Early Prep

[desireno775]

Im from Reno and I really want to attend this year.
Does anyone have any great suggestions on early prep?
For example: Where is a good/cheap place to rent?
Do you suggest tent trailers?
If ridesharing/meeting new people prior to BM is good idea?
If the experience is more rewarding with your age group or all? With more people?

I want to get started on planning so I know I can afford it. I really want this year to be the year I go. Im stoked.

Please help me out!

[Cabana Springs]

Age group doesn't mean anything. Our group ranges from 30-60. Some smokers, some not. Some big eaters, some not. Some party'rs, some not. The best part of our group is that we are all open hearted, non judgemental, open minded, out of the box thinkers. The only rule we have is - don't stare directly at my wifes tits when she is talking to you. Most of us met by chance, camping next to each other the first year. Like virgins huddled under the umbrella during a storm. This will be our groups sixth straight year. I consider these people to be some of my closest friends.

Oh yeah - got caught up on talking about my peeps -

Don't rent anything. Build it - cause once you go to BM, you won't be able to stay away and you can use your camp over and over and over and over........

[desireno775]

Ok thats good to hear cus Im a people person. Like em all of all sorts.
Oh ya one thing that I was trying to find is good glow sticks. How do I know which are crappy and which will glow for longer amounts of time etc.
Also, I dont know anything about lighting but where would I find the "light wire" type things. (I dont know what they are really called.)

[phil]

Take a look at Louise's pages at
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#renoResources
where she lists resources I'm sure you'll know, then see
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#perennialGuides
for links to glow sticks, EL wire, all sorts of lighting and stuff.

[desireno775]

Don't rent anything. Build it - cause once you go to BM, you won't be able to stay away and you can use your camp over and over and over and over........

I need much direction on how I would do that, what I would use, etc.
I think it would be awesome to do though. Just as long as I have shelter. Ive read a few peoples stories where they just had their tent/car and they had very less of an enjoyable time due to that. I dont want that to be me.
Do you know where I can see small camp pictures so I know generally where I would start?

[emotion_sickness]

This is going to be my first year going to BM too, and here's what im planning on doing for a camp setup...as simple as i can get! i have a big 6-8 person dome tent which i will use for shade as all 4 walls zip down, and a smaller 1-2 person dome tent inside the larger one for a bedroom...a box of easy to make food, a bunch of water, bike, some costume stuff, toys gifts cigarettes and booze. im driving a convertible now so theres not a lot of room which kind of limits what i can bring but i figure...im not going to spend a lot of time at my campsite anyway, im gonna wander around and look at stuff. To each his own tho!

[MikeVDS]

Ive read a few peoples stories where they just had their tent/car and they had very less of an enjoyable time due to that.

You'll find stories about people who were unhappy because they brought more than that. Different people have different preferences.

Based on your questions I'm guessing you're not too much of a camper? For first timers the number one thing is to make sure you have the necessities to survive a campingtrip in the desert.

Shelter is an interesting subject and what is best depends on each individual. If you rent a trailer you will probably be tempted to stay in when the weather is not nice. Dust storms, heat etc. That can be a handicap since you might otherwise seek shelter in shelters of experienced burners and make some new friends. Making a shelter is easy. It can be as simple as some poles and tarps or a complex geodesic dome http://desertdomes.com First time without a lot of camping experience you should go simple with your camp, make sure you have the things you need and enjoy the shade structures and company of the more experienced camps. If I was not experienced at camping and it was my first time I'd probably advise myself to rent a small vehicle that has fold down seats that I could comfortably sleep in. No need to worry about setting up a tent, wind destroying things. If you like to sleep late, you'll bake in your car, so that won't work, but you'll also bake in most tents.

Have you read the burningman survival guide? That is important.

[desireno775]

This is going to be my first year going to BM too, and here's what im planning on doing for a camp setup...as simple as i can get! i have a big 6-8 person dome tent which i will use for shade as all 4 walls zip down, and a smaller 1-2 person dome tent inside the larger one for a bedroom...a box of easy to make food, a bunch of water, bike, some costume stuff, toys gifts cigarettes and booze. im driving a convertible now so theres not a lot of room which kind of limits what i can bring but i figure...im not going to spend a lot of time at my campsite anyway, im gonna wander around and look at stuff. To each his own tho!

