Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
I'm in this situation. I don't have any friends that would really be down for 'roo, but I am dead set on going. I've been told im crazy for driving down and camping alone, but I figure it's not THAT hard to make friends in the campgrounds, right? Will a female traveling alone be safe/have a good time during her stay at Bonnaroo?
Have you ever gone alone, yourself? Would you tell me about your stay?
I thank you SO MUCH in advance, and I've gotten really good vibes from this board so far, ;D
Watchin' a stretch of road, miles of light explode. Driftin' off a thing I'd never done before. Watchin' a crowd roll in. Out go the lights it begins. A feelin' in my bones I've never felt before...
Post by crazykittensmile on Jan 22, 2009 0:38:28 GMT -5
I travelled and went alone to my first bonnaroo in 06, also a female I felt 110% safe, much safer than i've ever felt in my home town... especially after reading the boards and meeting some other inforoo ladies to meet up with. had an absolute blast.
also, you should camp in camp inforoo, there will be plenty of nice people, and there are always a group of solo-rooers, too!
you're not crazy.... and if you are, we're ALL crazy here, so you're in good company!
I travelled and went alone to my first bonnaroo in 06, also a female I felt 110% safe, much safer than i've ever felt in my home town... especially after reading the boards and meeting some other inforoo ladies to meet up with. had an absolute blast.
also, you should camp in camp inforoo, there will be plenty of nice people, and there are always a group of solo-rooers, too!
you're not crazy.... and if you are, we're ALL crazy here, so you're in good company!
is camp inforoo in tent only? right now i'm leaning towards car camping for various reasons. I'd def come down for a visit though
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jan 22, 2009 5:21:14 GMT -5
I admire your spirit and soul. Karma points for you!
My advice would be to "buddy" up with your surrounding neighbors while at Bonnaroo, so they can keep an eye on your stuff. Most roo'ers watch out for each other. Also, look for Inforoo people sincemost of them are simply amazing.
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
Follow me on twitter@Pondoknowsbest
This will be my first Roo and I will probably be going alone. I would think it would be hard not to make a lot of friends there, just hoping I can find a girl to dance with for the late night sets.
I'm in this situation. I don't have any friends that would really be down for 'roo, but I am dead set on going. I've been told im crazy for driving down and camping alone, but I figure it's not THAT hard to make friends in the campgrounds, right? Will a female traveling alone be safe/have a good time during her stay at Bonnaroo?
Have you ever gone alone, yourself? Would you tell me about your stay?
I thank you SO MUCH in advance, and I've gotten really good vibes from this board so far, ;D
First, how far will you be driving? I think the the only time you have to worry about safety is during the drive. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings whenever you stop, have AAA up to date in case of, ummm, unexpected stops, you know... all the normal travel safety tips your mother would give you.
Next, once you're in the festival, just continue to be aware of your surroundings and you'll be perfectly safe.
Now, in terms of having a good time, as long as you're comfortable in your own skin and can have a good time alone any other time of the year you'll have a GREAT time at Roo alone.
I go to shows in my hometown about 50% of the time alone, so I have/had no reservations about heading to Roo by myself. I enjoy the freedom of moving around at the slightest whim, jetting from a show if something sparkly catches my eye over there, whatever. As I've mentioned in other posts, last year I had a pretty down/bummer/lonely little while Friday night but a phone call to my wife cleared that right up. In retrospect I think I was just missing her company after not seeing her for a couple of days and being faced with the prospect of not seeing her for a few more.
Anyway, what I'll tell you about my stay as a solorooer, is that I had an excellent time. The one thing you have to ask yourself is: Can you have an excellent time by yourself every other day of the year? If yes, you'll have a great time by yourself at Bonnaroo.
I'm in this situation. I don't have any friends that would really be down for 'roo, but I am dead set on going. I've been told im crazy for driving down and camping alone, but I figure it's not THAT hard to make friends in the campgrounds, right? Will a female traveling alone be safe/have a good time during her stay at Bonnaroo?
Have you ever gone alone, yourself? Would you tell me about your stay?
I thank you SO MUCH in advance, and I've gotten really good vibes from this board so far, ;D
I went by myself last year and I had a blast. After wanting to go in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but not being able to for various reasons, I told myself I wasn't going to let anything stop me from making it to the farm in 2008 - even if my friends couldn't afford to come with me, or simply didn't want to. I bought my ticket to Roo without knowing who I was going with or how I was getting down there, and I'm very happy I did. Otherwise, I probably would have over-thought it too much and missed out on another year of great music.
