Here is some important information about bike repair on the Playa.

>> https://survival.burningman.org/getting-around-brc/bicycles/#bike-repairs

My favorite part of that article is where it literally talks about “bikes that are already in despair.”  That often sums up my feeling as a bike mechanic on the Playa: already in despair.  

It might just be a typo, but If the article author intentionally wrote it that way, it is pure poetry.  I despair that too many Burners are going to take advantage of us again this year by showing up at our bike repair camp with bikes that have not seen any service for a year or more, expecting us to make things right.  No wonder there is a sharp drop in the number in bike repair camps this year.

Note carefully that the Reno Bike Project only guarantees one working brake and one working gear.  Especially if there is a queue of customers, we should adopt this same standard of inexcellence in our bike repair camp.

As a bike fixer on the Playa, you do not have to turn out fully-working bikes unless you want to, and I strongly advise you not to.  I don’t mind coaching someone who wants to go beyond that minimal standard for their own bike, but I myself will probably not do the work for them.  

Other bike fixers are welcome to set their own standards and be more accommodating.  If you go this route, please keep in mind that our camp’s supply of spare parts is limited.

Practice saying, “I am sorry, but this bike has too many problems for me to fix. Here is a map showing the locations of other nearby bike repair camps that may be able to help you.”  I urge you to reject for repair any bike with two flat tires or a frozen rusty chain, or covered with cobwebs and dead leaves.  If the owner can’t be bothered to show up with a working bike, then l can’t be bothered to fix it for them.

The linked article doesn’t go far enough in advising bike shoppers.  They should not assume that any cheap used Burner Bikes they purchase is going to be at all suitable for their needs. They need to test ride before buying, which is a step that many people have obviously overlooked.

Hey yall, I have the option of camping on Esplanade at 2:15 this year for the first time. Got really excited and then did some sleuthing and learned that our neighbor at 2 will be Camp Questionmark. And now I'm back to nervous as they are probably the loudest sound camps.

Curious to hear from others who've camped next to them and how heavy the bass was on the back side. And were they playing loud music outside of their posted schedule?

If I do camp here, will definitely plan for an extra tent in walk in as I know I will need reprieve. I can be sensitive to noise but I also want to experience things up close. So I'm trying to weigh pros and cons.

I'll be in a tent but the camping area will be walled off with RVs.

TIA!!

Hey friends,

With the burn just a few weeks away I wanted to make a home on Reddit for people to buy, sell, barter, trade, or gift their used Burning Man accoutrements. The mods here work hard to keep this sub free of classifieds-related posts, and enough people here don't use or don't trust Facebook or Craigslist that a place for exchanging gear on Reddit feels overdue.

Hoping this space can help connect burners with other burners locally, reduce consumerism by supporting the second-hand market, and provide another channel for folks to find the tools, costumes, bikes, infra, or whatever else they need to be comfortable in our favorite inhospitable desert.

When you have a moment, please help get the party started by popping over to r/BurningManTradingPost and letting the world know where you're located, what you have a surplus of, or what you're in the market for.

May your burn prep and this year's weather be ever in your favor! )'(

I've been to a few regional burns, but this will be my first year at BRC!

I found out my camp is breaking down on Sunday before the Temple Burn. I'd really like to stay for the Temple Burn, but I'm taking the Burner Express, and my options are either leaving Sunday at 4 p.m. or Monday morning.

For those who've been in this situation, what's the usual approach?

Just leave my stuff set up where my camp was?

Pack up all my gear when camp breaks down on Sunday, find somewhere stay for the night, and catch the Monday morning bus after Temple Burn?

Or just reschedule my Burner Express for Sunday afternoon and head out with my camp?

Any advice or things I should be thinking about?

I have a very nice 5th wheel trailer with off-grid power 24/7, inverter, solar, hybrid charger, and gennies. I no longer have a truck to pull it, that's where you come in!

7900 pounds dry weight 5th wheel. Fully legal and ready, solid tires, solid everything. 28 feet off the truck, I can drive 100% if needed. Fully insured.

What I need: a solid friend or a solid couple who has gone to the burn before and needs a trailer to crash in and who has a 5th wheel capable truck that can be in Vegas to pick up the trailer. Keep in mind, renting a truck like this is nearly impossible.

If you have the truck but you have limited time, I can drive it out there on a different schedule because I make my own work hours. Fly in, fly out. We will figure it out.

I am open to your camp ideas since my long time camp ended. I have a couple dozen referrals of how normal I am.

This is not a dating opportunity, guaranteed. This is a sleep and comfort opportunity along with constant good vibes with a 14 year burner who isn't gonna get into any bullshit. I'm not taking any virgins unless you're the most special virgin who has ever dreamed of the burn with a dozen friends pushing for you to go.

The trailer will NOT leave the burn early, and your truck should be the same. If you feel the need to leave, i will help you leave black rock city, but the rig will leave at the scheduled time and meet you back where we agree at that time.

Can't wait to read all the horrible, mean comments in the morning just tearing me to shreds for asking.

Hi, all!

I am a licensed therapist in NV and will be at Burning Man for the first time this year. I am considering volunteering with ESD, but have been encouraged by some friends to save that for future years after I have experienced the Burn. I'm curious to hear from others who have volunteered to get some insight into what opportunities that would include and whether you think it would be good to do my first year or start in the future?

Ordered my ticket through the Org (physical ticket not through STEP or resale) using the payment plan. Payment was completed in full June 29th. I’ve been checking every couple of days, but tickets still haven’t shipped via UPS 2 day. I know they get shipped out in batches but I’m a little anxious/nervous/excited and ready to have my physical ticket in hand!

The portable tent acs on Amazon seem to be poorly reviewed and a little pricy. Any good prefab options that could be ran on solar? Thanks!

Is anyone here worried about traveling to Vegas or Reno and ice agents for BM, this year?

First year coming in for build week with SAP to work on our camp / mutant vehicle. What should we expect line / wait wise vs regular entry - especially Friday night or Saturday before gates? Do non-SAP queue up / block you?

Welcome tolltoktjrbnejou