Even as a virgin to the BM I have read up alot. I def. suggest an alternative form of shade. The tents are said to be ovens.
You driving all the way from montana?

[MikeVDS]

If his walls fold down he might be fine. That should cover survival needs. If you cover your needs, you'll be ok. If you want luxury, you'll likely find it at another camp, but if you need it, you better bring it yourself. For first timers, survival and personal needs should be considered first. People should separate their wants from their needs. If you want something, consider the costs (monetarily and personal effort), if you need something figure out a way to get it there. If you've got those down, then you can get all fancy, but I don't think many people get very fancy their first time.

[desireno775]

Actually sad to say, I love to camp and do as much as possible. But Ive never experienced camping in the wind. Thats really my biggest fear on being unprepared. I love the idea of finding shelter within friends met at other camps.
Ive got a few general ideas for shade structures that I will test out in the next few months.
I have definitly read the survival guide, and actually, pretty much everthing else on the BM site. I just like having the question answer ability where as an essay cannot talk back.
Alright so I have a lot more to ask. I guess I will just ask until everything is answered. (And thanks for the help by the way)
Im diabetic. I have been for going on 18 years in May. I know how to control my diabetes. I know effect of drinking, not eating right, etc, and know how to take care of my supplies. On the BM site it makes it out like its going to be super extra tuff, yet I dont see the same. Am I wrong?
Another question. A friend of mine is going, and invited me to go with her and her friends that I have not met. I havent really connected with her much lately (but would def spend the time reconnecting if I decided to go with them for the next few months)
Would you say going with them would be a good idea? I see ups and downs.
Also someone who has never been told me theyve heard going with just you and one other is a bad idea. Not sure I should listen to the grape vine. I think it would still be a great experience with less people.
Anyone have myspace?
Its my prefered communitcation mode and I would like to hear from other burners and first timers and would like to hear of other peoples plans.

[desireno775]

haha no I dont expect to get all fancy either. Id rather get down and dirty and not have to worry about too much. Ive heard its life changing, and I hope to see those same results.

[MikeVDS]

I haven't gone alone but I agree, ups and downs. For me I think it would have been an awesome experience to go on my won before I knew anyone there. If you've got all your stuff down and you think it would be fun, I'd say go for it, you probably won't sleep at your camp a lot of the time anyway.

For some it's life changing and others it isn't. It's probably not going to be at all like you imagine.

Camping in the wind is not bad. Make sure everything you have is well supported and staked down. You cannot leave light weight stuff out or it'll turn into moop (matter out of place a.k.a. litter). Goggles are a must for the dust, as you know, and some like dust masks and they are cheap even if you don't need it. Most dome style tents will have no problem in the wind if they have enough weight to hold them down. As you aptly seem concerned about, your shade structure will be the main concern. The wind generally goes one direction out there so face it so it doesn't catch the wind and stake it down. If you could break it with your hand without too much trouble, then expect it to break. It might not, but don't put too much confidence in it for the whole week or for years to come. Chairs and tables can even blow away or into other things and damage them. Consider unwrapping anything individually packaged before you arrive because the wind will take those wrappers away. Wind is fun, and fairly easy to deal with if you're ready for it. Strong winds probably cause havoc is 50% of camps out there and if they get back up to 100mph then most structures that do not act quickly to remove sails will be destroyed. You can use cheap EZ ups if you're diligent enough and secure them enough so that you can take them down when trouble comes.

[ibdave]

Ive heard its life changing, and I hope to see those same results.

That it is my friend that it is. Changed mine in ways that I never thought would've. I went alone and empty and left fulfilled and not alone anymore.

[emotion_sickness]

This is going to be my first year going to BM too, and here's what im planning on doing for a camp setup...as simple as i can get! i have a big 6-8 person dome tent which i will use for shade as all 4 walls zip down, and a smaller 1-2 person dome tent inside the larger one for a bedroom...a box of easy to make food, a bunch of water, bike, some costume stuff, toys gifts cigarettes and booze. im driving a convertible now so theres not a lot of room which kind of limits what i can bring but i figure...im not going to spend a lot of time at my campsite anyway, im gonna wander around and look at stuff. To each his own tho!

