We’re only weeks away from what many of us call FOP (feet on the playa), and preparations are now in the hot and heavy phase. For us, that means getting the RV into desert-worthy condition, fashioning or rehabbing our costumes, powering up the EL wire and headlamps, and checking the bikes for structural integrity (and air in the tires). Soon we’ll be stocking up on food, drinks and a multitude of libidinous libations that turn our plain old RV into a party house.
I’ve been keeping an eye on ticket sales, and again this year it’s beginning to look like many tickets purchased early in the year are going up for re-sale. If you still need a ticket, check out the OMG sale that Burning Man is holding on August 7, beginning at noon. According to the website, 1,000+ tickets will be offered at this sale. But sources tell me the number will actually be closer to 4,000 tickets. All tickets will be sold at the standard price of $380, and will be available only for “will-call” pick-up (no deliveries this close to the event). I believe the standard $12 per order charge for “will-call” service will be added to the price.
However, to be eligible for the sale, you need to have completed your Burner Profile by August 1 (too late if you haven’t already done it), and pre-register for the sale by August 5 at noon. Check out all the details here.
A genuine Burning Man ticket. Accept no substitutes!
Of course, you can always try to find a ticket on Craigslist or eBay, but beware of scams and scalper pricing. To make certain a ticket you buy from someone is genuine, ask the seller to show you the invoice that is sent out by Burning Man with the ticket. Any ticket holder should also have received a 2013 Survival Guide, which you can also ask to see.
Taking care of the RV is critical as we prepare to drive out to Black Rock City. That means getting the engine fully checked out (belts, hoses, brakes, etc.), changing the oil, and make sure the generator is in tip-top condition. It’s a terrible feeling to have a problem on your way to or out on the playa. We know because it happens to us almost every year. A few years back, we lost a tire shortly after leaving the house and ended up having to replace the four rear tires on the beast. Last year, we had a serious generator malfunction mid-burn that ended up requiring a new starter motor.
Fortunately, TPP – the playa provides – and one of our fellow Lamplighters loaned us a generator for the duration. This year, we’re hoping to find a way to keep some of the dust out of the generator (any and all ideas are welcome).
We’ll be back at Lamplighters again this year, and hope to see some of you there to help light the city. We host a daily 3-5 p.m. party at Lamplighters’ Lounge, followed by the Lamplighting ceremony. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to participate at least once as a Lamplighter. You’ll receive our unique 2013 charm for your efforts. But best of all, you’ll be part of one of the playa’s most enduring traditions – lighting the city with nearly 1,000 kerosene lanterns.
Time is short for making arrangements to go to Burning Man if you haven’t already done so, and planning your trip is something that shouldn’t be left until the last minute. Most people pass through Reno on their way to the Burn, and many stores have equipped themselves to outfit us Burners as we head out to the desert. Here’s a list of Reno area shops that stock up for especially for us.
See you on the playa!