Virgin Burner from the Redneck Riviera

[souldrifter]

Hi ya'll!I just got my ticket yesterday and am very excited about my first burn.I'm from Mobile Al.and will be traveling with a couple buds from Fl. in an old Winnie.they're first timers as well.We have no idea really what to expect.I'm personally excited about the opportunity for spiritual awakenings and experiences,but mostly we want to have fun.We're veterans of the festival scene and decided to go in a different direction this year and do something more substantial.Anyway Peace to all and can't wait to meet you on the Playa!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Have questions? Read this first: http://www.burningman.com/first_timers/
Everybody on eplaya is always excited to help first timers; but in sympathy for some of us old timers, please get your required reading out of the way before posting. As hard as it is to rein in the the excitement and enthusiasm, and as unbelievable as it might seem, most of your questions have already been asked and answered, if you just take a moment to read.

Now, let the adventure begin!

[Savannah]

Hi Souldrifter!

People with no expectations--provided they have also prepared to the teeth--tend to be the happiest at the Burn.

Welcome to the board!

[illy dilly]

Welcome SoulShifter!
When you say "We have no idea really what to expect" what do you mean?
Do you mean you have no idea what the conditions will be like, how much food/water to bring, how you far it will be.
OR
Do you mean you've never seen anything like this?

[C.f.M.]

Alabama has a pretty strong burn scene - and its own regional burn.

[illy dilly]

Alabama has a pretty strong burn scene - and its own regional burn.

When is it?
Early summer?

I'm thinking next spring/summer I'm hitting a regional east of the Mississippi.
I've only been east of the Mississippi once, and that was to Iowa for a few days. Then back towards Denver.

[C.f.M.]

Alabama has a pretty strong burn scene - and its own regional burn.

When is it?
Early summer?

I'm thinking next spring/summer I'm hitting a regional east of the Mississippi.
I've only been east of the Mississippi once, and that was to Iowa for a few days. Then back towards Denver.

Hmm....I want to say late spring, maybe? I know the Kentucky Hillbilly burn is in the spring. I think.

Euphoria - June
Transformus - July
Alchemy - October

PDF in Delaware is spring/summer too, I think?

[illy dilly]

Nice!
I'm going to make it a point to hit one of those regionals next year. And if the timing is even right, maybe two.
Do a little loop sorta thing.

Which one do you typically go to?

[souldrifter]

Thanks for the warm welcome all.Illy I guess what i said is what I meant.We really don't know what to expect from a provisions standpoint because we're virgins but are also not naive and have more sense than to do this thing without research and preparation.We also don't know what to expect from the experience in general.We're kinda lost and have sorta resigned ourselves to the fact that we'll be sort of observers this year,and then after that we'll know better what to do,but i for one am not comfortable with such a passive attitude,i want to be more involved,more of a participant but it's a bit frustrating because i don't know what to do.I feel like Sgt.schultz.I know nothing!I'm very excited about this adventure.This has been a year of personal growth and discovery for me as Sunday i celebrated 6mo.continuous sobriety after a 35 yr.battle with drinking,and I'm hoping for more of the same through this experience.It's like i told one of the guys going with me,I don't really know what to expect but I have a feeling it's gonna be big.Peace

[mudpuppy000]

There are a bazillion things to get involved in once you get to the playa. Don't worry.

Welcome btw!

[Savannah]

Thanks for the warm welcome all.Illy I guess what i said is what I meant.We really don't know what to expect from a provisions standpoint because we're virgins but are also not naive and have more sense than to do this thing without research and preparation.We also don't know what to expect from the experience in general.We're kinda lost and have sorta resigned ourselves to the fact that we'll be sort of observers this year,and then after that we'll know better what to do,but i for one am not comfortable with such a passive attitude,i want to be more involved,more of a participant but it's a bit frustrating because i don't know what to do.I feel like Sgt.schultz.I know nothing!I'm very excited about this adventure.This has been a year of personal growth and discovery for me as Sunday i celebrated 6mo.continuous sobriety after a 35 yr.battle with drinking,and I'm hoping for more of the same through this experience.It's like i told one of the guys going with me,I don't really know what to expect but I have a feeling it's gonna be big.Peace

It's okay to feel lost, but do not resign yourself to be observers. You will find ways to participate, but you can't know what they are yet, and that's okay. You are not supposed to know. It's impossible. So just wait and see. . . . Easier said than done, eh?

You might know this already, but there are camps that celebrate sobriety on the playa, just in case you could use that information. Congratulations on your 6 months.
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... sober.html

I love the Sgt. Schulz reference.

