And no ones gonna stop me now
Come join the cool librarians either on your steed or in your cars and burn up the highway and visit the beautiful people in the public library.
If you want to come just email me.
Gosford City Library hosts the event with the help of fellow Biblio Turistas. Sponsorship welcomed.
We will plan the itinerary, suggest accommodation options and help organize meals, all you have to do is pay for your fuel, accommodation and meals.
We have anything from 250cc to Hayabusas join the parade. The itinerary is based on legal speed limits. No one is ever left behind. Check out our web site and flicker to see what we have done in the past.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=biblio+turismo&m=text
It is on rain, hail or shine.
Again their will be a commemorative T shirt and you never know who you might. We have been greeted by Federal Parliament Ministers, Lord mayors and cute librarians, the women were very nice too. All were just so happy to see us and fill us up with coffee and scones. others were sad to see us go while some just wanted to hop on our bikes and join the ride.
The press give us good coverage and you may you’re your picture in the local paper or on the tv news
You can come for all or part of the trip. Or just meet us in the evenings for the end of the road dinners.
On Sunday morning you can make your way home to your loved ones…….or just keep riding like a BAT OUT OF HELL
alan.flores@gosford.nsw.gov.au
02 4325 8801
LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
GOSFORD CITY LIBRARY
5-7 NOVEMBER, 2009
MT=MORNING TEA; AT = AFTENOON TEA
THURSDAY 5th KM TIME BREAK TIME
GOSFORD 9.30
SINGLETON 127 1H 50M MT 11.30
MERRIWA 116 1H 31M LUNCH 13.30
MUDGEE 122 1H 30M AT 16.00
TOTAL 365
NIGHT IN MUDGEE
FRIDAY 6th KM TIME BREAK TIME
MUDGEE 9.00
WELLINGTON 101 1H 20M MT 10.30
DUBBO 51 45M - 11.45
PARKES 120 1H 30M LUNCH 13.45
FORBES 32 26M AT 15.00
TOTAL 304
NIGHT IN FORBES
SATURDAY 7th KM TIME BREAK TIME
FORBES 9.00
CANOWINDRA 71 1H MT 10.00
BLAYNEY 75 1H 20M LUNCH 11.30
Mt PANORAMA 40 35M FUN @ BATHURST 14.00
KATOOMBA 100 1H 10M AT2 15.30
TOTAL 306
NIGHT IN KATOOMBA
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Biblio Turismo 2009
Stay tuned for details of the 2009 Biblio Turismo ride. Heading to a Library near you!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
In the begining God created motorbikes & then a Library
DAY ONE THURSDAY
Alan on his Ducati at Gosford Library (requires no encouragement to ride his bike into a library)
Ahh at last my plans are coming together (mad laughter ha ha ha) (Alan and co)
A truely splendid sight
It was cold with cloudy skies as the bikes were parked outside the Gosford City Library ready for the four-day odyssey we call the BT. As I was interviewed in my office by phone by ABC radio, the mayor was outside being interviewed for NBN TV while a reporter from the Express Advocate was waiting to do a pod cast of the trip. This has become a public relations event beyond my wildest expectations. It is usually very hard to get public libraries into the news but here was event that has colour, excitement and romance rolled into one.
Pre-ride briefing; 'Ok chaps listen up, does anyone know where I placed my keys..."
As another group of bikes arrived there was breakfast served and the workers passing through the park were trying to grasp what was going on. The mayor made his farewell speech just as the state minister for Education, John Della Bosca turned up to say hello to Mayor Mcfayden. We had a celebrity send off.
We were away half an hour late at 10am which was to be the story for the whole trip. Its not that we did not travel fast, it was a combination of road works and too tight a schedule. The short days also did not help, Next year we return to the longer days and warmer weather of summer. Having it during Library Week made sense, the sun setting at 5pm when we were never near our destination did not.
Got my motor running, headout on the highway...Born to be Mild.......
The Departure!
