10 tips for your first naked bike ride

It's simple enough, you get there, you get naked, you ride, you protest, you finish, you're done. Well, not so much. To have a successful and safe ride here are a few pointers for the first time naked bike ride nudie. Enjoy the slideshow below. 

WNBR's mission, according to Conrad Schmidt, WNBR founder and organizer of WNBR Vancouver, "is one of simplification, human harmony and love. For a future to exist for tomorrow's generations, we have to stop wasting the life blood energy of the Earth, stop fighting and killing in the name of consumerist wealth accumulation and learn to love and respect all life on this planet."

Every local ride takes on its own flavor. The World Naked Bike Ride began in 2003 in Vancouver, British Columbia and Zaragoza, Spain. It started to protest fossil fuel dependency and biker visibility. The near 100 rides around the globe have added body image, right to protest, summer solstice celebration, and many other causes to their city's rides. Common protest chants and slogans are "More Ass, Less Gas" "Can you see me know?" and many more.​​
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The largest rides are in Portland, Oregon (10,000), London, UK (12,000), Mexico City, Mexico (15,000) and Melbourne, Australia (9,000). So be loud and proud! Get your message out there! We hope these points make your first ride incredible!​

1. Make sure your bike is ready for the 5-10 mile Ride or that your rental bike is in good shape

Riding completely through a city like LA, Montréal, Portland, or Philly is amazing when you're with a few hundred to several thousand other riders and a police escort. Nothing is more intimidating than your bike chain breaking of getting a flat and being left behind and having to catch up, alone while the entire city stares at you as a lone naked rider. So hit up your local shop for a tune up or make sure that rental bike is really ready. 
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2. respect your seats

Whatever bike you use, especially a rental, make sure that you inspect seat and protect your seat (your ass). Riding naked is very different. Bring a hand towel or a rag and a few large rubber bands to attach it to the seat. Make sure your bike seat is padded if you're not a regular rider. When you're done with the ride be kind and wipe that seat with a bleach wipe or something similar. 
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3. Bring a bag

Even though we're all riding naked, you'll want your clothes with you, so make sure you have a bag to put them in. I use a simple cinch bag and bring water, sunscreen, and soap to get the paint off. If you have a basket on your bike that's rad too. Or maybe you have a friend following the ride path who will carry it all. Just don't plan on finding a place to stash it. You'll want to be ready for the after party, keep your wallet and ID with you too and whatever else you might need later on. 

4. CHAFFING is real, plan for it

Your body has grown accustomed to protections between your cheeks and thighs. Riding naked can lead to some gnarly chaffing. Apply Gold Bond Powder and/or Vaseline between your thighs and in your groin area and some powder between the cheeks. Vaseline can also help you avoid rubbing away the awesome body paint during your ride.
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5. Understand the ETIQUETTE,  AND EXPECTATIONS

First and foremost, Respect. We are gathering all kinds of bodies and showing them to the world, we need to conduct ourselves in a certain way. As a rider make sure you're kind, introduce yourself to the other naked folks around you, get to know these riders and revel in the experience. Men, as riders, in the park or on the ride an erection is not appropriate to flaunt. We understand it happens but try to hide it. If you want to take pictures try to ask, though it may be tough. Onlookers tend to be pushy and sometimes touchy. Set your boundaries and be prepared to be protective of other riders, especially the ladies. Don't be afraid to use a loud and stern voice to tell the onlookers to back off. You may make a new friend. 
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6. Bare What you dare

Only you know your comfort level and what you're able to expose. Be aware that there are photographers and onlookers everywhere, but you're also surrounded by supportive and also naked riders and nearly every street along the path is lined with community members celebrating the ride and your naked body. If you're not comfortable getting totally naked you can wear underwear and/or a bra. But whatever you do don't wear pants. This is the NAKED bike ride. Get as naked as you're ready too. 
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7. Body Paint or Costume or disguise

 Unless your local ride has a group plan in place for body paint, bring your own and a buddy to help you apply that body paint. If you need remain anonymous wear a mask. If you're feeling goofy wear a costume, or a wig, or whatever makes you happy and gets your ride's message out there. This is one of the most fun and silliest protests ever, even though the message is serious as hell. 
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8. No matter what you ride be safe

Skateboards, rollerblades, tricycles, skates, tandem bikes, high wheels, wheelchairs, or  recumbent bikes are all welcome, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few other options. But make sure you're safe. Helmets, knee guards, elbow pads, or whatever else keeps you safe shouldn't be left behind just because it's a naked bike ride.
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9 Ride at your pace, this isn't a race

This is a protest. You don't have to show your superior skills. Don't worry about being left behind there will be others riding at your pace too. This is an opportunity to build community not competition. enjoy the leisure of it. If you're feeling overwhelmed stop and ask for assistance. Most rides have a helpful police presence and volunteers along the route.
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10. the ride is for everyone

No matter what your body looks like, how old you are, how many wrinkles, rolls, scars, or tattoos - this ride is for everyone. Every ride welcomes bodies of all varieties, genders, gender-expressions, colors, sizes, shapes, and more. Don't let your physical condition stop you from participating however you can. While at the ride make sure you respect all those bodies too. Showing up is the hardest part! Next year you can invite your friends. 
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ENJOY YOUR RIDE!!!