[illy dilly]

We're kinda lost and have sorta resigned ourselves to the fact that we'll be sort of observers this year,and then after that we'll know better what to do,but i for one am not comfortable with such a passive attitude,

Thats how me and my girlfriend went into our first year as more of a 'recon mission'.
We also went with a group of about 6 experienced folks.

Turned out really really well. We had fun and learned a lot.
Our second year was way better, we brought a couple of virgins, now the 4 of us are bringing 7 virgins.

Research is your best bet. Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and a first aid kit. Try to bring some shade, that will have some nice air flow, and see what happens.

And congratulations on your sobriety! I'm sure it is not an easy task, but well worth it.

[Jax Dee]

Souldrifter - congrats on the sobriety! As someone who tries to remain mostly sober due to medical reasons just keep in mind that you will be offered alcohol a lot. Be prepared for that. Savannah pointed out there are sober camps and they even have AA meetings if that's your thing. You can check out the calendar of events and camp events on the burning man site. And don't worry you can jump right in and get involved once you are there, the whole place is a bundle of fun waiting for you to join in. I hope you have as great of a first burn as I did!!

illydilly - I am leaving for Transformus tomorrow. Never been before! I'll let you know how it was when I get back.

[souldrifter]

Savavnnah,Illy,Jax,thanks for the input and support.I'm going to check out all the leads you guys shot me.I'm very excited.And also I don't have any fears over being offered drinks,my resolve is strong.I've actually been to 3 festivals this year,so I'm comfortable dealing with that.I have to say however my experience hasn't been tough in that regard,i've never even had to explain myself,I just say thanks but I'm ok right now and never had anyone be pushy.I am so excited!We're open to another rider btw.There are 3 of us in the rv,and we have room for 1 more willing to share expenses.We're driving from the fl.panhandle,lower al.area.Peace to all from the gulf of Mexico!

[Savannah]

You can post your ability to take one more on the rideshare board. You'll make someone's year.
http://rideshare.burningman.com

Here also, is an awesome thread about how to manage a group in an RV (I'm sure you've had experience, but there are special tips specific to the Burn, such as water/pumping concerns and keeping it clean(er):
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=34551

[illy dilly]

illydilly - I am leaving for Transformus tomorrow. Never been before! I'll let you know how it was when I get back.

Hell yeah- let me know!
And have fun!

Souldrifter,
I have seen a hand full of folks in Florida pop up about 2 weeks ago. Odd sorta, how many joined at the same time. I'm pretty sure that a few were looking for rides too.

[souldrifter]

Thank you so much for all the tips,the help is greatly appreciated.Yes Illy it's a long ride fom where we're starting out from,over 2k each way.We plan on taking our time and making the trip as much a part of our burn.That would be a nice score for someone to get to ride in an rv instead of jammed up in a car.The guy who owns the coach loves to drive,and i think that's a beautiful thing as i tend to lean more towards lounging.I think we oughta start now,I'm ready!Actually it has started because preparation is all part of your burn experience wouldn't you say?I know i'm having fun getting ready,making plans.Peace everyone......................................

[illy dilly]

Hell yeah! Prep is one of my favorite parts. Except the frantic panic spending the week before we leave.

What route are you taking? We're leaving Denver on Aug. 27th. Spending a night in West Wendover, NV the 27th. Lots of folks in our group are only recently 21 and have not gambled in NV. So, we'll make a small little party of it. Have some killer buffet before we hit the playa!

[Savannah]

So, we'll make a small little party of it. Have some killer buffet before we hit the playa!

I always refer to that as "The Last Supper".

My small tribe likes footlong subway sandwiches. Meat, veg, bread, nom nom nom.

Wouldn't turn our noses up at a buffet for damned sure, but we never pass through the right villages for that.

[illy dilly]

"Last Supper"
I like that! And we'll all sit on 1 side of the table!

Every year you get a "Last Supper" on the way in, and a "first taco" on the way out.
Its liking dieing from and then being reborn into defaltia. BRC is just the heaven between life's in defaltia.

[Savannah]

"Last Supper"
I like that! And we'll all sit on 1 side of the table!

Oh, PLEASE do that. And take a picture. Sarongs on, hair down (for those to whom it applies). Tip your waitress extra; she's gonna hate it.

Every year you get a "Last Supper" on the way in, and a "first taco" on the way out.

Its liking dieing from and then being reborn into defaltia. BRC is just the heaven between life's in defaltia.

Whoa.

