UK section of the World Naked Bike Ride.  

Home - FAQ - Photos - Promote! - Press Info

NEW RIDERS

 

Helpful information for new riders

So, you are considering participating in the World Naked Bike Ride for the first time! Congratulations! This page should help you to feel more clear about what to expect and how to prepare. Note: this page is meant to supplement the FAQ page.

 

What first time riders said-

"I joined the first London World Naked Bike Ride in June 2004. I practice naturism, I cycle a little bit in London and I endorse the main message of the event: "against oil dependency with our naked body !"

Being a discreet naturist I wasn't among the first to let down my pants. However the number of people joining the ride helped to build confidence, so I finally celebrated the freedom to ride naked in London. A couple of other participants choose to keep a little bit of clothing on, but it's just about going as bare as you dare and enjoying the ride. The next event in June 2005 is going to be even greater. I'm sure there'll be plenty of you to join us and have your say! See you on the ride."
- Eric

"I just wanted to congratulate the organisers and participants on creating such a fun and fantastic event [in 2005]."

"I hadn't been on a political demo in over 20 years - I was arrested the last time I went on one and then they always seemed to end in rioting. It was a joy then , on this occasion, to see the participants in this event behave with such humour and dignity promoting such worthwhile ends."

"I was over awed by the response of onlookers. The only real negative I observed was the cabbie at Oxford Circus screaming 'You're disgusting. Don't you know there are families and kids playing here?' Well that's what I think I heard him say and I tried to picture kids with footballs and skipping ropes in Oxford Street but it didn't quite work."

"Besides news links already posted we also got coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live hourly news reports through the night ... One woman 'spectator' interviewed commented 'I think it's brilliant. I always feel vulnerable and naked when I'm out on my bike in traffic. I think it's a fantastically symbolic protest. '"

"Well done everyone, particularly those involved in the organisation."

"June 2006 - sign me up!"
-Kieron

"I liked the idea of cycling naked as a form of protest! It's cheeky and fun and I thought it would get people to notice the ride, it's anti-oil message, and body-positive attitude! I'm not a nudist, so I hadn't ever done anything like this before. I spend time nude in the privacy of my own home so I thought, maybe it will be like that - pretty normal feeling. People really can't see that much of you when you cycle past anyway."

"I had a great time! Cycling along the serpentine in the nude was truly surreal. It turns out that the rides worldwide reached a lot of people, and I'm glad that I was part of it. I think the press and public understand that it takes a lot of commitment to protest naked!"
- Anonymous

 

What to bring?

These are things to consider bringing-

- sunscreen
- a roadworthy bike (get it checked at a bikeshop if possible). How to do a standard checking bike.
- inflated tyres (plus bike pump,
and spare inner tube in case they don't stay inflated)
- something to drink/eat
- something to put your clothes into
- bike/body decorations
- a protest message that you can wear or put on your bike
- something to cover up if you suddenly want to wear more (eg - sarong, knickers, pants, bra-top etc)
- bike puncture kit/ air pump
- a friend who isn't riding but will hold onto your clothing/valuables until you get back