Virgins (to BRC) in Indiana

[mrhabilis]

Fellow Burners,

I have successfully purchased our tickets and realized (excitedly) that we only have 5 months to prepare. Burning Man 2016 will be our first burn.

I tried to connect with the “http://www.indianaburners.org/” website, but it appears to have been shut down, and no one replied to my email. I then sent emails to burners in surrounding states, but only received one reply (thank you Nathan in Iowa), and from that I have received some very good information.

However, I would also appreciate opinions from others so I might be able to aggregate a consensus. I don’t want to end up sunburnt, dirty, bug-bit, burned out, sick, injured and weary from the trip. I want it to be a magical, wonderful experience.

First, I am trying to plan out the best route from Indy to BRC. The main chunk of the trip from Indy to BRC is (obviously) I-74 then I-80 for most of the way. The only route that is not obvious is the last leg from Winnemucca to Gerlach. One possible route is to continue on I-80 to Fernley then north on NV St. Rd. 447. However a far shorter route is St. Rd. 49 straight west out of Winnemucca. That cuts a lot of miles off that last leg, but unfortunately, St. Rd. 49 appears to go from paved, to semi-paved, to dirt. Has anyone taken that route? Is it worth the shortened drive? [Nathan says no, go to Fernley, and I have been persuaded to agree.]

We are considering driving 2 days (15+ hours a day) pulling our little camper... [jpg did not show up when I pasted it, so you will just have to use your imagination] …and staying in a motel in Elko on the second night. That way we can fill our water tanks, get any last minute supplies and have a leisurely shower before getting back on the road for the last 6 hours to Gerlach. Do you [midwest burners] usually drive straight through? Do you [midwest burners] stay in a motel on the way or camp or what? Suggestions?

We plan on arriving mid-day, September 1st. Burning Man will have already started 4 days earlier, but I think we can only endure 5 nights of roughing it in the desert (we are both 65 and not in the best of health). Would you concur? Is this a good idea? [Nathan says we will be sorry if we don't come earlier and stay longer.]

I suspect that most of the “Burners” will have already arrived and so it might be less of an ordeal getting in. The only downside is that we will probably be relegated to the outermost streets of BRC. Of course, this may also be a blessing when it is time to leave. Do we get to park/camp wherever we want? …or will we be “guided” (pointed to) a place? Can we choose? Is there a camp we should join?

We will be completely self-contained, but will probably use the BRC “porta-potties” as much as we can, so we don’t fill up our little holding tank in the RV. We will have a 100 watt solar panel to keep our battery charged and a 1,000 watt generator to run if needed. However we would rather not use the generator as I think our neighbors would rather not have the noise (even though it is one of the quietest generators available). I am still working out the details, but I hope to be able to “gift” AA and AAA batteries, as well as offer a recharging station our fellow burners. As far as power, have we forgotten anything obvious?

We will bring 30 gallons of water, plus non-perishable food and other supplies. Will 30 gallons be sufficient for 2 people for 5 days?

I know there are hundreds of “Burner Prep” YouTube videos and lists on websites, but we are looking for suggestions specific for those of us who walk with a cane and whose Rx bag looks like a drug store.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Hoosier Burner Virgin,
-Phil K in Indy

[Chowski]

Alrighty, I'll give it a try. I can't speak to everything you ask about, but I can address some of your concerns.

Sunburn - bring sunscreen. Lots of it. Spray-bottle kind works best since your body will be covered in playa dust, and rubbing in the lotion type is just disgusting.

Dirty - you will be dirty. You will not care. If you must, baby wipes are a great way to clean faces and hands, pits and bits. Garden sprayers are also a great way to "shower". Stand on a towel, spray down, soap up, rinse off. No grey water to deal with, and a reasonable "clean".

Bug-bit - there are virtually no bugs on the playa. Don't bother bringing bug spray.

Burned out, sick, injured - read the ticket, you may die. You will also likely be exhausted no matter what you do. Embrace the exhaustion, and plan on a motel room for the night you leave the playa. You will need a real shower and good night's sleep before you drive home.

Magical Experience - this cannot be guaranteed. The entire experience may not be magical (and some of it will suck in ways you cannot anticipate or prepare for) but you will have at least one incredibly magical experience.