Actually, just yesterday I was thinking about the idea among some that both heaven and hell are here on earth, and I thought, well heaven--for me, that's Black Rock City. Hell? Oh . . . lots of places.

[illy dilly]

"Last Supper"
I like that! And we'll all sit on 1 side of the table!

Oh, PLEASE do that. And take a picture. Sarongs on, hair down (for those to whom it applies).

Or for a few of us it will be hair up, in a mohawk, or spikes.

Regarding 'First Taco'
I know Burning Man is a place for no commerce, but I really wish they allowed the Indian Taco folks to set up a stand during exodus.
The Indian Taco after Burning Man is a Rite of Passage too, Damn IT!!!!

[souldrifter]

Hey Illy,actually we'll probably leave denver on the 27th as well.I talked to my friend last night and we're going to take 55 to 70,and we'll stop in Denver because one of my best friends lives there now in Aurora.Haven't seen him in 2 yrs.Talked to him last night he said we could park the rig right next to his house.From Denver We're thinking 25 to 80.All information you can share about the ride from Denver to BM is greatly appreciated.We're traveling in a 22 ft.1985 Winnebago Chieftain that was purchased for this occasion.It only has 70 grand on it,runs great,and everything on it is in good working on it.Despite that it's an 85 and I'm laughing my ass off as I'm writing this thinking about us barreling down the road in that beast looking like a Brady Bunch episode.

[illy dilly]

LOL! I'm totally with ya!
We have an 89 Fleetwood Bounder. My sister bout last year for the burn.
Sadly last year I only had about 45 days to work on it and get it up to snuff. That was not enough time! For me at least, at the time I knew nothing about RV's. Now I can practically take the whole thing apart and put it back together with a Philips head screw driver, 2 stage pliers, and medium size channel locks.

Regarding taking an old RV here are some tips I learned the hard way.
The air in BRC is really dry and hot, and you're at 4,000 feet. (Keep this is mind for a lot of things) What does that mean for your RV? Well, know how to adjust the generator carburetor. Since the air is hot and dry it will be thinner than the hummid low elevation air in Alabama. An OK way to test this is park the RV with the gene in the sun and let it run for an hour or two. Do this either in CO or you could do it in Fernley NV. Change the oil on the generator! Its very easy to do! Think about running a thicker oil like a 10-W40. Check the air filter on the gene. Check the spark plugs. Pull the house batteries out and take them to your local auto store, they can check the batteries for you. You'll need a good proper Charge and Load test, not just a volt test with a multi meter. Speaking of Multi Meters, buy a decent one for the RV and leave it in the RV. A decent Multi Meter can be purchased for about $7. Cheap ones can be bought for 3.99 at Harbor Freight, but you get what you pay for. You don't necessarily need to buy the $50 Fluke. They are real nice, but not necessary.
Make sure you have a couple roles of Teflon tape aka Plumbers tape. If you're like me, you might find out that after you bounce and vibrate down the road, some of the PVC to Copper connections under the sinks and behind the toilet kinda vibrate loose. Easy fix if you have some Teflon tape.
Have a spare set of Wind Shield Washer blades.
Is the toilet in the RV the original? Is an Aqua Magic? If so fill the fresh water tank with some water, turn the water pump on, and flush the toilet a few times. First, make sure that after you flush there is still about an inch of water in the bottom of the toilet. This is to keep gases from flowing back into the RV. Make sure that after about 4 or 5 hours the water is still the same height. During that 4-5 hours, leave the water pump on. Make sure that it doesn't keep 'flipping' on when water is not running. It should not stay on all the time, or come on if no water is running. If it does come on, you have a leak someplace. Now after the 4-5 hours, check behind the toilet where the PVC pipe meats with the toilet valve. Make sure its not leaky. It can leak very slowly, but over the course of 7 days, the carpet in the bathroom will get wet, and the RV will be humid. The original valves on the old Aqua Magics had metal parts that eventually get build up on them. Then the valve wont close properly. The new replacement valves look a little different, but once they are on, they fit like a glove. This is a very easy DIY fix, the valve can be bought for about $18.
As I'm sure you know, the RV grey and black water holding tanks will not be big enough for everyone to use all the time. Our toilet is only used for the 'midnight pee' so you don't have to get dressed to go out in the cold and walk to the porto potties. NO BLOWING UP THE RV!!! EVER!!!!!!

Is anyone in your group an experienced RV'er? No body in our group was, so we learned from the school of hard knocks.

