Biblio Turismo

2009-09-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

2009-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

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

Biblio Turismo 2009

2009-02-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for details of the 2009 Biblio Turismo ride. Heading to a Library near you!

In the begining God created motorbikes & then a Library

2008-06-05T23:29:00.000-07:00

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!

Maitland is a greatland

2008-06-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Thunderbolts way to oblivion

2008-06-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Umm, this will take some cleaning!

Pilot down--sos--

2008-06-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

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.

A sad ending for the Ducati....but all is not lost as the following day the phoenix arose!

Dorrigo

2008-06-05T23:06:00.001-07:00

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......

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

2008-06-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

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

Departure

Coffs harbour

2008-06-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

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 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!

Day three

2008-06-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

DAY THREE SATURDAY
A walk around the bay before breakfast and I was ready for a day of hard riding and meeting more of our colleagues.

Early morning walk

Our first stop was Stuart’s Point where we met the librarian who had a library full of customers. After a nice cup of coffee we were off to Kempsey where we did it all over again.

Two of our more adventurous Turistas headed off for Forster via the Oxley Highway, a few extra hundred kms at an appropriate speed was needed to let the Italian and German machines stretch their legs. It's nice to see men enjoying themselves on a fast machine and winding roads.

Taree

2008-06-05T22:55:00.001-07:00

After riding for an hour we turned up at Taree. It is not often I am waved down by a beautiful women at the traffic lights and told” All the women are waiting for you at the library”. We had a meal fit for a King. There was a large dog in the library but it was soon taken to the park next door. After viewing the new library in rented premises one of the librarians led us to their latest library at on her brand new RS900 Triumph. Great bike but I was not to sure about the huge RS on the fairing. We then toured down to the main beach at Forster where we said our goodbyes as we watched dolphins surf the waves.

Nice Triumph

Nice Scenery

Nice Library

Nice helmet...umm debatable...

Nice bear or is that a dog?

A sidetrack adventure up th Oxley

2008-06-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

An hour or two at the motel drinking wine and discussing the days ride set us up for an evening of wining and dining. Pam’s man turned up with a smile on his face and a tale of adventure on the Oxley. An accident avoided by good riding and a great bike.

Brian and Ross travelled the road less travelled (conboyne rd up and overthe Mountains)!

Brian on his adventure bike!!!

The GS in its natural element

Midway up the Oxley.

Chris, the local City Librarian met us at the Thai and Seafood restaurant (No Thai as the cook was away for the night). We all bought a bottle of wine and ate well. Ian’s leg was either feeling better or else he could no longer feel it due to his medication that was in the large red bottle on the table.

farewell

2008-06-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

DAY FOUR SUNDAY

We rose at various times and headed off to our various destinations. I to the central coast, and others to Canberra, Noosa, Ballerat, Sydney, Griffith , Newcastle.

Ian and I left at 7.30am and although the ride past the lakes and through the valleys and across the mountains was superb, the cold finally numbed my toes and I was so cold I had to stop to thaw out. A short break at Raymond Terrace with Ian and was all I needed before the very quick ride home.

Pam,Brian and Ross visited the Forster Library before heading home. Chris provided an informative tour of the Library. Whilst not a new building the Library boasted an innovative design and had some absolutely stunning local indigenous art works on the wall. The childrens area also had a once operational local fishing boat installed, complete with two inbuilt computers, so the little ones could trawl the net? (Ross)

I am already planning next year’s run but it will be in the summer with longer and much warmer days.

Alan A. Flores
Tour Leader

Library Services Manager
Gosford City Library

I will return............

2008 Biblio Turismo

2008-03-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

A LITTLE NONSENSE NOW AND THEN IS RELISHED BY THE WISEST MEN. Roald Dahl

Biblio Turismo is on again. This year it will be in May so as to coincide with Library and Information week. This is our third year and we want it to be our biggest yet.

Biblio Turismo is the NSW public library event of the year when librarians from across the state meet and visit public libraries over a three day period. We do it on motorbikes and use the event to help market public libraries. All those working in the library industry and their partners are invited to come.

So if you have a motorbike or can borrow one and do not mind having your picture in the paper then contact the organiser now. Last year we had bikes from 250cc to 1200cc. If you want to come in a car you are also most welcome.

We will be leaving Gosford on Thursday the 22nd, May and will finish at Forster on the Saturday night. We will travel via Tamworth, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Taree.

Check out or website for more details and see what great fun we had in previous years.
http://www.biblioturismo.org/

Biblio Turismo 2007

2007-11-27T00:35:00.000-08:00

Alan Flores (narrator) arrives at Engadine Library; wet, wet, wet!!!

Day One Engadine to Bateman’s Bay
I had been watching the weather radar for the last few days and knew what to expect, but I still felt uncomfortable loading up my Duke and taking it out into the rain covered streets on the beginning of what could be a very miserable journey or a memorable tour.
This year’s tour began for me at 6am at Gosford on a very wet Thursday morning in early November. Riding the expressway to Sydney in the pouring rain with limited visibility was bad enough, but to get caught in stop-go traffic as I crossed the harbour bridge was a lot worse.