Well, of course, none of my friends came through but one - a college buddy from Chicago (so I didn't even have a lift!). We hung out a decent amount, but 95% of the time, I was "alone" - not with anyone I had met before Bonnaroo. I realize it's a bit different for a woman than it is for a man, but I never got any bad vibes or felt threatened or scared when I was down there.
Everyone is there for the same reason - their love of music. I assure you there will be thousands of other guys and girls in the same boat as you. You should have no trouble making friends while you're down there. I actually preferred being alone because it gave me the freedom to bounce around from set to set, without having to take into account what shows other people wanted to see. Also, it made me more apt to talk to strangers, who were all very warm and receptive.
is camp inforoo in tent only? right now i'm leaning towards car camping for various reasons. I'd def come down for a visit though
Yes it is. I think the exact location in tent only changes each year, but if you hunt around you should be able to find us. There's an Inforoo brunch on Friday morning, and also meet-ups before the late night shows. Come on by!
Post by ellisintransit on Jan 22, 2009 12:54:31 GMT -5
Fear not! I did the Roo alone in 05, and 08, and went with a couple of other people in 04, 06, and 07. I much prefer the alone route. Tent only camping is where it's at, and each of the times I've gone alone I've made friends with my neighbors immediately.
When I go with other people I end up going my own way anyway just because it makes it so much easier to get awesome spots for shows and leave whenever you feel like it without having to round people up. This year will most likely be another alone for me and I really couldn't be happier.
Making new/temporary friends is easy at the Roo. And like pisgah said, if you're comfortable in your own skin it'll be just as fun as if you had a whole posse with you.
Fear not! I did the Roo alone in 05, and 08, and went with a couple of other people in 04, 06, and 07. I much prefer the alone route. Tent only camping is where it's at, and each of the times I've gone alone I've made friends with my neighbors immediately.
When I go with other people I end up going my own way anyway just because it makes it so much easier to get awesome spots for shows and leave whenever you feel like it without having to round people up. This year will most likely be another alone for me and I really couldn't be happier.
Making new/temporary friends is easy at the Roo. And like pisgah said, if you're comfortable in your own skin it'll be just as fun as if you had a whole posse with you.
What for you makes tent only better? I'm trying to get different perspectives on this. Where do they park the cars of the people staying in tent only? How do you secure your stuff there? These might sound like stupid questions but I claim ignorance as a newbie.
First, how far will you be driving? I think the the only time you have to worry about safety is during the drive. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings whenever you stop, have AAA up to date in case of, ummm, unexpected stops, you know... all the normal travel safety tips your mother would give you.
I'm coming from Massachusetts, roughly a 17 hour drive. I really don't know if I wanna try it in 1 shot with lots of coffee and then just sleep late thurs morning and afternoon, or stop and sleep in the car somewhere for a bit and get there thursday night. I can't leave any earlier than wednesday unfortunately.
What for you makes tent only better? I'm trying to get different perspectives on this. Where do they park the cars of the people staying in tent only? How do you secure your stuff there? These might sound like stupid questions but I claim ignorance as a newbie.
Three words: proximity, proximity, proximity. After a long day of constantly being on your feet, nothing's more convenient than knowing you only have to walk 5-10 minutes to get to your campsite, instead of 45-50. Not having a car to lock up your valuables is the only drawback, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't have anything taken from my tent this year, but I've heard a few stories of people who did. Stash your money and stuff in a safe hiding spot and you should be alright, or if you're still worried, get a mini padlock for the tent.
If you are coming with a big group, it might be easier to camp in BFE (Bum F**k Egypt, i.e. the camping areas farthest from Centeroo) - but obviously you don't have that problem. When you arrive, they will direct your car to one of the campsites, and from there, you can decide if you want to camp near your vehicle or in tent only. Hope this helps!
Post by candyflippedaround on Jan 22, 2009 18:20:48 GMT -5
first of all karma for being in Western Mass. i just had another life changing weekend out there for the biscuits shows. where about are you from?
the drive for me last year was just around 18 hours and we did it straight through, but that was with 4 drivers. it would have been way too overwhelming to do the entire drive without switching off so if you are going alone i would recommend some planned stops along the way for resting.
As far as going alone, the people you meet there will be unlike almost anywhere else. everyone is so happy and relaxed and there are people from country if not farther away. Even if you arent the most outgoing you will find people to hang out with and talk to, if you dont its because you are trying not to find them. And everyones very welcoming to people from all over, but last year it seemed like everyone loved MA and the people from it because there was like a 90/10 split during the finals of people cheering for the C's over the Lakers.