Alan on his Ducati at Gosford Library (requires no encouragement to ride his bike into a library)
Ahh at last my plans are coming together (mad laughter ha ha ha) (Alan and co)
A truely splendid sight
It was cold with cloudy skies as the bikes were parked outside the Gosford City Library ready for the four-day odyssey we call the BT. As I was interviewed in my office by phone by ABC radio, the mayor was outside being interviewed for NBN TV while a reporter from the Express Advocate was waiting to do a pod cast of the trip. This has become a public relations event beyond my wildest expectations. It is usually very hard to get public libraries into the news but here was event that has colour, excitement and romance rolled into one.
Pre-ride briefing; 'Ok chaps listen up, does anyone know where I placed my keys..."
As another group of bikes arrived there was breakfast served and the workers passing through the park were trying to grasp what was going on. The mayor made his farewell speech just as the state minister for Education, John Della Bosca turned up to say hello to Mayor Mcfayden. We had a celebrity send off.
We were away half an hour late at 10am which was to be the story for the whole trip. Its not that we did not travel fast, it was a combination of road works and too tight a schedule. The short days also did not help, Next year we return to the longer days and warmer weather of summer. Having it during Library Week made sense, the sun setting at 5pm when we were never near our destination did not.
Got my motor running, headout on the highway...Born to be Mild.......
The Departure!
Maitland is a greatland
The Biblio Turismo gang gather at Maitland
Two of the Turistas were to meet us at Maitland and along with the librarian Keryl kept the mayor entertained and made sure he got his interview.
Keryl (Maitland Library manager) and Ian have a chat.
A nice morning tea and a chance to meet the other Turistas.
maitland Library
Soon we were off to Gloucester, The cloud built up and it got colder; the roads were great and free of traffic. The problem with the Duke was first encountered as we left Maitland. A sudden stop as if I had run out of fuel. After a few seconds the bike would start again so I was not overly concerned.
Gloucester
The possie arrive at Gloucester Library!
At Gloucester
Library we had lunch in the local café and spoke with the librarian and the local press. At this time we were an hour behind schedule but well fed and enjoying the trip. This was all about to change. Up until now all bikes were running well except my Duke. Every thirty minutes it seemed to starve of fuel and come to a complete stop. After several minutes it would start and goes perfectly until it happened all over again. I felt that I could nurse it to Tamworth and get it fixed there.
Library we had lunch in the local café and spoke with the librarian and the local press. At this time we were an hour behind schedule but well fed and enjoying the trip. This was all about to change. Up until now all bikes were running well except my Duke. Every thirty minutes it seemed to starve of fuel and come to a complete stop. After several minutes it would start and goes perfectly until it happened all over again. I felt that I could nurse it to Tamworth and get it fixed there.
Thunderbolts way to oblivion
The ride out of Gloucester was perfect. Full tank of fuel, clear road, beautiful mountains, rushing creeks, autumn leaves, the sound of the duke music to my ears as I accelerated up the mountain, I was on a mission, to reach Tamworth before nightfall.
Halfway up the mountain it began to drizzle, then the fog set in then it got colder then the road became slippery and I was down to 20 k/h. After 50 kms of this I saw the turn off to Tamworth. It wasn't dirt, it was mud. Not easy to ride with clip on handlebars.
Wet wet wet!!!
Nice view midway up Thunderbolts way
Later the other Turistas told me that they saw the dirt road and then a sign that said “Tamworth 90 kms”. Sh*t, what has Flores done to us now? But it was only five kms of dirt as I said, but at the time I did feel the vibes. Character building Ian said, this is not a tour for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.
Halfway up the mountain it began to drizzle, then the fog set in then it got colder then the road became slippery and I was down to 20 k/h. After 50 kms of this I saw the turn off to Tamworth. It wasn't dirt, it was mud. Not easy to ride with clip on handlebars.
Wet wet wet!!!
