To Drive or Not to Drive That is the Question

imaginelino · Post by **imaginelino** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:33 am

Hello All!,

Okay, I have been following the burning man for a couple of years now and I am quite intrigued about the idea. Forget Europe, forget the beaches, the burning man is calling me!

I have been trying to get friends interested but no one dares to venture outside their suburban lives, so for myself I am planning to attend in 07!

I live in Toronto, Canada and I am thinking about driving down to the desert from here, probably dragging a camper or trailer full of provisions. Anyone think this is a good or bad idea? Am I assigned a spot to park and camp? Once parked can you drive off the playa to get provisions?

Am I crazy for driving for two days to come to this festival... is it worth it ?? (of course i know it is)

im sure more questions to follow....(anyone in my area going?)

Cheers!

lino

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:45 am

There are some reserved areas for theme camps, but other than that you park where you can find space. If you're there the first day or two it shouldn't be too hard, after that you'll have to ask camps that look like they have open space, if they are going to use that space. It's just open space between the streets, if it's not being used by someone else that means you're using it.

Once you are in you don't want to leave, so bring everything you need/want for the week. You won't want to waste playa time to go driving WAY back down to the city. I've been told you can leave and come back but have to pay a door fee 10 or 20 dollars or something around there. Don't though. Cars driving through the streets just get in the way and throw up dust, so once it's parked it's better to leave it, for you and all your neighbors.

And yes it's worth the drive. I'm fortunatly only 12 hours away but I have done many road trips and burningman is worth a week long drive.

pinemom · Post by **pinemom** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:46 am

definatley Go to Burningman...I know there are a couple of peeps that hail from there....bring them, as for provisions...have everything you need prior to the gate...no leaving once your there! Parked!

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:00 am

Later in the year, and that's 2007 btw, the rideshare boards will start up. Heh, sometimes they even work. You probably can locate like-minded souls to share in driving and fuel and such.

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:53 am

Definitely worth it. Hopefully, you will have at least one or two roadtrip companions to ride with.

Here are some random ideas that may not be worth much.
Perhaps you could arrange to stay the night and rest with Burners who live along your route and who haven't yet departed. Another option, would be to fly to a big regional event in a state much closer to Burning Man, make friends with the local Burners, and join one of the bigger theme camps that would provide most of your infrastructure needs and who would be willing to transport your tent, food, etc. Then you could fly to Reno, or fly to the theme camp state and ride with them.

Burning Man does discourages exiting and re-entering once in and situated. There is a shuttle bus (I think, daily) that takes you to either Gerlach or Empire where you can get extra provisions, but the truth is, if you forget something that isn't too major (like tent, food, water) you can usually find what you need from others. This is not to say you should not arrive self-sufficient! But forgot the zip-ties or duct tape? No worries.

I know quite a few folks who flew in from Europe and camped with theme camps and did just fine. You can do it too! See ya next year.

imaginelino · Post by **imaginelino** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:10 am

This is awesome, thanks for the tid bits, its making this trip more and more an reality!!

Hope to be there!

Cheers!

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:17 am

Go vs Don't Go - GO! Don't deny yourself this unique experience.

Fly vs Drive - it would be worth crunching the numbers. Many people fly into Reno then rent a car or bum a ride, and pick up a bunch of cheap gear. If the length of the drive or gas prices are a problem this option could make sense. If you already have gear or want to bring some sort of big project or a camper, driving is a good option.

There are a couple of regional groups on your side of the continent, you might want to sign up for their lists to see what they have to say about the journey. There are a couple of shared driving/gear hauling deals that you might get involved in to move your stuff or help pay for your gas.

If you want an "assigned spot" you'll have to arrange with a theme camp to stay with them. Everyone else basically just finds an open spot, talks to those camped around it to make sure it's available, and sets up.

Leaving during the event to get food/water/whatever is possible but inconvenient and it should be considered a last resort. Plan on bringing everything with you on the drive in.