Even as a virgin to the BM I have read up alot. I def. suggest an alternative form of shade. The tents are said to be ovens.
You driving all the way from montana?

yep yep! its gonna be a fun ride down too, i have a friend in salt lake that i can crash at her place and make it an easy 2 day drive. i've already ready just about everything from the BM website, i'm slowly working my way thru the posts here, and checked out as many pics, videos, and stories as i can find...i feel as if i've already been there in a past life or something lol!

as for the tent, like i said i'm thinking im gonna be wandering around so im not too worried about it...i was going to try to pur some sort of reflective spaceblanket-type layer on the top of the rainfly...but i havent decided if that will reflect the sun and heat or cook me well-done! i guess if worse comes to worse i can hop in the car and run the a/c for a few

[emotion_sickness]

Anyone have myspace?
Its my prefered communitcation mode and I would like to hear from other burners and first timers and would like to hear of other peoples plans.

mine too...altho eplay is right up there lately as i can get to it from work where they have myspace blocked (good thing too or else i'd never get anything done!!!) my name is emotion_sickness there too. there's a couple burning man groups but nothing near as comprehensive or social as here.

[motskyroonmatick]

I went by myself the first year and had a truly fantastic time. I packed so much usefull stuff the gate told me welcome back. I said thanks but it's my first time. I got to ring the bell and have brought a new one to ring the bell ever since. Camping with people --- open hearts and minds and the right words when the dehydration and sleep deprivation come in to play may make you the best friends you have ever had. Like getting new brothers and sisters. Drive carefully! The last 100 miles for me is a dangerous mix of want to get there and don't want to hit that cow. Fuck the jackrabbits--here comes my wheel!

See you on playa!

[desireno775]

Well I sent you a message on the space. Hope to hear back. Seems you and I share the same desire to get our ass's to Burning Man 2007!

[desireno775]

Luckily Im not too far from Gerlach. I reside in the oh so fabulous RENO!
*And no its not sarcasm in even the slightest way. I love Reno*
So my drive is only a mere 2 hours or so. I drove farther then that this weekend just to have lunch with my mom

[mojo]

Desireno -

Check in at "The Bar" thread and look for Pinemom or TITWI. They are also Renoites and they can hook you up with the VERY active burner population there.

[Cabana Springs]

I need much direction on how I would do that, what I would use, etc.
I think it would be awesome to do though. Just as long as I have shelter. Ive read a few peoples stories where they just had their tent/car and they had very less of an enjoyable time due to that. I dont want that to be me.
Do you know where I can see small camp pictures so I know generally where I would start?

We built a 20x10 tent we call our lounge with connectors like these listed here. We bought fabric at a wholesale store and the wife sewed us a very nice cover that we can completely close for storm protection.

http://www.supernet.net/jclark/vw/danhoug.html

We attach it to a Coleman cabin tent that is used for changing, storing and our homeade honeybucket. Our lounge is filled with a fucton for entertaining and sleeping, a recliner, rugs, a table for making art, our kitchen, at times our shower, and our playground.

Total cost for the lounge including covering - @ $350.00

I will PM a pic if you want.

[desireno775]

Sure I would love a picture. And to see how PMing works

[gyre]

I suggest enabling your email.
If you are in reno, I would buy the biggest trailer you want.
If you have to, have it towed out there.
Tents are fine with shade.
Reflective is good and helps in the cold too.
Good to have shade spaced out above too.
Silvicool and aluminet ds(if you can get it) are good.

And for the convertible owner, you can tow a small trailer if you like with any sports car. (utility type)
Let me know if you need details.
I have seen some tent trailers.
They vary a lot in design.
Alpinelite makes a cool hard wall version.

[emotion_sickness]

And for the convertible owner, you can tow a small trailer if you like with any sports car. (utility type)
Let me know if you need details.
I have seen some tent trailers.
They vary a lot in design.
Alpinelite makes a cool hard wall version.

yea let me know if you have any good links or anything like that. you would think i would be able to tow a small trailer but its a wimpy little 2 liter engine and i lose a lot of speed just going over a pass without any cargo, let alone with a fully loaded car and trailer! i was thinking about doing something like that tho because my trunk and backseat space is insanely small. i was also thinking of renting a minivan, but half the reason i bought the convertible (ijust got it in february) was i was dreaming of cruising thru the desert with the top down, not in some soccer mom-mobile!

