virgin would like to have some planning fears assuaged...

fre · Post by **fre** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:33 pm

I'm realizing that I did some poor planning in the financial area when I decided to head home. I am fine with eating cheaply and have read all the survival guides. I have lots of friends going, and have been to several regional burns, so once I'm there, I'll feel totally comfy (as one should at home). What I am freaking out about is how I'll get there!

I'm traveling from the East Coast, so it's a pretty penny. The cheapest way to travel officially is by Greyhound at about $100 each way. If I have to, I will do that, but I'd have to buy the tickets soon to get the cheapest price. It's not an emergency yet, I still have 2-3 weeks of grace.

I've been frantically posting to boards and on craigslist to find rideshares; I'm very flexible about timeframe, am more concerned about getting there (even though knowing how I'd get home would be awesome), the main thing that I am concerned about is how much I can contribute towards the traveling cost. I feel like a shit when I say that the most I can cough up one way is $75. To be perfectly honest, it would be nice if it was cheaper, but I doubt that that would be possible unless a lot of people were sharing the expense, or if someone just didn't care about the money. Am I being a complete jerk? If so, I'd like to just quit while I'm ahead and not seem like a leech. I love sharing whatever I have in abundance (hell, I love sharing what I have little of), and I know that if I was in a position to help someone out in this fashion I'd be all about it, so I thought I would see if there were fairy-burn-parents out there. Or at least get an idea about what is reasonable.

I've been to several regional burns (PDF) and some decompression parties, and I really feel as if the burner community is family. I don't want to be the freeloading relative! Is there anything I could do to sweeten the deal without loads of cash?

Das Bus · Post by **Das Bus** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:40 am

You should post on the Rideshare thread, and also try to contact any burner communities near you (i.e. yahoo groups). Also post whether you're willing to share driving duties - that can be very important to someone who is driving alone and would like to have someone to take turns driving.

If that doesn't work, Greyhound may be your only option, but at least if you can get to Reno, you're bound to find a ride from there.

Hope that helps!

fre · Post by **fre** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:18 am

very sound advice, thanks. I am on the rideshare thread, and I've contacted some people on it as well. I'm also on the regional list. I can share driving duties as long as one does not mind that I would be doing it with a learner's permit. (I'm 26 and I know how to drive, just been slow getting Uncle Sam to say so.)

I really just want to know if I've set my hopes too high. Will the ride share market pick up in the next couple of weeks? I guess I have time to see, and should be a little more patient... I really would like to have it all figured out now, but that's my own issue for not planning better a few months ago.

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:14 am

I know the feeling of wanting to have it all settled. It drives me crazy not having my plans set.

Depending on how adventurous you feel you could hitch hike out to BM. The closer you got to Nevada the more people you would probably run into who are going and you might have an easier time hitching a ride with them.

It seems like these days almost everyone smokes so if you're a partaker and have a stash your fellow driver may be happy to recieve that as payment instead.

That's all I got for ideas. I just moved from NY so if I hear of any friends driving from there who have room I'll send them your way.

fre · Post by **fre** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:13 am

I am pretty adventurous, and am considering hitchhiking. I might get on a ride share from craig's list as far west as I can go, then hitch. I am a little nervous about it, what with all sorts of horror stories ingrained in my psyche about what happens to lone female hitchhikers.

It seems like these days almost everyone smokes so if you're a partaker and have a stash your fellow driver may be happy to recieve that as payment instead.

I've thought about that, but we'll see. I want to be careful, and having my travel plans up in the air as they are, I also don't want to be worrying about what illicit substances I have on me. Of course if I do have anything, I would be a-sharing!

That's all I got for ideas. I just moved from NY so if I hear of any friends driving from there who have room I'll send them your way.

Hey, thanks! It's easy to get up and down the East Coast, so I'd be willing to meet people up in NY to share a ride.

Post by **AntiM** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:04 am

Lakshmi wrote: It seems like these days almost everyone smokes so if you're a partaker and have a stash your fellow driver may be happy to recieve that as payment instead.

What a fucking stupid arrogant assumption, what incredibly stupid fucking advice. No one gets in our vehicles with a stash. Get your own damn vehicle confiscated.

Remember folks, this is a public board, and law enforcement reads it. Have a gander at your Expected Behavior portion of the Community Guidelines you agreed upon when signing up. Just a suggestion.

