Burning Man Update: The Jack Rabbit Speaks
Volume 17, Issue #26 BIKES
July 10, 2013
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INTRODUCTION
BIKES: THE ESSENTIAL PLAYA ACCESSORY
+ WHAT KIND OF BIKE SHOULD YOU BRING TO BURNING MAN?
+ LIGHT YOUR BIKE, OR DIE
+ WHERE CAN I GET A BIKE CLOSE TO BURNING MAN?
+ BURNING MAN'S COMMUNITY BIKES PROGRAM
+ DON'T WANT YOUR BIKE TO GET STOLEN? OK THEN ...
+ GOT A BIG THEME CAMP? PROVIDE BIKE RACKS!
+ DISPOSING OF YOUR BIKE AFTER THE EVENT
CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN:
+ Burning Man on your favorite social networks
ADMINISTERRATA:
+ Want to unsubscribe from the JRS? Really? OK, here's how: http://bit.ly/nxU8Gz
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{========INTRODUCTION==========}
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Today's JRS is dedicated to that stalwart steed of steel (or aluminum or
titanium or whatever) -- the BIKE. First-time Burners might be wondering why we
dedicate an entire JRS to bikes, but veterans know how absolutely critical it
is to have a trusty bike on the playa.
Black Rock City is a vast open space with incredible things to see, experience
and participate in. You're really REALLY going to want to have a bike to get
around and explore, cuz like we said: VAST. Burning Man is very much a
bike-oriented culture ... in fact, Black Rock City has more bikes per capita
than any city in the WORLD. Cool, huh? OK then, onward ...
Here are THREE KEY PIECES OF INFORMATION FOR 2013:
#1: LIGHT YOUR BIKE. There's gonna be 60,000+ people out there. If you can't be
seen in the dark, people are going to run into you. And that's a great way to
ruin your Burn (let's face it, the medical tent is kind of a downer). Plus
creative lighting makes it easier for you to find your bike amongst the hoards
of parked bikes.
#2: Unless you're hoping someone steals it, LOCK YOUR BIKE. Whether it happens
by accident or intention, walking out of a theme camp to find your bike missing
sucks, especially when your friends still have theirs and you're stuck walking.
#3: LABEL YOUR BIKE. Mark your bike with some identifying information, like
your camp name and address, so if it does go missing, a thoughtful participant
can reunite you with your beloved wheels.
So yes, this is us, loving you up with the beta to make your biking at the Burn
better. Get a bike, get it playa ready, reuse or dispose of it properly after
the event, and have fun out there!
The Man burns in 52 days!
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{===BIKES: THE ESSENTIAL PLAYA ACCESSORY==}
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WHAT KIND OF BIKE SHOULD YOU BRING TO BURNING MAN?
For the easiest cycling on the playa surface, the ideal bicycle is a beach
cruiser with fat tires or a mountain bike. Thin 10-speed or road bike tires can
make for some tough travel. They're just not playa-friendly.
Your bike should be in good enough shape to survive and ride smoothly, but the
playa turns any bike into a rustbucket in short order, so don't bring your
multi-thousand dollar mountain bike if you don't plan on having it destroyed,
or doing some serious cleaning and restoration work on it after the event. Or
you're just a masochist.
Many participants (this Rabbit included) have a dedicated "playa bike" that's
used exclusively for Burning Man ... just sayin'.
The best information about bikes at Burning Man -- including recommended bikes,
how to maintain them, how to be safe and keep them from being stolen -- can be
found in your Survival Guide (which you've read, right?), and also online
riiiiiiight here:
http://survival.burningman.com
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LIGHT YOUR BIKE, OR DIE
It's super freakin' dangerous to ride around on an unlit bike at night.
Dangerous for you, and for those around you. So come on, get some lights and
put them on your bike. And we're not talking about weak-kneed pansy lights
either ... get good ones that you can see from afar. A headlight and a
taillight are key, too.
There's a lot of people running around on playa at night, and guess what? If
your bike isn't lit, THEY CAN'T SEE YOU. Riding an unlit bike is just asking to
get whacked, and nursing a broken collarbone is a less-than-ideal way to spend
your Burn. Without a headlight, you might not see that dude sleeping (read:
speed bump) on the open playa. At the very least, it's a lot easier to find
your bike amongst others if you light it uniquely.
If you fail to light your bike, and you hear somebody screaming "DARKWAD!!"
they're probably talking to you.
So please, if you take just *one* thing away from this JRS, it's this: light
your bike. Or die. <Cue the doom-like music.>
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WHERE CAN I GET A BIKE CLOSE TO BURNING MAN?
Say you're flying into Reno, or you don't want to haul a bike from across the
country. We've got a few favorite bike shops in the region that still have
bikes...
