Prep Your Playa Bike Like a Pro

Selecting the Right Bike

Choosing the Perfect Playa Bike

If you're heading to Burning Man, you'll want a bike that can handle the Playa's unique conditions. Not just any bike will suffice. Here's how to pick or prep a bike that won't let you down when cruising across the desert.

Fat Tires: The Playa is known for its challenging surface – soft, unpredictable terrain that can bog down skinny tires quickly. A mountain bike or cruiser with fat tires is your best bet. These bikes offer better traction and stability on the uneven ground, making your ride smoother and less tiring.
Keep It Simple: The more complex the bike, the more that can go wrong. Think single-speed simplicity. Bikes with fewer gears and cable systems require less maintenance and have fewer opportunities for the Playa dust to interfere. Plus, you won't need those extra gears; the Playa isn't exactly the Alps.

Lights and Reflectors: Out there, you're part of a mobile light show! Besides being fun, having your bike well-lit is a safety must. At night, the desert becomes very dark, dotted with moving art and festive folks. To avoid accidents and ensure you can find your bike in a sea of spokes, deck it out with LED lights, glow sticks, or even better, EL wire. Remember: a lit bike is a found bike.
Prepare for Dust: The alkaline dust is notorious for clogging gears and chains. Choose a bike you're not too attached to because the Playa will leave its mark. Prior to heading out, give your chain a good coat with dry, wax-based lube to protect it from the dust. You'll probably need to do this more than once while you're out there.
Comfort Is Key: You might be pedaling for miles every day, so seat comfort is essential. Consider upgrading to a padded or gel seat cover. And don't forget your manners; pants are required, at least on community bikes.

Accessorize: A basket or rear rack can be a game-changer. You'll need somewhere to stash your water bottle, extra layers, and any Playa treasure you come across. For those planning larger hauls, like ice runs, consider attaching a trailer.
Expect to Walk: No matter how well you prepare, there will be times when the muck is too much, and you'll have to walk your bike. It's all part of the experience. Just make sure your shoes are as ready for the journey as your tires.
Personalize It: Make your bike an extension of your Burner identity. Decorating your bike makes it easily identifiable in a crowd and is an opportunity to express yourself creatively in a community that celebrates artistic expression.

Riding through Black Rock City on a bike that's built for the conditions can improve your Burning Man experience. With some preparation and personalization, your two-wheeled companion will carry you through a week of adventure, self-expression, and community connection. So saddle up and ride on, Burners!

A decorated bike with fat tires and LED lights on the Playa at Burning Man

Decorating and Lighting

Illuminating Your Bike for Night-Time Adventures

Let's explore how to light up your bike creatively and safely for night-time rides across the Playa. When dusk falls and the desert transforms, your bike becomes not just a vehicle but a beacon, a part of the living, breathing mosaic of lights and colors.

Step 1: Essentials

Install front and rear LED lights. These are non-negotiable for safety, ensuring you're visible to both pedestrians and art cars from all sides. Choose lights with multiple flashing modes to grab attention, and pack extra batteries or a power bank if they're USB rechargeable.

Step 2: EL Wires

Electroluminescent (EL) wires are your best friend for outlining your bike's frame. These flexible, durable wires come in various colors and can be shaped to follow any contour, illuminating every inch of your bike. Wrap them around the frame, wheels, and handlebars for an all-around glow that ensures visibility and adds a wow factor. They're battery-operated, so strap the power pack securely where it won't interfere with your biking.

Step 3: LED Strips and Fairy Lights

For an added twinkle, incorporate LED strip lights or fairy lights. These can be wrapped around your bike's spokes, creating a dazzling wheel effect, especially when in motion. Drape them over the basket or rear rack for a whimsical touch. Ensure they're rated for outdoor use to withstand the Playa's weather.

Step 4: Glow-in-the-Dark Tape

Outline your bike's rims, pedals, and seat with glow-in-the-dark tape. This tape charges up in daylight and emits a soft glow at night, serving as an excellent backup light source. You can also use this tape to create patterns or spell out expressions that showcase your burner identity.

Step 5: Secure Everything

While decorating, make sure each light and decoration is securely fastened. Use zip ties for firmer grips on frames and wheels, and double-check that nothing interferes with your bike's operation. This includes making sure that lights and decorations do not catch in the wheels, gears, or affect your steering.

Remember Your Safety
Visibility is critical, not only to see but to be seen. While creativity knows no bounds at Burning Man, ensure that your artistic expression doesn't compromise your safety or the safety of others. Always carry spare lights and batteries, test your setup before venturing out, and keep an eye on the condition of your illuminations throughout the event.

By following these steps, you can transform your Burner Bike into a radiant masterpiece that enhances both your visibility and experience during those desert nights. Make your nocturnal journey not just a ride but an illuminated adventure that reflects your spirit and creativity.

A creatively decorated bike with LED lights and glow-in-the-dark tape for Burning Man

Maintenance and Playa-proofing

Maintaining Your Bike on the Playa

As your journey at Burning Man unfolds, keeping your bike in good condition is crucial for ensuring smooth riding through the Playa's unpredictable terrain. Let's dive into maintenance tips that are often overlooked yet essential for your bike's performance during the event.

Lube Your Chain

The pervasive playa dust is a notorious bike chain issue, ready to turn your smooth ride into a gritty nightmare. Combat this by applying a dry, wax-based lubricant to your bike's chain before hitting the Playa and at intervals throughout the event. Apply sparingly and wipe off the excess.

Tire Pressures

The Playa is no ordinary cycling surface, requiring a strategic approach to tire pressure. Inflate your tires to about two-thirds of the maximum recommended pressure. This provides the right amount of give to navigate through softer spots of the desert floor while still maintaining enough rigidity for easier pedaling on firmer ground. ^[1]

Post-Playa Cleanup

Your post-Burning Man bike care is just as important as your on-Playa maintenance. Once home, give your bike a gentle but thorough wash to remove any lingering alkaline dust. Focus on moving parts like the chain, gears, and bearings. A soft brush and a hose will do the trick—avoid high-pressure washers as they can force dust deeper into the bike components. After drying, reapply lubricant to the chain and any other necessary areas.

Frequent Checks

Each day, set aside a moment to perform a quick round of checks on your bike. Inspect the tires for wear or damage, ensure the brakes are responsive and that the seat remains snugly attached. Bolts can loosen with all the bumping and jostling that comes with traversing Black Rock City.

Emergency Kit

Pack a bag of essentials and carry it with you. Include a spare inner tube or patch kit, a compact bike pump or CO2 inflator, a multitool geared for bike adjustments, and extra batteries or portable power packs for your lights. Being prepared means less time sidelined with bike issues and more time exploring.

Deal with Rust

After exposure to the alkaline playa dust, certain metal parts of your bike might begin to show signs of rust. Tackle this head-on with a rust remover or protective spray. Prompt action can save you from costly repairs down the line.

By keeping these tips in mind and acting proactively, you can ensure that your Burner Bike remains a reliable ride throughout your Burning Man adventure. A well-cared-for bike not only enhances your experience but also stands as a testament to your self-reliance and commitment to navigating Black Rock City's terrain with respect and preparedness.