A camper makes things easier, but it's definitely not a requirement. Most of us sleep in tents.

phil · Post by **phil** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:21 am

Check out
http://regionals.burningman.com/index.html
for more information on Burners in your area.

Please drive safely with your trailer and see you next Burn.

imaginelino · Post by **imaginelino** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:15 pm

thanks for the link,

i did check it out and there is a regional 2006 Post-Playa Production party happening this saturday... i guess its a good chance to meet some burners and find out what this is all about...

a bit intimidating though....but i gotta check this out,,

anyone else in toronto attending this party?

please let me know what it is about...

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:33 pm

I have a small truck and have worked the week before the event on the playa. What I tend to do is be light on provisions hauled over the Sierras. I buy some water in Reno and arrive on the playa with about 3 days food/water as that is about all I can carry with all my other stuff.

Once I unload the truck and get my campsite set up I make a run back to Sparks for provisions ( head back to Nixon, turn right at the store, follow the southern shoreline of Pyramid Lake for several miles and make a left toward Sparks). There's a Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and some other stores on the outskirts of Sparks there. Once stocked up on ice, water, grub and booze, I head back to Gerlach stopping at the Empire store for a couple of blocks of ice that get tossed in the back of the truck and given to the gate crew on the way in for their cooler buckets.

The thing is, water and provisions are HEAVY and you don't need to pull them over the Rockies when there are plenty of provisions available on your way in.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:25 pm

If you plan on making the drive be sure to go over your vehicle 100 percent. Fresh oil change, cheack your fluid levels (coolant etc). Make sure your tires are in good shape. For the last couple hours of the drive BE CAREFUL, there is lots of wildlife about and the speed limit drops a little going through town. Bring everything you need, the BM website has a nice list and also check out the Ranger handbook. Only thing available to purchase at the event is ice and coffee/electrolyte. The gift economy allows for some things to be obtained at the event but it is unwise to rely on for food and/or water needs. I am flying in to Reno and grabbing mostly everything there, I have a buddy there that will get my dome and a few other things shipped via UPS. I was considering getting a storage unit for the year (07-08) so I can have more this year without worrying about bringing it back. A bicycle is great to have at the event too, I prefer a trike so I can ride comfortably.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:26 pm

"Make sure your tires are in good shape"

I wouldn't hurt to make SURE that you know exactly where the jack is, that you have a lug wrench that actually FITS all the lugs you have on various vehicles and trailers and I would suggest the lug nuts be broken loose and re-torqued so you know you are going to be able to loosen them if you need to on the road.

If the trailer hasn't been used in a long time or has only been short distances, it wouldn't hurt to pack the wheel bearings with fresh grease before you leave and have a look at the tires. If they are dry-rotted, you can often find some decent used tires someplace that are in better shape for a good price.

Take a strong plank to put under that jack. Road shoulders and playa can be soft and you can find your efforts going more toward pushing the jack into the dirt than lifting the vehicle up.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:15 am

I know someone who flew in from europe and then got in the car and drove from Toronto to burning man. She brought a passenger who can't drive!
I met folks from Florida, America's wang, who spent two weeks seeing every park on the way, while towing more crap than they should have had, and did it again going back.
They had an art car, a dome, an unlisted theme camp and all their crap.
I don't know how they did it!
They had a tiny sport ugly vehicle to pull everything.

So worth it.

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:58 am

Give yourself at least three days for the drive home, more likely 4. You will be tired.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:10 am