OOO PS. Get your water in Gerlach from the town of Gerlach Community Improvements District (or some name like that). Their water comes straight out of their water refinement plant. It will save you a fortune in gas to not have to haul a ton of water!

[illy dilly]

Now regarding the drive from Aurora to BRC.
You are right on it! I-25 to I-80 is the easiest route in a big gas guzzler like an RV. The I-70 west to Utah is a prettier drive, but will cost a lot in gas going up and down grades through the Rockies, and to me it is a way more stressful drive.
There will be a few major grades taking I-80. The first will be a bit after you start heading west on I-80. This is a shorter but steep grade. A very good place to make sure you know how to handle the RV going down 7% grades.
The next, and to me the worst is going into Salt Lake City. It is not very steep on the east side, going up, but it is pretty steep going down into Salt Lake City.
As always with steep grades, drop it into lower gear [2]. And only tap the breaks. I feel comfortable going 40-50 down the grades. If you start getting up over 50, it will be difficult to slow down quickly, and you would be almost guaranteed to over heat and lock up the breaks. As with 40-45, you can slow down to 33-35, with out over heating the breaks. Then let it coast for 30 seconds, then slow down to 25, a little bit of coast, then slow down to 10, then a little coast, then stop.
The old RV's, like we have, are either built on Chevy medium duty truck chassis, or Ford medium duty truck chassis. They are adequate for the RV, but the brakes will easily over heat. Newer RV's are build on Bus chassis with beefy heavy duty brakes.
Once you're into Salt Lake City, just stay on the same road. At some point it will not be I-80 any more, and to you're right, above a section of highway that is parallel but separated by dividers, you'll see signs that say "This lane I80" or "I80 Exit". Your first thought will be, 'ah shit we missed it', but actually you haven't. They really made that highway screwy for the Winter Olympics. Just stay with it, and eventually you'll get back to I80.
If you leave Aurora at 10am, you'll probably get to Salt Lake City at about 10-11pm. This will be nice because the highways wont be crowded. For instance if you leave Aurora at 5am you'll get to Salt Lake City, at about 5pm, and it will be rush hour.
At night, you wont really realize you're passing the lake until you smell it.
Again once you get to the Utah-Nevada border, there is a little bit of a hill again. As you start to climb up, you will see a ton of light shinning over the mountains, then you will come around a corner and see that the light is from a big Casino town. This town is West Wendover.
This year we're gonna stop there for a night, eat some gigantic buffet, and gamble a little bit.
Then after that, it is pretty flat and smooth all the way to Fernley. And you're already more than half way.

What part of Aurora are you gonna be staying in?
You guys maybe want to party train it out there?

[souldrifter]

Actually it looks like we may be picking up a rider in Steamboat Springs,So not sure yet where we'll be staying,but I will know very soon.As far as a party train We're down,but I'm afraid we might be a bit slow,we plan on babyin the ol Winnie.Tell you what though if we can pull it off we could maybe meet up for a last supper kinda thing on Sat. somewhere.And I don't know where in Aurora my friend lives,will have to ask.

[souldrifter]

Thanks so much for the tips Illy,they'll be immensely helpful.Actually none of us is an experienced rv'er however i did own a 26ft.camper.Hopefully we'll have it figured out by the time we get there,we'll have traveled 1800 mi.by then.More for my friends.I don't personally intend to drive however I do intend on revealing my innermost thoughts to whoever drives,guaranteeing he won't be able to sleep for days

[illy dilly]

I don't personally intend to drive however I do intend on revealing my innermost thoughts to whoever drives,guaranteeing he won't be able to sleep for days

LOL, keep em freaked out so they can't sleep. Good call!

If you plan to baby Winnie (I'm assuming her name is Winnie), then going over either Berthoud Pass or Eisenhower Pass could be tricky on the old gal. Is there a way to get them to meet you in Denver?

If you owned a camper then you probably already know all about RV plumbing and 12VDC.

[Savannah]

LOL, keep em freaked out so they can't sleep. Good call!

The guy I traveled with my second year liked to inject his insulin into his stomach at 70mph while piloting his camper-topped pickup.

It's true. I did not sleep.

Miss that guy.

[illy dilly]

LOL, keep em freaked out so they can't sleep. Good call!

The guy I traveled with my second year liked to inject his insulin into his stomach at 70mph while piloting his camper-topped pickup.

It's true. I did not sleep.

Miss that guy.

I thought, insulin made ya kinda sleepy?
But yeah that would get my attention too. The driver is more worried about not jabing a needle through his stomach.

Though, kuddos to him cause he'd have to be one hell of a driver!