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:42 am

AntiM wrote:
Lakshmi wrote: It seems like these days almost everyone smokes so if you're a partaker and have a stash your fellow driver may be happy to recieve that as payment instead.
What a fucking stupid arrogant assumption, what incredibly stupid fucking advice. No one gets in our vehicles with a stash. Get your own damn vehicle confiscated.

Remember folks, this is a public board, and law enforcement reads it. Have a gander at your Expected Behavior portion of the Community Guidelines you agreed upon when signing up. Just a suggestion.

Oy vey, you're totally right. I wasn't thinking obviously. Although there isn't any need to be so violent with the criticism. It certainly wasn't an arrogant assumption. It could have been a misinformed one if I had said everyone, but either way it wasn't arrogant. Anyways, I apologize it was my mistake.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:42 am

Finding a ride for $150 from the East coast could be difficult with gas prices what they are. Keep in mind there will be other costs along the way - food, possibly lodging for at least one night, etc. Not saying it won't be possible, but if things are that tight for you I'd try to address the money issue. Get a night job parking cars, work as a bartender/waiter, buy stuff at garage sales to resell on Ebay, sell stuff you have but don't really need,stop spending money on those illicit substances, do what you have to.

Or, sell your ticket and wait until next year.

Post by **AntiM** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:59 pm

Lakshmi wrote:
AntiM wrote:
Lakshmi wrote:
Oy vey, you're totally right. I wasn't thinking obviously. Although there isn't any need to be so violent with the criticism. It certainly wasn't an arrogant assumption. It could have been a misinformed one if I had said everyone, but either way it wasn't arrogant. Anyways, I apologize it was my mistake.

Hey, I don't get to do violent criticism often, it's performance art here.

But really, such a suggestion is better off in a private message, and even then, be leery. We all want to go home with no unfortunate side trips.

Oh, and I'm horribly allergic to smoke, so I tend to get a bit shrill on the subject. No matter,I'm just as bad about sage smudging and ciggies.

Token · Post by **Token** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:55 pm

AntiM, don't you go on apologizing. Better a few harsh words on a BBS than getting your ass kicked out of your ride mid trip when the driver learns you got contraband.
I wouldn't have a hint of hesitation kicking out someone like that on the side of the road. Nothing personal ladies.

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:50 am

AntiM wrote: Hey, I don't get to do violent criticism often, it's performance art here.

But really, such a suggestion is better off in a private message, and even then, be leery. We all want to go home with no unfortunate side trips.

Oh, and I'm horribly allergic to smoke, so I tend to get a bit shrill on the subject. No matter,I'm just as bad about sage smudging and ciggies.

You know I had actually considered sending it in a private message, but since I'm so used to different forum styles I forgot that you can't click on the person's forum name to get to their profile so when that didn't work I (stupidly) thought I couldn't send one. It wasn't till later that I remembered the pm button on the bottom of the post.

Next time I'll know better and or reserve my opinions on illicit substances for better known company. =)

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:02 am

Token wrote:AntiM, don't you go on apologizing. Better a few harsh words on a BBS than getting your ass kicked out of your ride mid trip when the driver learns you got contraband.
I wouldn't have a hint of hesitation kicking out someone like that on the side of the road. Nothing personal ladies.

I don't know, his harsh words certainly jolted me, but I think he could have gotten the same results with a more polite yet stern reprimanding. That's my personality tho. I'm one of those sensitive female types so when I interact with people I tend to keep their feelings in mind even when I'm pissed off and think they're being extremely stupid.

I bet a lot of people, including myself, can relate to booting a person out of your car when discovering they're carrying something you don't approve of. I certainly wouldn't hide something like that from my rideshare nor was I suggesting it to Fer.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:00 am

Er, Anti M = Auntie Em = Aunt Margaret. I am not a he. You may address me directly you know.

I'm supposedly one of the nicest people on the board, I just get really, really tired of saying the same thing endlessly. I am normally polite, however, I am not when it comes to controlled substances. You simply lost the subject matter lottery with me. And hey, "fucking" does not imply harsh language, just a part of the lexicon. Honestly, that wasn't my version of pissed off. No one gets to see that on this board, ever. I think you're reading too much into it, as I wasn't criticizing you personally, just your remark and advice.

