World Naked Bike Ride

I WAS NEITHER NAKED, nor was I riding a bike, but I did participate in the DC version of the World Naked Bike Ride on Sunday, June 11. On Saturday, I went out on a test drive of my new bike. After a mile, I realized I had little control, little endurance, and no leg strength to peddle uphill, which is surprising, because I exercise several times a week, and actually walked 4 miles in 1 hour seventeen minutes after my debacle mile with the bike.

Nudity is forbidden by law in Washington DC, but as long as one’s genitals are covered, the guys, at least are considered decently clothed. As no women, initially, showed up for the ride, I never learned if there were any further restrictions on women’s clothing. Anyway, I purchased a thong, and headed downtown, determined to help out, somehow, even if I could not ride.

When I got to McPhereson Square, it was very creepy. Except for the few riders (8, eventually showed up) all that were there were people whom I assume were homeless, sleeping on the grass and the benches. It seemed awkward to be doing a protest that involved shedding clothing, when I suspect most of these folks were lucky to have clothing. In any case, they ignored us, so I made myself useful, offering to help the organizer, a fellow named Roger, carry refreshments from his car to the riders.

Next, the police arrived. The first officer put the fear into everybody just by asking how many people were going to be riding. When some in the group seemed to become defensive, he explained that he was not trying to hassle anyone, but, just wanted to get an idea of the scope and logistics. A lady police sergeant stepped up, and using her smile and humor, calmed everybody down, explaining that they were there to make sure that the riders were safely able to negotiate the streets, and carry out the protest. She reiterated that as long as genitals were covered, she had no problem with what anyone was wearing.

Then, came the reporters. I saw WTOP interviewing some of the riders, and a reporter who did not identify her employer loud enough for me to hear, asked a lot of questions. While all this was going on, I made a sign stating our goal of “Freedom From Oil,” and shared my poster board and marker with others who wished to be creative.

Then it was time for the clothes to come off. Roger, who said he’d actually been to some Capitol Area Family Naturist events, removed everything except a sock that he used to cover his genitals. A fellow named Walter, who mentioned that he belongs to the Maryland Area Naturist Association, removed everything except a G string. A fellow named Garth, who said this was one of his first near naturist experiences, and had come down from Philadelphia, wore only a home made garment that tied around his waist and covered his genitals. Another gentleman stripped to his shorts. The other four riders who showed up remained clothed. I, briefly, considered stripping down to my thong at this point, but considering these folks were about to ride away, and I would be standing alone in the square with a thong and a sign, I decided to remain clothed for the time being.

With the riders as nude as they were going to get, the lady reporter took a lot of pictures, several with the riders holding my sign. I shared my suntan lotion with the more bare riders who forgot to bring any, and helped Roger carry stuff back to his car, prior to the ride. At eleven o’clock, one hour after we gathered, the riders took off with their police escort, I saw the reaction down the street as they rode. Most of the reaction was amusement, which is a positive thing. Afterwards, I asked some of the riders what they thought of the crowd reaction. They felt it was mostly positive, which was good. One expressed surprise at how many teenage girls actually gawked at them, while pretending not to be staring, which is kind of sad. A couple of parents actually covered their children’s eyes, which is even more sad. Although the reactions were, mostly, positive, it seems real body acceptance has a long ways to go.

As I passed back through McPhereson square, I overheard one man telling anyone who would listen that he understood oil was bad, but did not see why clothes were bad. While the ride continued, I walked down to the Washington Monument, and, then to the White House. It is ironic, that in Washington DC, where human genitals must be covered, across the street from the White House, I found sculptures that clearly depict male genitals.

Around noon I returned to the square, to find the Roger, Walter and Garth, along with a fellow named Gregory, who remained in shorts and an AANR T-shirt, stretched out in the grass, along with their bikes and the signs. They were speaking with a WJLA - ABC 7 reporter. At this point, I stripped down to my thong, and joined them.

I saw a report on the web that claimed in mid-ride, they were joined by two female riders. The report did not say what, if anything, they, legally, wore.

For a glorious half hour, with beautiful weather, I spent the afternoon, as nude as is legal, in downtown Washington DC. The reactions of those passing by were nearly completely positive. Most people passing by paid us no mind, as if near nudity was nothing to even be noticed, which, in a perfect world, would be great. Some seemed amused, and even stopped to take pictures. Several were curious, and stopped to discuss the issues, which is what the whole day was about.

At no time did anyone appear offended by our partial nudity. We were never asked to cover up. It was a wonderful morning. I feel I was part of something good. I have made a goal for myself to practice with the bike so I can ride with them next year.