Iron Butt ride/route advice

[stryg8r]

My route includes a stop at the IBA memorial north of Gerlach. I've never been there and making the pilgrimage is something I've been wanting to do for some time.

I've recently discovered my timing (8/28 @ 1700) coincides with Burning Man (8/27-9/3). I suspect traffic at that time would be horrendous and I'd face uncertain gas lines at Bruno's? Anyone familiar with the areas traffic during Burning Man?

 

[odot]

No, just watch out for naked hippies tripping on acid.

 

[Bustanut joker]

No, just watch out for naked hippies tripping on acid.

Hey, You! Leave my family outa this! <_<

:jester:

 

[Ignacio]

As a Burner...both the Bun and Man type....I wouldn't worry so much as you're doing it fairly early in the midweek. Traffic will build up closer to the weekend certainly, but early midweek should probably be OK unless you're doing a Bun Burner Gold or similarly intense ride. Burners will be principally between Gerlach and the Memorial, but I'd also be concerned about cops on the entire stretch from Gerlach to Pyramid Lake.

 

[RenoJohn]

While kinda early in the week (Tuesday) there will still be plenty of traffic. I came home via Lakeview (OR) before it even started last year and hit all kinds of traffic. Two days later I was heading back out to the Playa to do Burning Man. BM is a yearly gig for me, I'm lucky it is just down the road from me, like nothing you've ever seen. Didn't know Ignatio was a burner, now that scares me. It is one place you typically hope to NOT run into someone you know. Well, if you partake in the activiites that I do anyway

Last year took pics of every bike that I could find at Burning Man, perhaps those are worth posting.

+1 on all Ignatio said, and I'll dogpile with: *while typically warp speed is the norm ..TAKE IT SLOW, cops and just as dangerous they'll be all kinds of debris that has fallen off campers, trailers etc etc etc etc ....you never know what you'll come up on in the road. Also, those rolling hills that limit visiiblilty ....you don't want a huge surprise coming over one of them at a buck-thirty.

Brunos will be very busy, as will the town of Gerlach .....don't allow yourself to think this is the norm, it isn't

Gas available in Gerlach ...but at this time, because so many burners get gas upon arrival (smartly so) you could expect long lines at *the* pump ...so, keep that in mind ..perhaps you can make the stretch without gas. Also Empire (5miles from Gerlach) *usually* has gas, but not always, count count on it ..especially during Burning Man.

I'm just down the road on 447 (pyramid hwy) ...should you need anything ...let me know.

Just passing through the area, or are you planning to do some good riding in the area? Or, perhaps you'll start a new life and family out a BurningMan? LOL

 

[Ignacio]

While kinda early in the week (Tuesday) there will still be plenty of traffic. I came home via Lakeview (OR) before it even started last year and hit all kinds of traffic. Two days later I was heading back out to the Playa to do Burning Man. BM is a yearly gig for me, I'm lucky it is just down the road from me, like nothing you've ever seen. Didn't know Ignatio was a burner, now that scares me. It is one place you typically hope to NOT run into someone you know. Well, if you partake in the activiites that I do anyway

'97 and '98....the year after it was in Wired Magazine. I haven't been there since, but have fond memories of riding the Playa on the Mobile Living Room, taking communion at the Church of Harley, eating PB&J at Bianca's Smut Shack, haggling at Dante's Used Soul Emporium, helping light lamps, playing fireball, being probed by aliens, being one of The Mud People for two days, hugging the world's largest sno-cone, and many other memories......all while having an active security clearance.

Seems we have some more catching up to do next time we meet my Rennaissance friend.

Ig

 

[stryg8r]

Thanks for the info guys. You've confirmed my thoughts. Gerlach will have to wait. I'll change my route and pay respects some other day.

Now I'll just leave you two alone to catch up.

 

[RenoJohn]

Thanks for the info guys. You've confirmed my thoughts. Gerlach will have to wait. I'll change my route and pay respects some other day.
Now I'll just leave you two alone to catch up.

****MISTAKE******

IMO you are making a big mistake by not going through Gerlach ...You'll see an area full of LD stories and legend, ...and you'll get a taste for Burning man without the full frenzy of a day or two later. You just will use up anohter hour or so ...maybe more as you'll want to take some time to see the wonderful sights. Also, not knowing your route in detail, but going from north/south you'll still do as good going through Gerlach as you would any other route ..even with Burning Man going on. And, you have the option to take Jungo road and be first-hand to the stories of that road ....or you'll see Pyramid lake which is a pretty bizzare place in istelf (Lake tahoe drains into the Truckee River, the truckee river goes to Pyramid lake and goes NOWHERE. It is one of the few rivers that never makes it to the ocean). Also, pyramid like is haunted with crazy ghosts.

A pic of pyramid lake ....perhaps some shots of burning man later

Crazy with a Kapital "K" to miss the chance.

Matt and I will not be discussing burning man ....it is way too incriminating. LOL LOL

Well perhaps after a looong ride and a sampling of southern Nevada peyote