Burning Man, September 2008

[dieselcruiserhead]

Hopefully that will happen. There is a brutal well funded frat boy camp that goes out each year from here (called The Pink Spot, across from The Deep End every year). I was "not allowed" on a couple art cars a couple years ago because I wasn't some chick with her ********** hanging out... And my female companion was clearly "taken..." I 100% hear you..

Anyway, my feeling is that it will probably be somewhat the same but I have a feeling it will tame down a little. There sure is that noticeable difference weds night. The worst were the weekend contingency from Reno I thought... We learned to work real hard at finding good spots that weren't too bad. The Bad Idea Theater (awesome) comes to mind. A couple of the smaller, more intimate camps... Techno/Raves does little for me and all my friends too...

Cheers, A

it would be nice if fewer of the Frat boys showed up and there were less partiers and more art makers. My first year there were only about 9k people and no gridwork of streets. You really had to know where your camp was but it was not so big either. I do miss the old days when "rave camp" was a mile outside of camp. Now it seams like every other camp is a bar or a disco. Still though there is so much cool stuff that people build that it is still worth it to me.

 

[Cabrito]

Yeah, I regret never experiencing a pre-rave Burning Man. Now it seems like the all-night do-oot do-oot scene is the only reason some people go.

Yep, totally lame. But there is still this kind of stuff. Like the ladder that you climb with no safety line.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Wow, all night raves and frat boys...sounds like my worst nightmare.

And yes, I know its longer than just a weekend, but I work at a school so weekends are it for me from now till xmas.

 

[SunMan]

Such a great time, I'll be missing it this year for a Baja run, not a hard call to make there...

 

[OnTheTrail]

I ended up selling my tickets. (sucks) Gonna be tuff looking at all the dusty cars the week after.

 

[MoGas]

Burning Man has been bringing the MEH since about '96 when it went all corporate. Glad I got in and got out in the early years '91-'93.

If you do go, dress as you came into this world, and stay away from the brown acid. It's the only way to fly.

 

[Cabrito]

A little tidbit from another Bman thread might be of interest http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=256078&postcount=53


-m

 

[dlbrunner]

Copied post, sorry, I did not get it in the right thread:

The event draws near again.

I know of a couple "Alternate" ways in and out that would avoid the traffic. they would require considerable dirt road driving though.

Smoke creek desert is the first one that comes to mind. also there is a way into lovelock over the 7 troughs, rabbithole springs or not.

The third and best route....well I won't tell, but I would guide it, in person.

My feelings on burning man are all over the map. I have been several times, between 1996 and 2000. I will say it was an incredible event to attend; however, with growth and development the associated issues and challenges arise (similar to any metropolis).

What I do know is, some of the locals (Northern Nevadans) are very passionate about Land issues, they live, work and hunt there. Some like the event, some loathe it. I can sympathize will all parties for their respective reasons.

Have fun, be safe, and for goodness sake, if you are traveling with a group, make sure EVERYONE is prepared. This includes bringing warm clothing. Bring plenty of food and water, there are lots of underprepared people out there.


CAREFUL on some of the comments. Please don't generalize.

Sure some people act like idiots , INCLUDING a few of the black rock rangers we caught cutting track near the black rock hotsprings......... Supposedly "Guarding" it from damage from the "local rednecks" as they so politely put it.

It only takes the actions of a few to ruin the reputation of the group.

If you don't want to deal with the exit, immedeately drive around the camp and head for Trego, from there there are numerous ways to avoid traffic. Provided Playa travel is permitted that weekend.

 

[dlbrunner]

A few things I forgot....

Don't bring a dog, I don't care how tough they are or how good of a camper they are, it is the freak factor that gets them. Loud noises, lights and strange people don't mix well with canines. I discovered this the hard way.


If the weather gets bad on exit day, DO NOT ATTEMPT A PLAYA CROSSING. There are cars going all over the place at high rates of speed. also the playa is really rough now for previous BM camps. That last day is a free for all from my experience. I reccommend taking an extra day off and leaving on the Tuesday or even wednesday.

Even when rave camp was a mile away, you could still hear it.....the only way to stop it was to unplug it :sombrero:

Ear plugs are your friends!

 

[Green Ganesha]

Don't bring a dog, I don't care how tough they are or how good of a camper they are, it is the freak factor that gets them. Loud noises, lights and strange people don't mix well with canines. I discovered this the hard way.

Actually, dogs aren't even allowed now. Show up with one, and they won't let you in.

 

[Cabrito]

If the weather gets bad on exit day, DO NOT ATTEMPT A PLAYA CROSSING. There are cars going all over the place at high rates of speed. also the playa is really rough now for previous BM camps. That last day is a free for all from my experience.

This will be my 12th year in a row I remember the first year and it was just like you are describing with cars going all over the place at high rates of speed - at the highway turnoff we were instructed to set our compass north and drive 11 miles to the camp. We were cruising 55mph+ with cars all over the place. It was rad!

sounds like you have not been for a while. I don't believe you will be allowed to drive the playa until way after the event.
Traffic out of the event is just something we live with.

Dogs have been a No no for a while. I did bring mine the first year I went and she was fine but she is a punk rock dog who had been around a lot of weird stuff so she was fine but I would not reccomend it unless you really know your animal and are able to control it completely. But dogs are not allowed period.

 

[dlbrunner]

After looking at the closure maps, you can access the playa and take alternate routes. Here is a link

http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/media...le.dat/Burning_Man_2008_Closures_2008_Map.pdf



Good for the dog ban.

and no I have not been to the "event" in some time. However, I have been hanging out in the Black Rock over that weekend. I was in that Dust storm you speak of 12 years ago. I am surprised no one was killed.

 

[Green Ganesha]

After looking at the closure maps, you can access the playa and take alternate routes. Here is a link

http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/media...le.dat/Burning_Man_2008_Closures_2008_Map.pdf

You may be able to reach other parts of the Playa during the week of Burning Man, but the only way into the event itself is a single access road. The Black Rock City perimeter is enclosed by a four-foot temporary plastic trash fence, and patrolled.

 

[Cabrito]

You may be able to reach other parts of the Playa during the week of Burning Man, but the only way into the event itself is a single access road. The Black Rock City perimeter is enclosed by a four-foot temporary plastic trash fence, and patrolled.

Quite right about that.

By the way Trevor - I see that you are a HAM - Listen to 146.520 for the noon net every day with the Burning Ham's Amateur Radio Society http://burninghamsars.org/ (formed two years ago) Let's try to meet up.

-Michael

 

[Green Ganesha]

Listen to 146.520 for the noon net every day with the Burning Ham's Amateur Radio Society http://burninghamsars.org/ (formed two years ago)

Will do.

Let's try to meet up.

Sounds good. I arrive the week before, next Friday 8/22. I'll be with Homeslice, which intends to locate somewhere around 3:30 or 4:00 at either Fairlane or Gremlin, partly depending on where they put the portapotties. But I'll register in Center Camp; look for Trevor Tarr or GerberBaby. Or just keep an eye out for my big green truck, two-storey tent, and wind turbine.

Also I'll be working some Gate shifts and Perimeter patrols.

When do you arrive?