As I browse thru CraigsList Bike Listings, (I’m still looking for a cheap fixie) there are a lot of people selling bikes for ‘Burning Man’. So, since I live under a rock, I had to find out what the heck ‘Burning Man’ is and its relationship with bikes.
The Quick definition of Burning man is :
Burning Man is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. www.burningman.com
So how does it tie in with bikes?
Here’s another excerpt from the Burning Man website:
BIKES AT BURNING MAN
Having a bicycle at Burning Man is crucial, if not essential, to your overall enjoyment and experience within Black Rock City. Given the rapid growth and expansion of the city in recent years, a pedal-powered means of navigation is a prudent, high-priority item when you’re packing.
But what kind of bike to bring?
Crummy is Cool
Do NOT bring a “good” bike to the event. Dig: the desert will reduce a valuable bike to a rust bucket posthaste. If you must use quality wheels, it’s wise to set aside some coin and time to have it serviced upon returning home–it’ll need the TLC. The playa is notoriously corrosive on unprotected metal, particularly after it rains. At the very least, take along some chain oil for spot lubrication. For improved traction and handling, wider tires generally work out better than road bike tires.
Shine a Light
Affixing a light of some kind to your bike is a critical element for safe travel after dark, especially on certain pedestrian-heavy streets outlining the city. Even on the open playa, where the occasional “dream weaver” may be unexpectedly ambling (or ensconced), a proper beacon could prevent serious injury to either yourself or an unsuspecting playa peregrinator.
Movin’ to the Groovin’
Help keep BRC beautiful: Decorate, adorn and bedeck your bike with the city’s most prized asset–your imagination. Turn your bike into transportational sculpture or just plain get wacky widdit! This is also a crafty way to avoid unwanted bicycle appropriation. By enhancing or fashioning your own unique two-wheeler, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of its undue disappearance, or will make it more swiftly identifiable and returnable.
So, if any of our readers are going to Burning Man or has been to Burning Man, please let us know, we would like to read from someone that has first hand experience.