It’s time for pictures and a first-hand recap of this weekend’s Chicago World Naked Bike Ride.
A couple weeks ago, I first wrote about the World Naked Bike Ride, which takes place in various cities around the world as a way to protest oil dependence and promote positive body image.
Preparation for the World Naked Bike Ride
The Chicago WNBR event for 2011 took place on Saturday evening and I was able to take part for the first time. Participants met up between 6 and 8 behind an abandoned building in the West Loop to get prepped for the ride. Many decorated themselves with body paint. Some danced to the music. There was even an honest to goodness wedding!
Before the ride, we happened to chat with one of the lawyers riding along (he wore a nice suit while riding, if you’re wondering.) The ride has lawyers who help out in case police would decide to make any arrests. But he said there haven’t been any arrests at the Chicago event in years, not since the lawyers got involved.
Around 8:30, riders hit the streets. I was joined by a dozen or so friends from the Chicago couchsurfing community. We were among the hundreds of folks – many creatively painted or costumed – that sped through downtown, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wicker Park. Actually, sped is the wrong word, because the ride was slow, with numerous stops along the way.
Folks who actually bared it all at the 2011 Chicago World Naked Bike Ride
I was disappointed at the percentage of folks who decided to totally bare it all. Only about one in five chose to go nude, a surprisingly low number since the ride was in the dark and since the police are cooperative – they even helped block off streets to keep things running smoothly.
It was very cold – around 50 degrees and sprinkling at the start – but once the ride got going, it wasn’t so cold and adrenaline took over. As we set out, for some bizarre reason, riders began singing the chorus of the Backstreet Boys hit “I Want it That Way.” It was ridiculous and awesome.
In fact, the entire ride was awesome. If anyone is on the fence about participating in such an event, I cannot recommend it enough. There’s such a feeling of community and respect among the riders. People couldn’t stop smiling, and folks in every neighborhood came out onto the sidewalks to cheer as we passed through. It was like being in the Tour de France. Only without a uniform.
If you’re worried about ending up on the internet – and you will – you can always wear a mask or other headgear to disguise yourself.
Pictures from the 2011 Chicago World Naked Bike Ride
As for those photos I promised, well, I actually don’t have many. It was difficult to shoot while riding. Here’s a few I managed to capture that are safe for posting here. First, folks hanging out waiting for the ride to start:
And a couple blurry shots from the ride itself:
You can find much better pictures from the Chicago 2011 World Naked Bike Ride (censored) here. Chicagoist has a small gallery aptly titled “Profiles in Shrinkage.” Or you can check out what Flickr has to offer (uncensored) here.
YouTube has a handful of (not safe for work) video clips. So far, I’ve found myself in a couple of the videos, but I’m far away from the camera and unrecognizable – which is kind of what I was going for. We’re not quite ready for Nude Quirky Travel Guy just yet – that would be a whole different site.
I was in London last month and I saw the World Naked Bike Ride taking place!!!!
Haha, all of a sudden we heard people cheering and lo and behold – naked people on their bicycles! I must say the vast majority were naked. Not as shy as Chicago? 😉
That’s cool… it’s better when people aren’t as shy!
You have some interesting experiences! It’s cool that the police cooperate and allow the riders to be naked.
Yes, that makes it a lot easier.
I can’t stop giggling… this is a genius idea, but wouldnt it hurt. I’m gonna have to try this someday…lol!!!
This sounds right up your alley!
Awesome! Portland has one every year and I think Seattle does as well. Sadly I haven’t been to one. I really want to go see one sometime, even if I don’t participate.
The Portland one is pretty much the biggest!
I’ve never heard of this but I would love to be there (most very likely being a spectator than a participant).
I started as a spectator as well.
Never thought about doing something like his, but it should be an interesting experience. A bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but since you are not alone, it shouldn’t be that bad. I do think I would pick warmer weather though 🙂
The cold was a definite challenge!
Did it hurt? I mean, I get sore just using the bike at the gym – I am most certainly not riding it naked.
Nah, the ride is really slow and there are a few standing breaks to let the pack of riders tighten up.
I don’t think I could do it. Don’t like my guys flapping about…
Maybe the peer pressure would sway you!
I have the same question as Ben. I think you went for it.
And next time male participants should keep in mind that tighty-whities are not flattering. Naked is better!
It’s an adventure, you have to go for it! Definitely agree about the tighty whities.
This sounds like fun and I love the cause, but I don’t think I would be brave enough to do it, even wearing a mask.
You can always observe and cheer from the sidewalk!
Awesome! You know, I was reading this, sitting here wondering if I’d bare it all myself. I think it’d be pretty fun, but I don’t know if I’d have the courage! And in that weather? Eek!
Once everyone else starts to bare it all, the peer pressure is a good motivator!
That’s pretty funny, especially that someone really go married in the midst of it! I’m getting cold though just thinking about it.
Non-traditional weddings are fun!
So did you, or didn’t you ride nekked? Why or why not?
Yes I did, I sorted of hinted at that in the last sentence. You have to fully get into the spirit of it!
I have to agree with Ben’s question- curious minds want to know how much you participated. Although thanks for holding off on the pictures. As someone said on our facebook page yesterday when I posted about the naked hiking- somethings are better left to the imagination!
That is very true!
I love this article! I have never heard of this before. Do you know if they do anything like this in NY or east coast? I would love to do something like this!
New York City has one but it’s small and during the day. It takes a few years for these to really catch on. Chicago has been doing it for like 9 years now. Lots of other cities do have them!
This is hilarious….but I can definitely see how something so intimate could bring people together in a cohesive and protective way. I’m really surprised that the cops do not intervene….way to go on that one! I like the bike ride’s objectives too….we do need to be less dependent on oil (and with this I guess that it’s extended to clothing as well…lol) and promoting a positive body image is always good.
Yeah, I think the objectives are great.