Three words: proximity, proximity, proximity. After a long day of constantly being on your feet, nothing's more convenient than knowing you only have to walk 5-10 minutes to get to your campsite, instead of 45-50. Not having a car to lock up your valuables is the only drawback, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't have anything taken from my tent this year, but I've heard a few stories of people who did. Stash your money and stuff in a safe hiding spot and you should be alright, or if you're still worried, get a mini padlock for the tent.
If you are coming with a big group, it might be easier to camp in BFE (Bum F**k Egypt, i.e. the camping areas farthest from Centeroo) - but obviously you don't have that problem. When you arrive, they will direct your car to one of the campsites, and from there, you can decide if you want to camp near your vehicle or in tent only. Hope this helps!
I've seen talk around here about taxi's, are they just guys on bikes with carts behind them? How much do they cost? I'm thinking I could get one to bring me back to camp if I was in BFE and really tired, is this a viable option? Tent only is sounding really appealing though, especially knowing that my car would be parked somewhere that I could realistically go to if I needed to during the day, are the campsites there the same size as car camping? If so, the extra room afforded by not having a car taking up the space is also wuite appealing.
Thank you for answering all my questions, hope to see you there
first of all karma for being in Western Mass. i just had another life changing weekend out there for the biscuits shows. where about are you from?
the drive for me last year was just around 18 hours and we did it straight through, but that was with 4 drivers. it would have been way too overwhelming to do the entire drive without switching off so if you are going alone i would recommend some planned stops along the way for resting.
As far as going alone, the people you meet there will be unlike almost anywhere else. everyone is so happy and relaxed and there are people from country if not farther away. Even if you arent the most outgoing you will find people to hang out with and talk to, if you dont its because you are trying not to find them. And everyones very welcoming to people from all over, but last year it seemed like everyone loved MA and the people from it because there was like a 90/10 split during the finals of people cheering for the C's over the Lakers.
I'm from the underwhelming city of Springfield. Where are you, abouts? I saw the biscuits show advertised but unfortunately my job interfered with going, I'm sure the show was amazing as usual.
I was thinking I could leave late tuesday night, and that way I can stop somewhere and sleep for a bit, and although I might up end up in Manchester really early, I can just chill in the Walmart parking lot i've been reading out. Have a pre-Roo if you will.
Hopefully I can run into you at some point, I'd love to chill with a fellow Masshole ;D
Three words: proximity, proximity, proximity. After a long day of constantly being on your feet, nothing's more convenient than knowing you only have to walk 5-10 minutes to get to your campsite, instead of 45-50. Not having a car to lock up your valuables is the only drawback, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't have anything taken from my tent this year, but I've heard a few stories of people who did. Stash your money and stuff in a safe hiding spot and you should be alright, or if you're still worried, get a mini padlock for the tent.
If you are coming with a big group, it might be easier to camp in BFE (Bum F**k Egypt, i.e. the camping areas farthest from Centeroo) - but obviously you don't have that problem. When you arrive, they will direct your car to one of the campsites, and from there, you can decide if you want to camp near your vehicle or in tent only. Hope this helps!
I've seen talk around here about taxi's, are they just guys on bikes with carts behind them? How much do they cost? I'm thinking I could get one to bring me back to camp if I was in BFE and really tired, is this a viable option? Tent only is sounding really appealing though, especially knowing that my car would be parked somewhere that I could realistically go to if I needed to during the day, are the campsites there the same size as car camping? If so, the extra room afforded by not having a car taking up the space is also wuite appealing.
Thank you for answering all my questions, hope to see you there
They are golf carts - I'm not sure of the cost but I think it's just a few dollars. With tent only, you kind of get set up where you can. There is no real organization as such, whereas when you camp by your car, you at least have as much space as the size of a car or more. If I was going alone, I think I would be more comfortable next to my car where I could lock stuff up but that's just me The advantages of tent only are, Inforoo people are all over and it is close to Centeroo!
I usually end up being alone in Centeroo for most of the time and have a total blast - you don't have to worry about what others what to do or see, you just do your thing ;D
They are golf carts - I'm not sure of the cost but I think it's just a few dollars. With tent only, you kind of get set up where you can. There is no real organization as such, whereas when you camp by your car, you at least have as much space as the size of a car or more. If I was going alone, I think I would be more comfortable next to my car where I could lock stuff up but that's just me The advantages of tent only are, Inforoo people are all over and it is close to Centeroo!
I usually end up being alone in Centeroo for most of the time and have a total blast - you don't have to worry about what others what to do or see, you just do your thing ;D
Post by ellisintransit on Jan 23, 2009 12:39:57 GMT -5
For me, tent only is all about rest and space. I've always had more space for setting up in tent only versus by my car, and in 5 years of going I have always gotten horrible parking spots necessitating a horrenous walk back from Centeroo.