Arrival date - There are pros and cons to arriving later in the week. In my opinion, the earlier part of the week is better. The city is quieter (although never quiet), and personal relationships are easier to build since there aren't nearly as many people. The beginning of the week might offer more interactive fun within the city during the daytime and a chance to see the large-scale art still being constructed. Later in the week, a different vibe starts to happen - the activity definitely shifts toward nighttime - crazier crowds, crowded streets. I'm 45 and I find the end of the week to be a bit party-crowd touristy. For a couple such as yourselves, a few years older than me, I suspect you might have a better time if you arrived a few days earlier in the week when the city has a more intimate scale and less screaming, pulsing electronic dance tourist crush. If I were you, I'd try to arrive late Monday or Tuesday, and plan on staying until Friday, knowing that, if you love it, you could stay for the Saturday Man burn and deal with traffic getting out.

Getting in and out - as long as you arrive Monday evening or later, you are likely to not face any traffic. Exodus (leaving the burn) can be terrible - up to 8 hours just to get out of the event onto the road- from any point Saturday night after the man burns through Monday. Where you are camped in the city will not change that.

Camping - you can choose any open area you want - check with the people camping there to make sure the area isn't taken. I've camped all over the city, and I actually prefer the back. It's bit quieter - easier to sleep, and it's a bit easier to meet your neighbors. You've got a camper, you don't need to join a camp.

Potties - the city potties are numerous and cleaned often, but since you already have a trailer, consider your options. Some will insert a garbage bag into their camper toilet and fill it up with goodness, then tie that off and store to take home for later. Gross, yes, but it beats getting up in the middle of the night and walking in darkness 300 yards (with a cane) to use a stinky porto. Pee-bottles also save tank space, and can be emptied at the portos in the morning.

Walking with a cane - Black Rock City is enormous - miles and miles and miles - and can really only be seen on foot or bicycle. Depending on the level of your mobility, you might consider a scooter or electric wheelchair, or start looking at resources provided by Mobility Camp (www.mobilitycamp.org). They offer daily guided art tours in busses or golf carts for those who might otherwise have difficulty getting around, and I think you can even apply to camp with them if that is something you might want. Do not underestimate how enormous the city is and the toll getting around takes on even young, active people. There are resources and options.

I know they say 1 1/2 gallons of water per person per day, but that is if you are cooking, cleaning, showering and drinking. You will likely be just fine with ten gallons (1 gallon per person per day). Maybe a few more.

You've got plenty of time to prepare, and you're going to have great time. Hope this helps.

[Savannah]

Fellow Burners,

I have successfully purchased our tickets and realized (excitedly) that we only have 5 months to prepare. Burning Man 2016 will be our first burn.

I tried to connect with the “http://www.indianaburners.org/” website, but it appears to have been shut down, and no one replied to my email. I then sent emails to burners in surrounding states, but only received one reply (thank you Nathan in Iowa), and from that I have received some very good information.

However, I would also appreciate opinions from others so I might be able to aggregate a consensus. I don’t want to end up sunburnt, dirty, bug-bit, burned out, sick, injured and weary from the trip. I want it to be a magical, wonderful experience.

First, I am trying to plan out the best route from Indy to BRC. The main chunk of the trip from Indy to BRC is (obviously) I-74 then I-80 for most of the way. The only route that is not obvious is the last leg from Winnemucca to Gerlach. One possible route is to continue on I-80 to Fernley then north on NV St. Rd. 447. However a far shorter route is St. Rd. 49 straight west out of Winnemucca. That cuts a lot of miles off that last leg, but unfortunately, St. Rd. 49 appears to go from paved, to semi-paved, to dirt. Has anyone taken that route? Is it worth the shortened drive? [Nathan says no, go to Fernley, and I have been persuaded to agree.]

Welcome, Phil & Co-Camper!

. . . And nope, State Route 49 (Jungo Road) is not worth it. While the road is shorter, it's no shortcut--because it's unlit, unpaved, unmaintained, and full of kamikazi rabbits. You cannot maintain a proper speed on that road. If you break down, you are unlikely to see another person for 24+ hours.

My friend and I took it years ago, because it looked shorter. It was a hilarious adventure, but I'm surprised we got off unscathed (in a sedan!) and I wouldn't do it again unless I had a jeep, a spare, and nowhere-to-be.

