In just under two weeks tens of thousands of art-minded people will head out to the Black Rock Desert for Burning Man 2012.
That means Reno will be seeing a big influx of people stocking up on supplies in preparation. It is good news for the Reno Bike Project, which supplies hundreds of bikes to burners every year.
"It is a really big fundraiser for us," RBP store manager Johnny Daggett said. "It helps a lot to keep us going through the winter, when money is a little bit stiffer for a bike shop."
The Reno Bike Project is a non-profit organization, that describes itself as a "cycling advocacy group." They recycle and repair old bikes to make them more accessible to the community. And every year around this time their shop on East Fourth Street becomes a very popular place.
RBP sells burner bikes starting at $55 each, and some of them even come with souvenir dust from previous trips to the Playa. Last year they sold out of their stock of more than 500 burner bikes. This year they beefed up their supply to 750 bikes, and they even have the accessories to complete the package.
"We've got lots of Burning Man accessories this year," Daggett said. "Lots of EL wire and baskets and seat covers and stuff, so lots of ways to trick your bike out before you go to the Playa."
The Reno Bike Project is located at 541 East 4th Street. For more information, call 323-4488. They also accept bike and monetary donations year round.
Written by Arianna Bennett
