Burning Man 2011 - How to get there with no car (YIKES)

[Leawok]

Hey Guys!! Nice to meet you all! Now, its my first time to Burning Man and Im planning on staying and travelling with a friend of mine, were flying from other parts of the world (Im coming from Bangkok and my friend is coming from the UK) to San Francisco and going from there. We are going to try and hire a car and drive in ect, the only catch is that we may not have a driver for our vehicle due to some licence difficulties so im looking for alternative ways to get to Burning Man with all our stuff(inc water, food ect). I know its a bit close to the time of the festival but sometimes things dont go to plan so its best to be safe and have a plan B (this is mainly so i dont have a nervous break down in a few weeks aswell ).
Im wondering if you guys know of any other companies/ schemes that give you a a ride and take your stuff aswell....ive looked into the Green Tortoise ride and it looks good but its a bit expensive but worth a shot if thats the only option. Hope you can help.
Thank youuuuu

[AntiM]

Take Amtrak to Reno and find a ride in from there?

[some seeing eye]

Rideshare board here and SF regional may have some message boards.

[Savannah]

And that rideshare board link is:
http://rideshare.burningman.com

Green Tortoise is not as expensive as it seems--they are providing food, water, shade and transport/gas (you provide tent & other supplies) which--because of volume--is actually cheaper than getting your own of each of these things, usually. (You can add up what those things would cost you alone and see.) They're also taking a lot of thinking and worry out of the whole experience, which is worth something too. 'Cause it's not like a rideshare is automatically going to provide you with shade or camp with you--unless someone on the rideshare board has space for you in an RV. Then, it's going to cost as much as the Tortoise, but you might have shade + the whole week at the burn, which is the ultimate. (The biggest downside to the Tortoise--that I know of--is that the trip is only 5 days.)

So good luck with the rideshare board, it's probably your best shot--but if you choose the bus, don't imagine that the Tortoise people are robbing you blind.

[Leawok]

Ello...thanks for the input. I know Green Tortoise are doing a pretty decent deal in all fairness, would be good for a first-timer like myself. I will see if i get anywhere with a lift-share and if not the Green Tortoise it is. Happy Burning preparation to you all!! <3