We are considering driving 2 days (15+ hours a day) pulling our little camper... [jpg did not show up when I pasted it, so you will just have to use your imagination] …and staying in a motel in Elko on the second night. That way we can fill our water tanks, get any last minute supplies and have a leisurely shower before getting back on the road for the last 6 hours to Gerlach. Do you [midwest burners] usually drive straight through? Do you [midwest burners] stay in a motel on the way or camp or what? Suggestions?

I don't drive from the Midwest, but I do have a drive long enough to stay at a motel, and I always do.

If I had a camper, like you guys do, I might be willing to camp, although I'm sure it would be packed full of stuff. That's not so bad if you're prepared to climb over things and get a quick 7 hours of sleep.

We plan on arriving mid-day, September 1st. Burning Man will have already started 4 days earlier, but I think we can only endure 5 nights of roughing it in the desert (we are both 65 and not in the best of health). Would you concur? Is this a good idea? [Nathan says we will be sorry if we don't come earlier and stay longer.]

This is a tough one. You & your doctor know your own health and your own limits better than your friend does. But I think Nathan is passionately in love with the event and trying to make sure you maximize your enjoyment.

There is a charm to the early days of the event that lessens slightly as the week progresses and the party vibe amps up. For this reason, and because the exit traffic is sometimes 6+ hours before hitting the pavement on Sunday/Temple Day and Labor Day, some long-time Burners arrive early in the week and leave Thursday or Friday and skip the actual Burn of the Man. I could never do it, but I understand why some do.

If you want to leave the event without sitting in the exit line for 6+ hours, do it before the Man Burns (ouch! I don't recommend that your first time) or wait until Tuesday September 6th when traffic has died down considerably.

There is also (sometimes) a lull at 3am or 4am after the Man Burns, but it's dark as hell and easy to be dangerously tired.

I suspect that most of the “Burners” will have already arrived [by Sept 1] and so it might be less of an ordeal getting in.

Correct! It should be fairly painless on September 1st. No promises, but probably true. Note: if there's a huge dust storm, Gate closes and people hunker down and wait in line. But Gate doesn't close often.

The only downside is that we will probably be relegated to the outermost streets of BRC. Of course, this may also be a blessing when it is time to leave. Do we get to park/camp wherever we want? …or will we be “guided” (pointed to) a place? Can we choose? Is there a camp we should join?

You will be given a map at Greeter's (the stop after the Gate, where they will search your camper briefly and take your tickets). The map will have shaded areas that are for theme camps; one will want to avoid those . . . although by Thursday of the event, unused land is arguably fair game (theme camps are supposed to use and fill their land, not just rope off empty areas and never use them).

To be on the safe side, avoid shaded areas, but if you see some unused land, it doesn't hurt to ask (especially so late in the week). Always ask when you pull up (anywhere) and you save yourself conflict.

. . . Stay away from 2 - 3 o'clock and 9 - 10 o'clock on the maps if you're a light sleeper; these are especially noisy spots.

The 3 o'clock side is slightly quieter, the 9 o'clock side is a little noisier.

We will be completely self-contained, but will probably use the BRC “porta-potties” as much as we can, so we don’t fill up our little holding tank in the RV. We will have a 100 watt solar panel to keep our battery charged and a 1,000 watt generator to run if needed. However we would rather not use the generator as I think our neighbors would rather not have the noise (even though it is one of the quietest generators available). I am still working out the details, but I hope to be able to “gift” AA and AAA batteries, as well as offer a recharging station our fellow burners. As far as power, have we forgotten anything obvious?

Batteries and recharging are a very sweet gift idea; good on you.

Very smart to use the portapotties instead of your tanks when you can. Incidentally, many folks bring large detergent bottles for nature's call, so they don't have to run to the portos in the middle of the night.

Running a quiet genny in the middle of the day for some AC is generally not frowned upon at all. Running it all night next to someone's tent is where folks sometimes get cranky.

We will bring 30 gallons of water, plus non-perishable food and other supplies. Will 30 gallons be sufficient for 2 people for 5 days?

It should be. I tend to use the 1.5 gallon of water per person, per day, which includes sponge baths, but no dish-washing. I always end up with extra, because I'm also drinking juice and soda.