I've driven out from Michigan the last four years, (last three solo) and even though it sounds a little like bullshit it's true that going upwind (i.e. "West") is harder on gas mileage than the Eastward return trip. It's a straight shot more or less on I-80 for me, about 2100 miles, and gas is my single greatest expenditure by a BIG margin. This year I spent almost 7 bills on juice for the ol' Element, although that did include a detour up to I-90 through the Rockies and over through South Dakota and Parts East. There's a LOT of stuff to see in this big weird country, and I look forward to the trip almost as much as I do a week in Black Rock City. Do it. Enjoy it.
In regard to leaving BRC during the week- The drive out/drive back in fee is 20 clams. A mere 5 will get you a bus ride to Gerlach/Empire, which is worth doing as a tourist even if you DIDN'T forget your toothbrush. The Empire Store has most basic life support items (like beer, and that toothbrush) but I wouldn't count on replacing that oddball food or personal comfort item that you forgot. (And you WILL forget SOMETHING. That's just part of the process.) I always seem to be arriving and departing BRC outside of business hours in the Gerlach/Empire Metroplex, so taking the Tortoise Shuttle is a good way to make sure that you get a cold one at Bruno's, an Indian taco and a copy of the calendar.
On the other hand, you may just be so freakin' entranced with goings-on that you can't leave BRC at all. It is, after all, pretty freakin' indescribable.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:37 am

I volunteered at the bus depot one year, what fun! To go into to yo must be dressed, sober, and have your event ticket stub. surprising how many folks have trouble with this little slice of reality.

Oh yes, you will forget something, just be quite certan that something is not your ticket!

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:01 am

Yes, go! Drag the trailer and come on down.

Start making a list now. Everything you'll need out there to survive a week. Keep building on it. Amazing what you think of as you read posts or other websites or whatever.

As you get stuff together, put it in a corner of the garage or an empty closet or something. Preferably a formerly empty space. Check it to make sure it works (nothing sucks worse than dragging something 3000 miles just to find out it's broken!) and put it in your Burner Closet. Check it off the list. When it's time to load and go, you'll be less likely to forget something.

Ticket(s) - tack it to the door of the closet on the ouside. One, it keeps you jazzed every time you see it, two, you remember to put it in your wallet when you're packing, and 3, you don't lose it.

Same with traveling funds - start putting aside your gas money, your water money, and probably a hundred or 2 (US) a month aside. Get it changed from Canadian to US ahead of time - makes it harder to spend on other things... and you don't end up here with canadian $$$ which are a LOT harder to change in the middle of Nevada than they are there.

Make a provision list - food, water, lantern/stove/whatever fuel, for stuff to buy in Reno. Yeah, it's an extra 30 miles and a few hours... but it's worth it. Same way coming out - book a room (prepaid so it's yours guaranteed) in Reno for both Exodus night AND the night after. It'll make the drive home a LOT easier, you're not stressed trying to get out of BRC (Exodus is time consuming and frustrating), and having a shower, clean sheets, and someone else do the cooking is... well... you'll find out!

bb

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:14 am

AntiM wrote:Oh yes, you will forget something, just be quite certan that something is not your ticket!

I even had a nightmare about that, last year! I was rolling up to the Greeters and......Where is it?!?! I stuck it behind the glare visor, I SWEAR!!!! And then I'm yanking stuff out of the glovebox, and tearing pages out of the car manual, and generally freaking out. Whew.

BBSue's "garage pile" suggestion is a good'un. I have a cheapo footlocker that serves as my "Burning Man toybox", and there's a big bin of All Green Stuff in my studio....Those who know me on-playa will appreciate my glee over this Green Man business.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:28 am

Garage pile - snort, chuckle. Er, that would be most of the garage, much of the patio, my workroom, the downstairs closet, the Pit's coffee table, and the kitchen table. Plus Bucky is still sitting in the front room staring back at the Psyche Art Heads.

I fear What Not to Wear because they'd never believe me about why I have so many "camping" outfits.

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:16 pm

AntiM wrote:Garage pile - snort, chuckle. Er, that would be most of the garage, much of the patio, my workroom, the downstairs closet, the Pit's coffee table, and the kitchen table. Plus Bucky is still sitting in the front room staring back at the Psyche Art Heads.

I fear What Not to Wear because they'd never believe me about why I have so many "camping" outfits.

What's bad is justifying taking flying lessons... so you can fly to the playa... so you can justify not taking so much STUFF there with you!

And then figuring how to make multiple trips to get your crap there and back anyway!! BAH!!

