Burner Resources
Burner required reading
And we absolutely mean required. Every burner must familiarize themselves with the 10 principles and read through the survival guide for their own safety. We threw in a very robust packing list to help you translate what you read into practical prep.
Burning Man 101
Whether this is your first burn or you’re 20 times in, this article from the Org is a baseline guide of what to expect. You’re gonna be exposed to the elements, hot and dusty. But you’re also going to have the time of your life.
The 10 Principles
This is a fundamental reflection of the community’s ethos and culture. Burning Man only works because of collective effort, participation, self-reliance. Read this to understand the core of what this week is about.
Packing list
We compiled a robust, experienced list of all the essentials you’ll need between yourself and your dwelling mates for both survival and comfort. Make a copy of this spreadsheet and check off as-needed.
Getting to playa
Every camper at the BRC Municipal Pool should have a personal plan on how to get themselves and all belongings to and from playa. We’ll help each other out and consolidate trips, but what’s the fourth principle of Burning Man? Below are some resources to help you start your planning.
So where is this thing?
This is a pin of the 12-Mile Playa Access Route. This is the entry point where you will wait in line with your vehicle, tickets, and supplies to be checked before entering and finding camp. Try to time you arrival at least a few hours before sunset so you can be placed in camp!
Burner Bus
The Express Bus is a service offered by Burning Man to transport Burners from San Francisco and Reno to Black Rock City and back. You can purchase one way (to or from BRC) or round trip tickets.
Burner Air
Burner Express Air (BxA) is a charter air transportation service that will transport Burners from Southern California, the Bay Area, and Reno to Black Rock City (BRC) and back.
Getting to Reno early?
If you’re a great planner and want to have one last nice, hot shower before subjecting yourself to the elements, book a one-night stay at the Grand Sierra hotel in Reno. It’s near the airport, and Burner friendly. There’s a different hotel that everyone goes to after the Burn. More on that later.
Errands before playa
Factor in a day to run errands before heading to playa. This includes bike pick up, groceries, water, and de-mooping your items — take off every bit of extra packaging and throw it away!!! Factor in 1 gallon of clean drinking water per person, per day, and don’t forget extra batteries, sunscreen, and electrolytes!!!
Prep your dwelling
If you’re in an RV, consider wrapping surfaces in Carpet Protection Tape. Peel it up after for easy clean. Tape the entire outside frame of the windows with painter’s tape to minimize dust coming in. Organize groceries, lay out clothes for build, and store items off surfaces so they don’t fly when you drive. Pro tip: in a zip-lock bag, prep a post-playa outfit that’s not dusty.
Getting around playa
You’ll need a bike to get around playa. And you’ll need to get it there and take it back. Here are some tips to consider between buying, renting, donating after. Your fellow returning shrimp have tons of experience, so holler in our WhatsApp or camp calls if you have any questions.
Bikes at Burning Man
Burning Man covers a big area, about 7mi. Walking will take a large portion of your day. If you want to explore as much as the city has to offer, or make it to an event on time, you’ll really want a bike. Here’s a great article that walks through some of the tips and tricks around bringing a bike to the burn.
Sourcing your bike
Testing out Burning Man? Rent! Coming year after year? Probably makes sense to buy. We encourage campers to grab second hand bikes, and there are some great shops in Reno that are focused on serving burners. If you have your heart set on new wheels, we recommend working with a shop to have the bike received and assembled ahead of your arrival.
E-bikes?
If you’re not one to pedal and hate the feeling of your quadriceps firing while biking through sand at 3am, an e-bike may be for you. This shop, on an as-available basis, sells and rents e-bikes for Burning Man in Reno.
Leaving playa
Prepare for the EXODUS. It might take you an hour, it might take you ten to leave. There will be traffic. When booking flights at the end of the Burn, factor in an extra day to get to your final destinations, decompress, shower, and catch your transportation, knowing there will be unforeseen obstacles.
Strike
Before anyones leaves, pack up your camp! Factor in your departure for AFTER your strike commitments, then factor in a few extra hours to wait in the exodus line and sit in traffic back to Reno. We recommend leaving at least 24 hours between expected departure from playa and onward travel.
Stay at the Peppermill
This is where the masses go to relax after the Burn before departing to their respective homes. Book a night, lounge by the wet wet pool, shower, maybe three times, and sleeeeep. For those with RVs or travel trailers, note that the Peppermill does charge for large vehicle parking and you’ll need a ticket in advance.
Decompression
There will be several decompression events in cities like NYC, SF, and smaller Burn communities. It’s a great time to connect with the community and keep the playa spirit alive. Keep a look out, take care of yourself, and catch up on rest.