I know there are hundreds of “Burner Prep” YouTube videos and lists on websites, but we are looking for suggestions specific for those of us who walk with a cane and whose Rx bag looks like a drug store.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Hoosier Burner Virgin,
-Phil K in Indy

Health and Safety home (with many links)
http://burningman.org/event/preparation/health-safety/

If you have mobility issues, you have options:
http://burningman.org/event/art-perform ... ehicles/2/

You can't drive the camper around the Burn, obviously, but if you arrived in Black Rock City towing the camper with a pickup or other vehicle, the DMV might be able to issue a disabled person's license for you to drive that smaller vehicle around at 5mph w/ a disability placard. You apply online. "Final licensing takes place at Burning Man where the DMV’s team of Hotties will check your vehicle and your State issued paperwork. When you are ready to start driving your vehicle on the playa, make the DMV your very first stop and bring your acceptance letter with you. Once at the DMV, the DMV staff will make sure you meet the criteria for a license."

Bikes are also lovely and simpler if you're in the habit of bike riding, but if you hadn't ridden in years you'll need to start practicing now.

[Elliot]

Welcome to ePlaya, Mrhabilis!
You may not be so old and wobbly as you think. (I'm 64 with two worn-out knees.)

Are ye daft?
Indianapolis to Black Rock City is over 2,100 miles. You are pulling a trailer, and you are elderly and frail. Four days, at least! Better make it five. You'll be tired when you leave. Don't be tired when you arrive!

NO!
Jungo Road from Winnemucca to Gerlach is notorious for tearing up tires and otherwise being a horrible road. Go to Fernley.

Oh dear....
Arriving Thursday afternoon... you would have barely over three days at the event. People start packing up on Sunday.
To my mind, Burning Man is a "full immersion" sort'a thing. Don't cheat yourself out of it. To avoid the inbound rush on Sunday August 28, arrive Monday, or at the latest Tuesday.

Simply find a vacant spot; check in with the neighbors to make sure you will get along (loud music all night?).

Sure, sunscreen and desert clothing. Me, I'm already building a base tan, which I consider the best sunburn protection.

Read the Survival Guide. Twice.

Please come back here when you have read it.

[Edit; Savannah posted while I was typing.]

[Elliot]

For mobility in Black Rock City, I suggest tricycles with electric "assist" motor. A tricycle is allowed an electric motor of up to 750 Watts = 1 horsepower. No approval required. The best type of electric motor may be a "hub motor", which replaces the front wheel.

If you are tempted to get a four wheel pedal car like a RhoadesCar, the electric assist would make it a motor vehicle requiring approval. (The difference is the fourth wheel. State law.)

[Popeye]

whose Rx bag looks like a drug store

Check that bag -especially BP meds- for diuretics. If there are any talk to your Doc and tell him where your are going and that you expect to be at least slightly dehydrated. Your bodies won't be used to the heat and you won't notice that you are sweating because it evaporates so quickly. Force fluids, at least 1 gallon a day and add electrolytes. I use NUUN but your mileage may vary.
Read and reread the survival guide. Read it again.
Search Eplaya to answer questions. When you can't find the answer post here, a lot of people are willing to help but as Eplaya gets busy there are to many redundant questions for each one to get full attention. If you show you have looked for yourself you will get a better/fuller answer.
If you don't exercise reguarly start now.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Ratty]

WOW. I'm impressed by the long thoughtful replies from these ePlayans. This site really is the go-to place for good advice and info. Welcome. You have plenty of time to work out the details. Be flexible. Read everything then we can help you fill in the blanks. Come to the Meet & Greet on Wednesday night at 6pm (durring the event). Plenty of hugs guaranteed. Welcome to ePlaya.