Black Rock Bicycles
Located in northern Reno just a few hours from the playa, Black Rock Bicycles
has cruisers for rent, and affordable new and used cruisers for purchase. They
come highly recommended, and they always sell out, so reserve early. They also
have bike supplies (lighting, baskets, bells, locks, etc.). And, to help make
the journey to the playa easier, customers can ship their supplies to them 30
days prior to Burning Man, have them stored without charge, and pick the
supplies up along with their bike on their way to the playa. They'll also ship
your supplies back to you after the Burn for the cost of the shipping (items
must be boxed and ready to ship). Check out their website for contact
information, reservations, and questions at www.blackrockbicycles.com
Burner Bikes LLC
Barrie and Randy in Gerlach (just 8 miles from Burning Man) are renting very
affordable used mountain bikes or cruisers in good condition again this year.
You can reserve a bike and coordinate with them now for a pick-up time in
Gerlach on your way to the playa. They also have bike baskets and locks
available for sale, and you will be able to return your bike to them in Gerlach
after Burning Man. Best to reserve one now while they last! To do so, and for
further information, email them at ra...@gbis.com. You can also call them at
775-686-8200 or 775-557-2290, but it's best to email them first.
Kiwanis Bike Program
145 Catron Drive, Reno
Located in a new spot in north Reno, our good friends at the Kiwanis Bike
Program have quality and affordable used bicycles still available for purchase.
All funds support repairs and donation of bikes, as well as bicycling
education, for at-risk kids in the Reno area. And if you return your bike to
Kiwanis on your way home from the playa, they’ll refurbish and reuse it for
kids! You can also store your bike with them until next year's Burn. Pretty
awesome people, right? NOTE: Due to the enormous demand for their bikes and
support for their program, they are unable to take bike reservations. You can,
however, get one at their shop while supplies last. Hours will be 9am-9pm
during Burning Man. More info at www.kiwanisbikes.org. If you have any
questions, email them at kiwanis_bi...@sbcglobal.net.
Reno Bike Project
541 East Fourth Street -- 775-323-4488
Reno Bike Project is a great place to get a well-cared-for and very affordable
recycled bike, and to support an invaluable community program. They also repair
bikes and carry lighting and accessories, such as el-wire kits, baskets, racks,
bells, and backup supplies. They'll also take back and recycle your bike after
Burning Man. All purchases go to support this non-profit community bike shop
and its mission to make Reno and the world a more bike-friendly place. NOTE:
Reno Bike Project is unable to reserve bike purchases over the phone, so you
will have to visit the shop in-person to purchase a bike. RBP is open 9am-8pm
around Burning Man time. Call ahead though for possible after-hours
appointment, and to see if they still have bikes. More info at
renobikeproject.com
Rat's Bikes - Did you rent a bike from Rat's Bikes?
We have previously recommended Ray "Rat" Leslie of Reno-Sparks, Nevada, who
rented bikes for the playa exclusively to those travelling from overseas.
Unfortunately, we've received several reports he has taken reservations but is
no longer responding to inquiries. We have made repeated attempts to contact
him without success and thus we can no longer recommend him for playa bikes. If
you have already made a bike rental arrangement with Rat and have not heard
back from him, let us know by emailing renopa...@burningman.com, as we may be
able to point you in another direction for a bike in the Reno-Sparks area.
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BURNING MAN'S COMMUNITY BIKES PROGRAM
Once again, Burning Man's Community Bike program is offering a fleet of
community bicycles available for anyone who needs a one-way ride. Community
Bikes are easy to spot because they are painted BRIGHT GREEN, with no visible
brand and/or the words "YELLOW BIKE" painted on the frame.
The only way this program works is if everybody adheres to the guidelines,
which are:
- Community Bikes are for temporary use by anyone without immediate access to
their own bike. This is not YOUR loaner bike for the week. Bike rides are only
a one-way, temporary guarantee.
- Community Bikes are meant for short trips. Grab a community bike, make your
trek, and then drop it off where you found it, or leave it in an obvious public
place. Do not keep a community bike in your camp.
- If a Community Bike breaks while you're using it, use Radical Self-Reliance
to get it repaired for the next person. Check with Playa Info at Center Camp
for a repair camp if you can't do it yourself.
- NEVER LOCK A COMMUNITY BIKE. Burning Man's bike team will cut any locks from
community bikes. Don't bring a Community Bike into your tent or RV, and don't
take it home when you leave the playa.
- Community Bikes should be treated with respect, as if it was your own. Be
nice to the bike. Don't trash it, vandalize it or part it out! It's a shared
community resource. And don't forget personal hygiene ... pants are required
while riding a Community Bike.
We heart the Community Bike program. Let's keep it working. Here's a blog post
about it, if you want to share it with your friends:
http://blog.burningman.com/?p=4488
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DON'T WANT YOUR BIKE TO GET STOLEN? OK THEN ...
