Playa Bound Teacher

[Myer]

Hiya!

I've been fascinated by burning man for at least the last decade. I remember seeing images from a photographer I followed as a teen and I instantly fell in love with the blatant self expression I saw. For a while, I considered it not to be the event for me, but it still called to me. Over time as I did more research and heard more stories, I fell in love with the self sufficiency of the event. Two years ago I decided that the playa might be a place I can temporarily call home.

Last year I was determined to go, but a (planned) pregnancy changed that. So, this year I ponied up the extra cash to ensure entry for my birgin year and got a presale ticket. I will be going solo initially, but I know so many who go every year that I will never be truly alone.

Prepping has become a hobby of mine and so planning for this year has been quite enjoyable. (As a child I was fascinated with survival)

Financially I have never been quite ready for the adventure until recently. With grad school done, student debt taken care of, and a career as an art (cartooning) high school teacher set, now I am finally able to dedicate the time and resources to this adventure.

I'm trying not to set expectations, but I can't help but look forward to some potential events...Such as working through some of my own struggles and insecurities (I am actually looking forward to working through any inevitable breakdowns), checking out the thunderdome, waiting in line for ice halfway through the week, and making friendships with strangers.

As of now, I will be traveling in my little Honda Civic with my siesta4 tent, a simple shade tarp, and any supplies I can fit.

My biggest concern at this point is trying to find a way to bring my bike on my civic without spending a lot on a roof rack. I've had too many bad experiences with cops to handle the anxiety of having one on the front or rear of my car to hold my bike and potentially block my license plate.

If things go well, I will definitely try to be organized with friends in years to come and would like to do a theme camp...But there is time to get that ball rolling.

TL;DR
I am a 27 year old female art teacher going to burning man solo for my birgin year and wouldn't have it any other way.

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[Sham]

Hey teacher, you seem to be doing everything right. Burning Man can be life altering to so many (in a great way), and your preparation will insure you an awesome week. Teachers have lamented for years that the event collided with the start of classes, and so many have not been able to attend. I'm glad that this is going to work out for you.

I have seen in the past, that folks start meeting people while shopping for supplies and on the way to the playa. Lines at the gate only provide a hint of things to come and more dusty people to call friends.

There is a great search feature here, so poke around and find some great tricks, but also ask questions on things that may not be clear to you.

Best of luck on your planning and your virgin voyage to the desert.

Sham....

[Myer]

Hey teacher, you seem to be doing everything right. Burning Man can be life altering to so many (in a great way), and your preparation will insure you an awesome week. Teachers have lamented for years that the event collided with the start of classes, and so many have not been able to attend. I'm glad that this is going to work out for you.

I have seen in the past, that folks start meeting people while shopping for supplies and on the way to the playa. Lines at the gate only provide a hint of things to come and more dusty people to call friends.

There is a great search feature here, so poke around and find some great tricks, but also ask questions on things that may not be clear to you.

Best of luck on your planning and your virgin voyage to the desert.

Sham....

I made plans ahead of time to take the days off work. Luckily, students don't show up until after the burn so I will only have to work around training and prep before my vacation time. As my principal told me "we will figure it out for you." I remember walking into the office prepared for a big speech on how this adventure would benefit me as an art teacher, but didn't even need it. Man, I love my school district

I have gotten to know most of the information I've saught out here and have started to reread everything I have found useful useful for at least the third time (I have been lurking and researching for a couple years now.)

Thanks for the welcome everyone! I can't wait for this journey ahead of me and look forward to learning where I can best find my fit and contribute. I promise to do my best to avoid being a sparkle pony! (I anticipate I may need help setting up my camp, but I can meet some neighbors and offer refreshments and services in return)

[Mountain Bobby]

Welcome! Hope everything works out great for your first burn! See ya there

[DoctorIknow]

My biggest concern at this point is trying to find a way to bring my bike on my civic without spending a lot on a roof rack. I've had too many bad experiences with cops to handle the anxiety of having one on the front or rear of my car to hold my bike and potentially block my license plate.

What I've done is remove the plate from the car and affix it strongly to the bike at approximately the same location. Then get two or three cheap flashlights and secure them so that they keep a steady beam on the plates. I've seen many do this and haven't read one report of po-po trying to nail someone for that, as there are probably no firm laws about the amount of lumens illuminating the plate, and where and how it is placed.

I have also taped the plate on the inside of the rear van window with flashlights attached to the bikes, all of them aimed at the plate, and I wasn't stopped.

[Ratty]

Myer, Welcome to ePlaya. Getting your bike there can be a challenge but you'll find the perfect solution. You already have your ticket and that's the biggest hurdle these days. Try the auto parts store for a light kit that moves your license plate light to another location. (Think plug, wire, bulb.) Put your license on your bike with zip ties and rest easy that you are legal.

You'll get help setting up if you need it. Drinks and treats are great but not necessary. Jump out of your car, stretch, talk to people about the space you've parked in and take your time. I'm glad you're through lurking here. Join the party.We'll hug your dusty self at the Meet & Greet on Wednesday night.

[TigerButter]

I'm so excited for you!

At 38, I went for my first time last year, solo. I had an unmet friend of a friend to camp next to and thats it. I left Dear Husband and Sweet Daughter at home and headed to the desert solo. My time was my own, I went wherever my overstimulated, distractable eyes took me, my new friends camp adopted me and I love them dearly and I'm completely hooked. You will never be able to find all the magic thats out there to be found.

As to the bike. This might not work for your situation, but instead of getting an expensive roof rack for bikes, I've seen bikes strapped to the top of the car in pieces.. they took wheels off and then padded and strapped the bike on top. It made a smaller, tidier hump that way.

Good luck!

[Savannah]

Welcome, Myer!

The advice you've received on licenses vs. bike racks is spot-on: approximate the same spot, attach super securely, and light that sucker up! Tons of folks do it. The bike is worth the risk--the city is truly huge.