[mrhabilis]

Everyone!! Thanks for all the replies; some have persuaded me to do things differently, some have given me food for thought. I appreciate them all.
** Chowski = Thanks for all the very good information! You answered a lot of questions for me, especially little ones like where to camp and walking with a cane. I will definitely look into "Mobility Camp". I can walk short distances but tire quickly.
** Savannah = Thanks for your thoughtful reply. You confirmed what others had said about "Jungo Road". I will not try that route. Also thanks for the encouragement about our gifting ideas. I have also learned that sometimes "gifting" is not planned, so we will bring extra TP, moist wipes, sunscreen and coffee. I am also looking forward to "gifting" old war stories and tales of our youthful indiscretions. (Do you think I should put up a booth?)
** Elliot = Thank you for your reply! Good info! I will rethink my driving schedule to BRC, maybe 2 days is too short. The most encouragement that you were able to offer was not something you "said" but how you signed your post; "Elliot's Naked Bicycle Service & Piano Bar". Do you gift (rent) trikes? I have considered bringing an adult 3-wheeler, but my problem is I don't have enough room to bring two of them (even one may be impossible). I am also considering a small electric scooter (http://www.walmart.com/ip/39817313?wmls ... 32&veh=sem) but since this one does not have pedals, when the battery dies, it will be dead on the playa. Plus I will still have the problem of getting it to BRC.
** Ulisse= Yes, I am on two different BP Rx for diuretics. I will be sure to talk to the Doc about that.
** Elderberry = I, too, am very impressed with the insightful replies. Right now, our plan is to arrive on Thursday, but if that changes and we get there a day earlier, we will be sure to come to the "Meet & Greet on Wednesday night at 6pm".

Again, thanks to all, see you at Black Rock City!

[Savannah]

** Savannah = Thanks for your thoughtful reply. You confirmed what others had said about "Jungo Road". I will not try that route.

Whew!

Also thanks for the encouragement about our gifting ideas. I have also learned that sometimes "gifting" is not planned, so we will bring extra TP, moist wipes, sunscreen and coffee. I am also looking forward to "gifting" old war stories and tales of our youthful indiscretions. (Do you think I should put up a booth?)

Right! . . . A lot of gifting is not planned, and is all about spotting a need and filling it. You might have an extra blinky and give it to someone who doesn't know better than to be unlit at night. Or you might see someone going from porto to porto looking for TP in desperation, and give them a small roll of 1-ply (the only kind the portos can tolerate) . . . Or you might see someone with scary chapped lips and give them a lip balm. That sort of thing.

Your gift ideas are very good.

[Elliot]

... ... Do you gift (rent) trikes? ... ...

Neither I, nor my camp, in any way shape or form, ever rent (nor sell) anything.
We have been known to lend bicycles and a couple tricycles. This belongs in the realm of gifting, yes.
Even so, we may possibly now be drifting toward the edges of the ePlaya Terms Of Service, so we are taking it to e-mail.

[BBadger]

** Elderberry = I, too, am very impressed with the insightful replies.

I, too, find Elderberry's boilerplate responses incredibly insightful and useful, especially the custom copy-and-pasted one on this thread.

[Captain Goddammit]

I strongly disagree with some of this advice.
First about the water. If you've got a camper, 30 gallons is bare minimum, I've never brought less than 100 gallons.
You'll easily blow through that 30 gallons.
You could do the extreme water conservation stuff a lot of burners do (they like to suffer) but I'm saying bring as much as you can.
A gallon and a half a day is for people who stay in a tent and wipe off with a wet-nap, don't wash anything, don't shower, and otherwise live like hippies.

Don't line your toilet with a plastic bag! That's a horrible idea. Really horrible.
Your camper has a holding tank, right? Use it.

If you have one of the quiet Honda or Yamaha or similar generators you can run it all you want. I often run power 24 hours a day. As long as you don't have your unit two feet from some tent, it's fine.

The advice about driving is good. That's too far for a two-day, 15 hours a day trip. Spread it out some more.

Coming late in the week is the opposite of what I would suggest. As others have said, the later part of the week is the most crowded, loudest, and busiest.
If you come early and are loving Black Rock City, you still have the option to stay.
If you come late and are sorry you missed half of it, you're screwed.
This trip is a big deal, lots of prep, lots of effort to come all that way and skip half of it. I'd leave your option for not missing half of it open.

You guys need trikes. It's a LONG way to everywhere. If you can partially disassemble them, trikes aren't so unmanageable, they get pretty small.
It's worth the effort. Biking or triking is super easy in BRC, it's all level and flat.
Walking miles and miles isn't.
If you take the wheels off and maybe even the rear "trike kit" section, they will easily fit in the door of a camper. You can even strap the wheels or frames on the back.