Engadine: the beginning!

2007-11-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

By the time I reached Engadine it was 9am and the rain had not stopped. We were now three and it was so wet that I brought my Ducati into the library for a photo shoot. Not an easy task to get a fully loaded bike up the ramp through the auto sliding doors and past the security checkout to the circulation desk. What the customers thought of this I have no idea. But the warm welcome of the library manager and her staff, a councilor, the local press and media officer made it all worthwhile.

Speech at send off of Biblio Turismo 2007 by councillor from Sutherland Clr McDonell .

Welcome to the second annual Biblio Turismo
Sutherland shire council is proud to be host to this years Turismo.
We ask our messengers to carry the good wishes of Sutherland Shire to all the municipalities and Shires that will be visited over the next four days as they travel hundred's of kilometres across this great state and visit public libraries big and small.

It has been said that people interact more with local government through public libraries than through any other service. There is a need to make sure that councils are aware of libraries potential and to bring libraries more into mainstream local government operations rather than working alongside local government I hope that this Tour helps in this regard as you meet councillors and library staff on your journey.

I would like to end with a quote from Dylan Thomas as good literature always stirs the soul and makes for good travelling and it is what public libraries are all about.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night

A welcome cup of coffee and a croissant and two of us left for Corrimal. The other Turista hurt her hand and could not ride.

Engadine staff prepare to shelve the Ducati!

Corrimal

2007-11-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

We thought it safer to go down to the coast via Stanwell Park rather than the steep corners of Bulli Pass.

The coast was dry and we had a nice ride with the surf on one side and the mountains on the other. A taste of what was to come. We arrived at Corrimal and met another Turista from Campbelltown and the Lord mayor of Wollongong. We talked with the local press had our pictures taken and were given another cup of coffee.

Two became three at Corrimal library

Bowral

2007-11-27T00:32:00.001-08:00

Then it was off to Albion Park and up the mountain to Bowral. Rain most of the way and some pretty hairy corners. At Bowral we met the rest of the crew, Pam and her husband from Griffith; Heidi from Canberra; Ross from Manly and then we were seven.

The gathering at Bowral

Bowral Library Manager and the motley biblio Turista's

Ulladulla

2007-11-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

The ride down the mountain to Nowra was one of the worst I have ever experienced. Fog, rain and more rain. We were again out of the rain and we could now make up some time and picked up some speed. Ulladulla was sunny and the two library staff were most welcoming. A short tour of the harbour and we were off to Bateman’s Bay to our motels a quiet drink and a good meal. The discussion turned to bikes and the day’s ride.

Paradise!

Lunchtime reading.

Allan tries his hand at the circ desk!

The charming staff at Ulladulla

Where to next amigo?

Day two Bateman’s bay to Merimbula.

2007-11-27T00:30:00.001-08:00

A visit to the Bateman’s Bay library after which we headed further south down the coast road joining highway one at Moruya. A short time later we were enjoying the hospitality of the Narooma library staff. More pictures and an interview with the local press and it was on to Bega

Bombala to Merimbula

2007-11-27T00:28:00.000-08:00

We found the elusive Mr Sun on the wall of Bombala Library!

More press pictures then we headed up the mountains again to Bombala, population 1500. Fantastic views, great corners, it was what sport bikes were made for. Then the rain a late storm and a massive drop in temperature. Still we met a councilor and the librarian opened her library just for us. The local press was summoned and more pictures.

I got left behind as the Turistas headed fro Eden by a more circuitous but safer route. Being alone on a mountain road surrounded by Pine trees and only the occasional black kangaroo and the sound of my V twin to keep me company. I was relieved to reach Highway One and begin the long ride home; I had reached our most southern point.

I was overtaken by Ian on his Honda 800 and followed him into Merimbula, past the kangaroos grazing on the golf course. We all met at the local pub for a well-earned drink and meal. Heidi came in late after parking her bike outside in the beer garden, which was quite a surprise since we were on the first floor. Awards were given out for fastest, longest distance traveled and hard luck story.

We arrived at Bombala Library via a massive downpour!

The Gods were pleased with the Hyabusha!

Day three Merimbula to Kiama

2007-11-27T00:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning saw us having a breakfast feast on the waterfront with Heidi’s cousin who was a local. We then visited the Merimbula library, which was in a squash court, not a converted one, but the saddest of all libraries we had visited. Considering the wealth in the town we had expected better. The library was bigger but no better than when I had managed the library service here in the 1970s.

Some fuel for the riders, before we depart sunny Merrimbula

Merrimbula Library

Warm sunny day, winding dry roads and fast bikes.

2007-11-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

We were now in a groove. Warm sunny day, winding dry roads and fast bikes. Soon we were off to Tathra, then a magic ride to Bermagui where in contrast they were about to open a huge new library. We paid our respects to the building that had served them well for the last thirty years and moved on to Moruya.

A cup of Java and a biscuit and a long talk with the pleasant staff in their well appointed library and we decided to take that great coast road again to Bateman’s Bay for lunch.

Meeting point at Bermagui

The soon to be opened Bermagui Library