In tent only, you can go back to your spot several times a day if you want without wearing out your feet. For example, after standing in the rain for three hours watching MMJ last year it was awesome to be able to go back and dry out before heading back in for more fun.
There's no special parking for people staying in tent only, so if you pull into your spot and find that you're pretty close to Centeroo, I would definitely stay there, but I've never been fortunate in my parking arrangements. If you're bringing a cooler though, I highly suggest bringing a hand cart for the long trek. It makes it a breeze getting all your supplies to tent only.
I also recommend tent-only for solo camping, if only because it is nice to be around so many other people going solo as well it's a good group in camp inforoo. And of course the proximity to centeroo can't be beat. I've gone down solo 2 out of the 4 times I've been to roo - definitely had the best time those years.
Last Edit: Jan 25, 2009 18:24:57 GMT -5 by Tara - Back to Top
"I can resist everything but temptation." - Oscar Wilde
Post by candyflippedaround on Jan 25, 2009 18:26:38 GMT -5
i live right outside of Lowell. Unfortunately i probably wont have the means of getting to/into Bonnaroo this year though. I think Im going to be hitting up some closer and overall cheaper festivals this summer.
i live right outside of Lowell. Unfortunately i probably wont have the means of getting to/into Bonnaroo this year though. I think Im going to be hitting up some closer and overall cheaper festivals this summer.
If you do decide to go to 'roo this year, I would love to give you a ride. I would much prefer traveling 17hrs with someone to help keep me awake and talk to me. If getting there is the issue for you, just keep that in the back of your mind!
I'm looking at buying a tent now while it's still winter and they're cheap. What size will a campsite accommodate? I'm trying to stay under 10x10, as that seems to also be the smallest shade canopy i can find. I don't wanna get there and realize my tent is taking up too much space, because I'm bringing a pop-up porta shower also.
nm! I found my answer by searching around threads. Should've done that in the 1st place, huh?
i live right outside of Lowell. Unfortunately i probably wont have the means of getting to/into Bonnaroo this year though. I think Im going to be hitting up some closer and overall cheaper festivals this summer.
If you do decide to go to 'roo this year, I would love to give you a ride. I would much prefer traveling 17hrs with someone to help keep me awake and talk to me. If getting there is the issue for you, just keep that in the back of your mind!
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jan 26, 2009 15:47:21 GMT -5
my extra piece of advice would be this: If you decide not to do tent only and have your vehicle near your tent, keep ALL your stuff in your car. I had a bag swiped last year out of my tent (it was nothing major but still mad me mad!).
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
Follow me on twitter@Pondoknowsbest
my extra piece of advice would be this: If you decide not to do tent only and have your vehicle near your tent, keep ALL your stuff in your car. I had a bag swiped last year out of my tent (it was nothing major but still mad me mad!).
This was my plan and my biggest concern about tent only. I really want somewhere I can lock stuff up, and a padlock on a tent doesn't seem all that secure to me.
my extra piece of advice would be this: If you decide not to do tent only and have your vehicle near your tent, keep ALL your stuff in your car. I had a bag swiped last year out of my tent (it was nothing major but still mad me mad!).
Yeah the first year we went we kept everything locked up in our cars. We did leave 2 huge coolers on wheels out next to our car but no one ever bothered with them. As for a lock on your tent, if people want to get in, they will just slice the tent open..... I hate to think that people would do that, but you have to really look out for yourself and your stuff.
Post by bgnewcastle on Jan 27, 2009 13:53:59 GMT -5
I've been to a decent number of festivals, never alone, but roo this year seems like it might be my first time. Most of my buddies that have gone with me in the past are either not into Phish enough for it to keep them from going or they aren't obsessed with festivals like I am and don't want to spend the money. The idea of being alone and from what I've read seems amazing. I'm not going to push for going alone but if it happens, I feel confident that my feelings on it are backed up by everyone's feedback.
Figuring out camping only or next to the car is the tough decision. I don't know if I'm the only one but the weather at roo is quite warm... so much so that I gave up the tent last year and slept under a tarp on a cot. It worked out better than any tent I've ever stayed in but I used my car to setup a nice shade tarp and to protect from the rain.
My question... in tent only, is it frowned upon for using everything but a tent or is everyone okay with people using different methods of sleep and shade?
I felt 110% safe, much safer than i've ever felt in my home town... especially after reading the boards and meeting some other inforoo ladies to meet up with. had an absolute blast.
The advantages of tent only are, Inforoo people are all over and it is close to Centeroo!
