Naked and Unafraid

Rolling Exposure

Portland’s nude bike ride lives on

Our beloved town’s slogan graces a cyclist’s back — all photos by author

In a reoccurring dream, I’m riding my bicycle naked through a crowded city. Cars honk, their occupants yelling through open windows. Strangers line the sidewalks by the thousands, pointing, jeering and cheering in my direction. Tonight I’m having the same dream, only this time I’m not alone. I’m riding alongside several thousand other naked dreamers, and we are all wide awake.

Welcome to Portland World Naked Bike Ride — easily the most unique annual events in a town where weird is the norm.

The ride’s 10pm starting point, the Portland Art Museum (which is holding a clothing-optional bicycle themed exhibit where admission is $1 per item of clothing worn) has been made public.

The exact route, however, is kept secret until the last minute to minimize gawkers. At 9:55pm my partner Stephanie and I are still a mile away, racing through the city’s posh Northwestern district, stripping item by item at stoplights.

We needn’t rush. The several thousand riders slated to take part in this year’s ride makes starting time a broad concept.