Portland is the land of many unique adventure opportunities, including a few that are clothing optional.
Bicyclists eager to bare their birthday suits will get the chance to ride nude through the City of Roses once again when the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) returns on Sat., July 30. Event organizers announced the starting point this week: Peninsula Park at 9 p.m. The rest of the route is never revealed ahead of time.
The free group ride was canceled the past couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and organizers are asking out-of-towners to sit this year’s ride out. But if you live in the Portland metro area + are interested in adding some skin to the game (or you unintentionally cross paths with some bikers in the buff), here are a few things to know.
First of all… why? Well, people who participate in Portland’s WNBR are celebrating cycling + protesting society’s dependence on fossil fuels. Forgoing clothing is meant to demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and draw attention to the “indecent exposure of people and the planet to cars and the pollution they create.”
Portland isn’t the only place hosting naked bike rides: dozens of cities around the globe participate, from Byron Bay, Australia to Caracas, Venezuela. Here in Portland, the rides historically attract thousands of bikers, though this year’s event is expected to be much smaller + will fit into Pedalpalooza’s Bike Summer lineup.
Feeling cheeky? Here are a few tips for people interested in joining the ride:
- BYOB: Bring your own bike (or any set of human-powered wheels)
- Bring a spare tube and gear to change a flat tire
- Make sure your ride has a white headlight + a red rear reflector or light
- Ride sober and wear a helmet
- Read through these etiquette tips
