(Photo © J. Maus)
It’s less than one week from one of the most epic rides on Portland’s bike calendar (and with all the amazing rides we have, that’s really saying something).
Yes, the annual World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) commences this Saturday night. In 2007 we had about 800 people on the ride. Last year, the crowd was so large I don’t think anyone was even able to count it. My estimate put the number of riders at 2,000 or so.
This year, organizers estimate about 3,000 people will join the fun.
In preparation for the event, the folks at Shift have just published a handy webpage with all the details for this year’s ride.
Here are a few things to remember:
- WNBR is officially organized by Freaky Uppity Cycling Kids (nice acronym).
- Ride at your own risk. This is not an officially escorted ride. You may be with a 3,000 other people, but you flaunt the law at your own risk.
- Dress code is officially “as bare as you dare”. (You don’t have to bear it all, it’s just more fun when you do.)
- Admission to the party is free, but you must arrive by bike (or other human-powered vehicle such as a skateboard). Your bike is your ticket.
- This year the party’s theme is “Where the Wild Things Are”
- No outside alcohol is allowed. Good quality, cheap beer will be available.
- Don’t bring cameras into the party. There will be plenty of photo action on the ride, although sensitivity to the nakedness is important.
If you still have questions, don’t forget to check out Shift’s “Your First Naked Ride” page.
This year’s ride will take place at 2181 NW Nicolai. That’s smack-dab in a hardcore industrial zone, which means there are some gnarly train tracks you should be aware of. Check the special map that has been created for the occasion:
And lastly, if you’re concerned about potential legal ramifications of riding naked in public, fear not. A Multnomah Judge threw out charges stemming from the ride last year, ruling that naked biking is a “well-established” tradition in Portland and is therefore, legal.
— Browse our World Naked Bike Ride coverage through years here. Visit the official Portland WNBR website.