That said, hey, back on topic ... I'd worry about hitchhiking as a female. Too many unknown, scary factors. There's rides to be had, more will materialize as the event gets closer. keep searching!

fre · Post by **fre** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:08 am

I surely won't be traveling with anything on me, I shouldn't have been so passive about saying that. I don't think it's fair to the driver.

I am doing odd jobs here and there to hold me over. Once I get back, I have employment, it's just the interim I'm concerned about.

Since posting, I've relaxed a little, and realize that I have to be more patient. I'm doing odd jobs to get more cash together, and just following all the leads that I can. I'm not ruling hitching out, though I will reserve that for absolute last resort.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:32 am

You could Greyhound to a point where there's more Burners going, say Salt Lake City. Just get on the Utah burn site (e-11 on Tribe for example, or element11.org, or the utah burn group on yahoo) and make some contacts. Denver has a lot of burners traveling too, I'd imagine that would work the same way.

We might even have a seat, but we leave from Ogden, north of SLC, and I don't know the vehicle configurations quite yet. Don't go into Reno, so please, no one ask for a ride from the airport!

fre · Post by **fre** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 3:43 pm

I think that Greyhound is definitely the way to go; looking up the prices and whatnot, it's the cheapest and most radically self-reliant ;) way to go, especially if you buy the tickets at least 2 weeks in advance. I'm going to wait until it's closer to the deadline to see if anything cool comes up, that way I can be flexible about where I travel.

We might even have a seat, but we leave from Ogden, north of SLC, and I don't know the vehicle configurations quite yet.

AntiM, Would you let me know if you'd consider hosting me from SLC? And in general, thank you for all of your help. Really. You've given me a lot of well-rounded advice without making me feel like an idiot. I understand that everyone works really hard to go to BM every year, and that it can be frustrating if someone just wants handouts. (I've seen some pretty ridiculous threads while researching my options.) I don't expect special treatment, just want to know what's reasonable. I feel much more fully equipped.

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:32 pm

You know, I've been wondering what people like yourself do as far as camping goes? If you're greyhounding it and such I imagine there is only so much equipment you can take. Do you have friends you will be camping with who will be able to provide you with a place to sleep?

fre · Post by **fre** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:45 pm

well, first of all, you can actually take a bit with you on the Greyhound, sometimes even a bike if you call ahead... though if I take the bus I will not be hassling with a bike, since I'd have to wheel it at every transfer point, and I doubt that they would let me ride it in the terminal :)

but yes, I have friends that I will be camping with, our shade structure is being shipped in a container, and I am great at packing light. once on the west coast, I have people that I can meet up with, where we will be getting food, water, and last minute supplies.

Lakshmi · Post by **Lakshmi** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:39 pm

fre wrote:well, first of all, you can actually take a bit with you on the Greyhound, sometimes even a bike if you call ahead... though if I take the bus I will not be hassling with a bike, since I'd have to wheel it at every transfer point, and I doubt that they would let me ride it in the terminal :)

but yes, I have friends that I will be camping with, our shade structure is being shipped in a container, and I am great at packing light. once on the west coast, I have people that I can meet up with, where we will be getting food, water, and last minute supplies.

Well that's good you have friends who will be helping you with supplies. I have taken the Greyhound once and had one of those huge backpacking packs that was twice the size of myself, but I couldn't imagine you hauling a tent and sleeping bag along as well.

Good luck with finding yourself a rideshare =)

fre · Post by **fre** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:55 pm

but I couldn't imagine you hauling a tent and sleeping bag along as well.

I know it's not a very camp-like way to travel, but I actually use a big rollie suitcase, in which my tent and sleeping bag easily can fit, along with other sundries. and I'm not packing a lot of clothing. I know to pack for extreme heat, and cold night weather, but I tend to wear things that can layer easily. I've done lotsa po' gal traveling and know that it's a bit tricky to pack more than you can carry at once. hell, I moved before only taking what could be checked on a plane.

thanks for the well-wishing! I think things will come together nicely, and I'm really excited. nothing's definite yet, but I am getting a few leads, and learning some lessons.

Post by **trilobyte** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:03 pm

Considering the price of gas, you should consider the Greyhound ticket price to be an extreme blessing. It's over $3 a gallon on the west coast, $100 wouldn't even cover a share of the gas from SF to Burning Man.