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:12 pm

I'm planning on driving. But I really love to drive, I find it relaxing, get some nice music and watch all the neat new scenery. But I know that others cannot stand driving for long periods of time and you would be better off taking a bus or flying. I can't wait to go myself.

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 8:08 pm

Driving's almost as fun as being there. Here's a logistics tip:

Make an Open Me First box and load it up with stuff you'll need to get your camp up first. Include one of those 2.5 gallon water suitcases, rebar, bandannas in case it's especially dusty (also to soak in water). Get your shade up first thing upon getting to your camp; once that's done, you're good to get the rest of your stuff up.

Get solar lanterns, and don't pack them up in a box. Let them charge up in your roofrack on your way there. That way you'll have light to work by the first night.

There's tons of tips and tricks and advice from veterans out there. You're giving yourself a good long ramp-up time, which is REALLY good for a first-year.

See you out there!

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:19 pm

From Racine, Wisconsin (where I live), to Gerlach is 2000 miles, and took two days to drive. I think that the drive is worthwhile. (Having to do all the preperations at the last minute sucked, as did having a sinus infection out in the desert-- so I am glad to see you are giving yourself plently of prep time, and I hope you avoid being ill while out there!)

Definitely get the shade structure up first. I learned that the hard way (along with learning what I had planned on improvising a shade structure from wouldn't work. If at all possible, test the stuff out before leaving! Again, having plenty of prep time is a good thing!)

Don't underestimate how much water you need to bring! If you don't drink it all while out there, you can always drink it later. Also, if/when I get a chance to go again, I intend to bring the largest Camelbak-style hydration system I can get my hands on! That way I won't be tied down to getting back to my camp to refill, or finding some other source of water.

Well, that's about all I have to say right now, so I guess I will shut up.

B. (wondering if he can get a doctor to prescribe a medical leave for him around the end of August through early September....)

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:04 am

BAS wrote: I intend to bring the largest Camelbak-style hydration system I can get my hands on! That way I won't be tied down to getting back to my camp to refill, or finding some other source of water.

I ran into that problem last year. I'm addressing it this year by adding a decorated milk crate to my bike and carrying a jug of water to re-tank up with.

Post by **mdmf007** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 7:02 pm

Camelbac's rule - just dont put booze in em, tastes like crap, and then you never get rid of the taste when you go back to H20

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:35 am

Our current plan is to get into Reno on Thursday from straight thru, tag team drive from Dallas, get a hotel room for 2 nights, spend Friday buying all of our food, water, dry ice, etc. and going over all of our checklists for essentials 5 or 6 times just to make sure we got everything and maybe blowing a little money at the tables if there is time.

We are planning on volunteering setup time with the Earth Guardians, DPW or a big theme camp or village so we can roll in on Saturday morning early. Help them get set up, or own selves set up, etc. It also gives a jumpstart on adjusting to the altitude, etc before everything gets rolling by Monday.

nogganoodle · Post by **nogganoodle** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:44 am

I loved the drive up from Vegas. Everyone I spoke to said that it was a really boring drive, but I found it fascinating. I thought I would be able to make it in 1 day, but that was pushing it seeing as I managed to drive 200 miles in the wrong direction! Oh well at least I'll know for next year, (I hope).

dia · Post by **dia** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 10:55 am

I live in Toronto as well. :)
A small crew of friends bought tickets this year and we're all trying to figure out how to get there. Some of us may drive and others fly.
We should chat and see if we can brainstorm together.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:39 am

If you're flying to the US, remember our ban on liquids:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... items.shtm

and remember that the list will likely have changed before you fly in August.

To avoid liquids, see
http://del.icio.us/philip/liquidFree

Since everything you need will be available in Reno, I wouldn't worry too much:
http://civilizedexplorer.pbwiki.com/CivExReno
where Louise gives tips on where to buy or rent everything you'll need.

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 12:27 pm

Also dont forget that you now need a passport when entering the United states via air from canada!!! that went into effect last week.

Your drivers license is no longer enough to get you in.

later - have fun