If you don't want your bike stolen on the playa, then always lock it up
wherever you leave it. Rocket science, right? The unfortunate reality is that
bicycles get stolen (or "recklessly borrowed") because they're unlocked. This
has been the case for years and years. The only bikes that should NEVER be
locked are GREEN Community Bikes.
Here's a handy tip: you can always sharpie your name and camp address on the
frame of your bike, and maybe some kind soul will find your bike and have the
presence of mind to return it to you ("stealing" tends to be of a spontaneous
and ultimately temporary nature more often than not). We'd guess the odds of
that happening are actually pretty good: the great majority of Burners are good
peeps.
Burning Man is not responsible if your bike gets stolen. We're supposed to say
that, I think? Either way, we're not.
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BIKE REPAIR ON PLAYA
The key concept when it comes to bike repair on playa is SELF-RELIANCE. You
should bring everything you need to service your own bike, including basic
tools, a bike pump and extra innertubes or a patch kit.
There is at least one bike repair camp on playa, but (and maybe this is petty),
we're not going to tell you where they are, lest they become your first resort
and get swamped. They should be your *last* resort. Anyway, they provide NO
parts, ONLY tools. If you really need 'em, you can find 'em.
So, again: self-reliance. Key concept.
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GOT A BIG THEME CAMP? PROVIDE BIKE RACKS!
If your theme camp is planning on attracting the masses, do everybody a favor
and provide some bike racks! Strewn bikes can present a public safety hazard,
considering how hard it is for Rangers and emergency service personnel to
respond quickly to a situation when they have to wend their way through a
thicket of tossed bikes. Information about building simple and effective bike
racks can be found on Burningman.com:
http://bit.ly/r3lwlu
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WHERE TO DISPOSE YOUR BIKE, BUT NOT AT BURNING MAN!!
The absolute least cool thing you do with your bike at the end of the event is
to leave it on the playa. WAY UNCOOL! Our hardworking crews are forced to round
up all abandoned bikes and dispose of them properly off-playa. And that
mountain of work on top of all else that they do really, really sucks.
If you really don't want that bike anymore, that's ok. But please recycle it in
Reno, Sparks, or Cedarville, as part of the Exodus Trash and Recycling Network.
"Wait .. You can do that?" Yes! And all those bikes will be donated to bike
programs in the region in support of kids in-need. Nice. And way better than
ditching them on the playa, right? Same result for you, only with EXTRA juju!
"Ok, cool! So where can I take 'em?" Here:
THE BURNING MAN EXODUS TRASH AND RECYCLING NETWORK (EXTRA!)
Saturday, August 31 – Wednesday, September 4. OPEN 24 HOURS!
There are several convenient 24-hour trash and recycling centers along all
Exodus routes. Recycling is free and trash disposal is approximately $5 per
35-gallon trash bag. HUMAN AND OTHER HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL IS ABSOLUTELY
PROHIBITED!
Accepted Recyclables: Bicycles, plastics (SPI 1-5), glass, all metals, paper,
cardboard, plastic bags, household (rechargeable and disposable) batteries, and
non-perishable food and water. Please plan ahead, clean your recyclables as
much as possible, and have them debagged and sorted before depositing into the
appropriate containers. Deposit trash separately into appropriate dumpsters.
Again, NO human and other hazardous waste allowed.
And remember this is a tremendously generous service to our community – PLEASE
be polite and responsible!
Drop-Off Locations:
To the South, East, & West of BRC...
Save Mart Supermarkets
• 525 Keystone Avenue, Reno, NV, 775-786-2150
• 9750 Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks, NV, 775-425-2700
• 565 East Prater Way, Sparks, NV, 775-359-9060
• 195 West Plumb Lane, Reno, NV, 775-786-0138 (back of store)
Whole Foods Market:
• 6139 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 775-852-8023
To the North of BRC...
Rabbit Traxx Store
• 580 Patterson Way, Cedarville, CA, 530-279-2022
Project proceeds beyond expenses will be donated to help support new Black Rock
Solar installations or other local community programs in the region.
Non-perishable food and water will be donated to local Food Banks, and bicycles
will be donated to local bike programs to support kids in need. Your mindful
participation in the seventh year of this multi-community project community is
greatly appreciated! Leave No Trace on and off the playa.
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{===CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN===}
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The Burning Man Regional Network - connect with Burners in your hometown:
http://regionals.burningman.com
Visit our own Lyceum and engage with published authors, bloggers and thinkers
as they observe and comment on our culture and like-minded cultures around the
world:
http://blog.burningman.com
The Official Burning Man Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/burningman
Official Burning Man Twitter Account - All Things Burning Man:
http://www.twitter.com/burningman
Black Rock City Twitter Account - All Things BRC:
http://www.twitter.com/blackrockcity
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{======JRS ADMINISTERRATA======}
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Soundtrack for this JRS: Tennis, Atoms For Peace
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