~Trilo~

Brendan · Post by **Brendan** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:50 am

Im in a bit of a similar situation, feel like i'll get to the bottom of it tough; whats this greyhound i keep hearing about; surly not an actual greyhound, thats just cruel!

harley1200 · Post by **harley1200** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:08 am

Hundred bucks won't even cover a share of the gas?? Holy crap what are you driving? I can make it from Idaho to Reno for probably $40, SF has to be closer or as close.

fre · Post by **fre** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:24 am

trilobyte wrote:Considering the price of gas, you should consider the Greyhound ticket price to be an extreme blessing. It's over $3 a gallon on the west coast, $100 wouldn't even cover a share of the gas from SF to Burning Man.

I do consider the Greyhound price a blessing, because without that alternative, I would just have given up. I do, however, have an offer to help someone move cross-country where I would not be paying for gas since I'm making it possible for them to circumvent an actual moving company. If that doesn't pan out, then Greyhound it is, and happily!

Brendan wrote:Im in a bit of a similar situation, feel like i'll get to the bottom of it tough; whats this greyhound i keep hearing about; surly not an actual greyhound, thats just cruel!

Well, Brendan, those dogs are stronger than they look.

Actually, it's a bus line. I don't know where you're coming from, but if you have a long distance to go and don't happen upon a miraculous offer of transport, it is the cheapest way to go. If you buy your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance online, one-way tickets will not be more than $105 after taxes. Which, as several people in this thread have iterated, is an amazing deal. I'm going to be doing this if the moving truck thing is not kosher.

Where ya coming from, Brendan? If I end up taking Greyhound, I am going to start a thread to see if there are any other people on the East Coast that want to converge at one stop and head out West together. I would be going to San Francisco to meet with friends and get supplies, and then we will be renting vehicles to take to BM.

And, if it's of any interest, I found gainful temporary employment with an environmental organization that I used to work for last year. How green is that? :)

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:30 am

Remember most people want to come home after the event.

650 mile round trip from SF, $3/gallon and $100 total comes out to 19mpg. That's about the mileage my economy car gets when loaded down with stuff stacked high on top.

From NY it's more like 5400 miles. Using 20mpg, that's 270 gallons or $810. I guess if you can squeeze 6 people including gear into that 20mpg car you can do it for $150 round trip... got a turbo diesel van?

Brendan · Post by **Brendan** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 2:36 am

[color=green]Where ya coming from, Brendan? If I end up taking Greyhound, I am going to start a thread to see if there are any other people on the East Coast that want to converge at one stop and head out West together. I would be going to San Francisco to meet with friends and get supplies, and then we will be renting vehicles to take to BM. [/color]

How do ye do that quote thing? anyhoe not important. I'm comin' all the way from Ireland, plan on hanging out in san fran for a week or so, then heading to Burning Man, 100 bucks doesn't sound to nasty, i really wanted an ice cream van to go in...dreams and reality getting mixed up again!

I'm first timer joining the Paddy Mirage on the playa.

For 650 miles at 20 miles to a gallon seems pretty damn cheep...?- maths were never my strong point, i might have forgot to carry the 1 or somethin'.

I've suggested elsewhere renting a car and 4 or 5 teaming up for fun and games on the way?

thanks for the link. wheres the best to stop in Nevada? Vegas?! 14 hours!!(ive been editing as finding out stuff) thats,....what...

Brendan

If you book them they will come....!

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:54 am

As I have said repeatedly and endlessly, maps people! Maps! Brendan darling, Vegas is at the other end of the state. Most assuredly not a short jaunt. You'll have to make do with Reno, the cutest little city in Nevada.

Brendan · Post by **Brendan** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:47 am

[quote="AntiM"]As I have said repeatedly and endlessly, maps people! Maps! Brendan darling, Vegas is at the other end of the state. Most assuredly not a short jaunt. You'll have to make do with Reno, the cutest little city in Nevada.[/quote]

Thanks; a wee bit patronising but i'll accept. :)

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:14 am

Enable the bbcode on your profile and posts and the quotes will work...mostly.

Last year the air tickets went down in august.
I paid $150 to LA, 2400 miles.
Be sure to check other close cities.
I often fly out of nearby cities.
Same thing goes for ride share.

I'm getting a ride today from someone who has already done a thousand miles to here.

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:16 am

Sorry, I thought I was being funny. But honestly, lots of folks pop on and have a route in mind which doesn't exist in this world. It gets a tick wearying after the tenth dozenth time.

Don't mind me, I'm harmless.