Our first summer vacation… from clothes! (not really)*
Philly Naked Bike Ride brings new meaning to the term “freewheeling”— it’s an exhilarating roll through the city, en masse and au naturel. 🚲🚲🚲🤭 Contrary to what the haters say, the point is not to offend sensibilities or screw up Sunday traffic but rather to encourage body positivity and advocate for safer, healthier streets. PNBR is also a unique opportunity to streak through town in broad daylight, under the cover of 1000+ other bare-assed riders. ☀️🍑🍑🕶️
👀👀👀As a first-timer, the assortment of nudity was really something! 🍆🍒🍈🍈Most women wore some kind of bottoms and quite a few, like me, simply matched leggings and sports bras with their skin tone to create the illusion of undress sans exposure (*I slipped my straps down for the photo above). Steve didn’t even try to get into the theme, but there were plenty like him in shorts and t-shirts. “Naked allies” I guess we all were. Sharing the road with our unclad brethren, showing our support.
Power to them, really. The ride was a 12 mile loop – usually that takes about an hour, but with all the bottlenecks we went more like 2 ½ hours, on hot pavement with the sun beating down. Tender skin turned from pink to red before our eyes, body paint blurred with sweat. I’d never considered what happens to someone’s unprotected nether regions when squashed on a bicycle seat over an extended period of time, but trust I now have a deep appreciation for the commitment involved in this yearly ritual.
And I get it: being naked is a joy for many people, and going starkers in public is a rare and cherished indulgence. It’s also a great hook for activism. Try ignoring a fleet of pedaling tushies and gently-swaying naughty bits. Can’t be done! PNBR shakes up the city to bring visibility to the cycling community, and the need for bike lanes and other accommodations for our safety. Quite a battle cry, too: Less gas, more ass! 🤣
This advocacy angle helps the city look the other way as far as indecent exposure laws go. Also, as you might expect, it’s a very popular event! The streets lined with cheering fans – people waved from their stoops, workers stepped out of shops and restaurants to watch our cheeky parade go by. Countless drivers honked and gave thumbs up. Speaking of cars, big props to the amazing PNBR volunteers who expertly diffused road rage-y situations wearing nothing but a firm and confident smile.
Most spectators who took photos or video did so in a joyful, good-natured way, but inevitably there were some creepers, some inappropriate gawkers. Especially when cyclists were stopped at intersections, they’d sidle up with their phones aimed low, staring us down. Not just men, either, I saw a grown woman howling and pointing like she’d never seen a guy’s junk before.
I understand why PNBR waits until the day before to announce that year’s route. Get a hold of yourselves, people! It’s just a human body — move along with your hangups, please.
Will we ride again? Hell yeah! I’ll have a year to convince Steve to wear a flesh-toned bodysuit. Wish me luck! Follow @Philly_Naked_Bike_Ride for updates about PNBR plus other group rides and events. Meanwhile, love your body, care for our planet, and watch out for cyclists! Join the LOCAL-motion Facebook group for tips and trails for recreational cycling in NW Philly (also more pics and video from our ride).
Check out our age-restricted video here.
Be the first to comment