World Naked Bike Ride 2011 | Photos

I was there, did the entire ride wearing a fedora, tie, small artist's apron to hold my phone, trouser socks and rubber-soled loafers. I am all for some exhibition and shock value, but I underestimated the pageantry and celebrity of the whole thing. We were famous for 3 hours! We tend to associate jeers and snide comments with being nude in public (and potentially police intervention) but the World Naked Bike Ride was quite the opposite. People lined the streets, stopped their cars, and filled their balconies to cheer us on and shout their praise. Everyone that I encountered was beyond respectful. "I love you all!" was shouted more times than I can remember. Additionally, the CPD was very helpful in making their presence felt and maintaining the integrity of the route. I didn't witness any trouble. Going in, I was nervous about the distance of the ride. I'm not a daily rider, despite being in fair physical shape. The pace was actually quite slow, plus there was a ~20 minute break about half-way through. The temps were not a factor for me until the very end, when the combination of slow pace and 3-hour duration started to take their toll. But, it was still quite manageable. As a matter of fact, I was much colder in a shirt and shorts while playing volleyball on North Ave. beach Sunday evening, than I was at any point during the Naked Ride. I am completely smitten. I will participate in this ride here in Chicago, or wherever life takes me for the rest of my life. I hope to see all of you next year!