[gyre]

Any unblown car loses power at altitude.
A two litre isn't necessarily weak.
Depends.
Do you live at altitude?
I built my little trailer for a Fiat Spider with a 1290 cc.
It is 8 by 3 feet with a subaru suspension, independent torsion bar and adjustable springing.
It is built of square tube and has a space frame.
Two people can lift it.
A good suspension takes the stress off your car.
Nothing I can do about the power except direct you to many sources of power enhancement.
I will be camming my volvo just to add a little torque and I expect no fuel penalty.
Many people who live higher up size their engines for the altitude.
My ford was built for 6000 feet.
It is a difference of 100 horsepower at altitude.
You may want to consider whether you wish to coat your car in playa dust.
You could bag it while it's there.
I suggest sealing air intakes to the car before you arrive.

Another approach is a one wheel trailer fastened at two points to the bumper or frame.
The rear wheel must swivel and follow the car.
It has the advantage of great stability.
It has low air drag if it follows the lines of the car.
You may need to put stronger springs on your rear even without a trailer.
A last approach is a platform mounted on the rear of the car.
Do you have a hardtop?
Anything you can do to reduce air drag will pay off in power.
A front air dam is sure to help.
Tricky to do one low enough to really help.
I am going to try to do one that is sacrificial when it hits things.
And removable.

So, what kind of car?
There are some big convertibles out there.

My Spider may have been the only chrome bumpered model ever fitted with a hitch.
The hitch was built inside the trunk and bolted to the frame.

You may want to consider how much light weight camping gear will help.
My last tent weighed 7 lbs with fibreglass poles, much less with light ones.
Dacron or silvicool shade cloth, light weight stakes.
Even aluminum pipe for a shade assembly.

[emotion_sickness]

I live in Helena, MT so its at a pretty decent altitude (not sure what it is exactly). The passes I drive are usually continental divide passes, so pretty high up there. I'm driving a '92 Ford Mustang LX (yeah i know, it should have some guts but it doesnt!) It has a "luggage rack" on top of the trunk but i dont know if i trust it, and theres not many tie down points on it. its a soft top but with the top up I'd have a bit of extra room in the space where the roof folds into, but there goes my idea of cruising with the top down! no trailer hitch either but i suppose i could have one installed. most of my camping gear is lightweight cuz i do mostly backpacking trips, it all fits into a single rubbermaid storage bin. most of my weight will be in food, ice, beverages, and water.

im not very mechanically educated short of general maintenance things, what is camming and how do you seal the air intakes? what do you mean by sizing the engine for a higher altitude, is that like getting a bigger more powerful engine? any other relatively inexpensive fixes you can think of to boost power?

i found a place here in town today that has tiny little trailers, not sure if they are campers or just storage but they might work well for me. im gonna go check em out next weekend i think. thanks for all the suggestions I have a few ideas now!

[AntiM]

Helena's over 4,500 ft. so yeah, that's about right.

[gyre]

Ok, mustang.
You have endless choices.
If you have the 2.3 it's a very good engine, just small for that car, especially at altitude.
Easy to swap engines or modify.
No problem for a trailer hitch.
The platform I mentioned would extend from the rear bumper area.
It's often better to have a trailer made.
Camming it would be to change the engine cam which changes the breathing of the engine.
Biggest change you can make without getting drastic.
There is a lot to be done with that engine if it is the 2.3.
How fast do you want to go?

My ford started as a six cylinder automatic.
It has a 408 now with around 435 hp at 6000 feet.
All the suspension has been upgraded.
It has reached the level now that you can bring the car to a bmw level from a catalog.

Engine choices for that car are 2.3 variations up to 2.8 litre and the turbo version which maintains hp at any altitude.
Many V6 variants.
V8 5 litre and 351 and big blocks up to 800 cubic inches.
Then there are supercharger and turbo variants there too.

Computer upgrades make a big difference on the older cars too.
Suspension changes are worthwhile even with stock power.
It's really up to you.
The stock suspension has some built in flaws.
The volume of modified fords keeps the highest quality parts relatively cheap.

You should email me (not pm) just so we don't bore anyone.

The frame of that car will handle towing anything your engine will handle.
You want to keep the weight in the car as much as possible.