Nice view midway up Thunderbolts way
Later the other Turistas told me that they saw the dirt road and then a sign that said “Tamworth 90 kms”. Sh*t, what has Flores done to us now? But it was only five kms of dirt as I said, but at the time I did feel the vibes. Character building Ian said, this is not a tour for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.
Umm, this will take some cleaning!
Pilot down--sos--
I was out of the dirt and beginning a steep descent when my machine stopped. I cruised downhill using gravity and attempted a restart as I had done before. The battery was flat, It was nearly dark I pushed the Duke to the side of the road and the last rider came by as so did a car, which I flagged down and he took me to Tamworth library.
That night I managed to get the NRMA to take me the seventy kms back up the mountain to get the bike on a tow truck and have him deliver it to my motel. We even saw a few kangaroos, an owl, rabbits and a live wombat crossing the road. The Tamworth librarians were wonderful, feeding us and helping us find our accommodation as well as convincing the NRMA that I should get my bike that night, as it may not be there in the morning.
That night I managed to get the NRMA to take me the seventy kms back up the mountain to get the bike on a tow truck and have him deliver it to my motel. We even saw a few kangaroos, an owl, rabbits and a live wombat crossing the road. The Tamworth librarians were wonderful, feeding us and helping us find our accommodation as well as convincing the NRMA that I should get my bike that night, as it may not be there in the morning.
A sad ending for the Ducati....but all is not lost as the following day the phoenix arose!
Dorrigo
Friday morning saw the crew leave on time and head for Armidale. After having my problems diagnosed by the bike mechanic across the road from the motel and fixed, I was off to join them. The Duke did not miss a beat for the rest of the trip. After speeds in excess of 13k per hour I managed to catch up with the others in time to be in the group photo for the paper.
Riders gather in Armidale
Biblio Bruce meanders into Armidale Library
The highway was an easy ride and cars pulled to one side as I approached at speed from the year like a man on a mission. It was still cold, but no wind and blue skies. More morning tea then on to Dorrigo for lunch. After lunch we were invited to the local child care centre to ride around their carpark for their visual pleasure, but by the time we got there they were asleep. I did manage to go in and read them a book while the others moved on to Belligen.
Once upon a time there was a little red Ducati......
Riders gather in Armidale
Biblio Bruce meanders into Armidale Library
The highway was an easy ride and cars pulled to one side as I approached at speed from the year like a man on a mission. It was still cold, but no wind and blue skies. More morning tea then on to Dorrigo for lunch. After lunch we were invited to the local child care centre to ride around their carpark for their visual pleasure, but by the time we got there they were asleep. I did manage to go in and read them a book while the others moved on to Belligen.
Once upon a time there was a little red Ducati......
Great hospitality at Dorrigo Library
The road down was tight and slow, but the road along the river to town was a dream. One of the most beautiful drives in the country with sweeping curves to enjoy.
The road was magnificent and some even slowed to 150 to enjoy the scenery, unfortunately Ian did himself some damage by using his foot to hold up the bike when he stopped rather than his center stand. Ian did not realize how heavy a fully laden Honda with pillion was. Lots of Johnny Walker medicine and rest helped ease the pain.
Belligen
We were met at Belligen by the general manager and the deputy mayor who were very welcoming and gracious and eager to show us plans of their new library.
Belligen Library
Belligen Library
Departure
Coffs harbour
Soon we were on to Coffs Harbour to meet the local Ulysses club group and to talk with the staff. The Moto Guzzi in the library was raffled off and Pam was the lucky winner. Unfortunately she had to leave it as she already had her own bike. As it got dark we joined the Friday night commuters to Nambucca Heads.
Coffs Harbour the Turismo roders were greeted by the local clan.
Coffs Harbour the Turismo roders were greeted by the local clan.
Coffs library staff and Biblio Roger.
Alan falls in love with the local Guzzi.
Pam was also impressed....time to update?
The Coffs Harbour express book service delivery bike?
Alas Ross and Bruce did not find the Coffs Library, but they did find the beach....wow!!!
Beautiful!
That's an affirmative from me!
Nice helmet hair dude!
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