Critical Tits Party FAQs

Q: What is Critical Tits about, anyhow?

A: There are as many answers to this question as there are women who have participated. The ride started in 1996 on a day when the Critical Mass ride was taking place in San Francisco. Five of us painted our chests, got on our bikes and rode through BRC shouting “Critical Tits.” Women joined us and men bowed down. Each year since then the ride has more or less doubled in size. We had 5000+ riders in previous years.

Obviously something about the experience resonates with women. We are the largest gathering of women on the playa, and for many of us, the experience offers a meaningful connection to the power of female energy within ourselves and within our playa community.

Q: When is the ride?

A: The ride starts at 4 pm on Friday at the Man. Please respect the fact that the ride is for women and girls only.

Q: I heard there is no longer a Critical Tits after-ride party. Is that true?

A: Yes. 2008 was the last year that we organized a party to take place after the ride. The ride will continue to be led by the organizers and will end with a ritual, to emphasize making a more personal contact with the women riders. We imagine many camps holding parties all across the playa and riders finding a wide range of celebratory activities in which they take part after the ride.

Q. What will the ritual be like?

A: It will be an opportunity to make a connection to the other women on the ride, to celebrate the community of women together. It will be a moment of personal heart-centered engagement, perhaps some drumming, dancing, and spoken word. It will recognize a woman's participation in the Ride and release the energy that it demanded and generated.

Please note that the ritual is not a form of a party: there will be no sound system; no drinks or refreshments served except for some water; and art cars will be actively discouraged.

Q: I’d love to volunteer, what can I do?

A: Great! Please see our volunteer page

Q: Where does the ride end? Where is the Ritual?

A: We are not posting the location on any lists. We prefer to use the open playa for space for our ritual.

Q: I’ve heard that photography has gotten out of control. Do you have a photo policy?

A: The women who ride do so as an act of empowerment. You can help hold the safety of the time for them by asking for permission before taking pictures.

All Burning Man photo policies apply, the crux of which is that you MUST ask for someone’s permission before taking their photo. More info on this is at: http://www.burningman.com/press/pressRandR.html

Q: What if I have other questions or comments?

A: Please contact us.