What to Expect
The PDX WNBR will take place on August 12th. We’ve intentionally scheduled the ride at the time of the height of the Perseid Meteor Shower; one of the brightest celestial events of the year. Celestial events open our eyes and gives context to our place in the Universe, reshaping how we see the world. What better time to protest the ways in which we are bound by oil and reject the systems that encourage people to hide?
The PDX WNBR is one of many great events during Pedalpalooza BIKE SUMMER. Find out details about these rides here.
Do not ride drunk. The police can arrest you for that, and even if they don’t it’s just a stupid thing to do.
Ride at your own risk and watch where you’re going. Be careful. Be sober.
About Nudity
We’re using nudity as a way to draw attention to cycling, and the folly of oil dependency. We hope motorists will begin to suspect cyclists have more fun, and hence maybe they don’t need their cars as much as they thought. See the www.worldnakedbikeride.org web site for more socio-political propaganda.
It’s also good, goofy fun.
About Your Bike
Ride the bike you have. Don’t obsess over the hardware; any bike will work.
If you have multiple bikes (and aren’t loaning out the extras to friends) then we recommend a fat-tire mountain bike or cruiser over a superskinny-tire road bike. This is because fat tires are less likely to get a flat, or slip on railroad tracks or a steel grate bridge. Might be a bit cushier to ride, too. But really any bike that works for riding will work just fine.
You should bring a spare tube. If your bike doesn’t have quick-release skewers, then you should also bring wrenches that fit your bike’s lug nuts. If convenient, you should also bring a pump and tire levers.
Legally, your bike must have a white headlight in front, and a red reflector or red light in the rear. Set your light to steady mode, not flashing, for group riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the ride, you can contact us via these channels:
- Facebook: PDX.WNBR
- Twitter: @pdxwnbr
- Email: pdxwnbr@gmail.com
And please remember to tag photos and posts with #pdxwnbr.
How much should I strip down? The dress code is officially “As bare as you dare.” Clothing is optional! Typically it’s shoes and maybe a helmet. But really, there is no consensus – shoes and a helmet make some happy, while others add some combination of a bra, underwear, and/or stockings. Strip down to whatever level will maximize your fun. We wouldn’t presume to tell you what that level is.
Won’t I get cold? Yes. You’ll start off cold, but we promise you won’t feel cold one you ride, you’ll just feel a rush. Typically we get a temperature around 60 degrees with light wind.
What can I do to stay warm? Wearing shoes and a helmet help. Big socks. Arm warmers (old socks with the toes snipped off). Maybe a Superman cape. Sadly, we haven’t figured out a way to use those chemical hand warmers while naked, though they sound like they’d be great.
Isn’t this illegal? Though some Portland citizens may wish it was, it’s not. See The Law. Since this is a protest, it’s protected by Oregon’s constitution. Nudity as a form of protest is protected, but lewd behavior, as defined by Oregon law, is not. Please don’t be lewd, obscene, or engage in any sexual activity – that is an arrestable offense.
Can I participate without a bike? We’ve had skateboarders, rollerbladers, roller skaters, people on scooters, people with wheelchairs and other mobility devices, and joggers join the protest before. Anything human-powered is welcome.
Can I rent a bike? Yes! There are plenty of establishments like Portland Bicycle Tours where you can rent for a few days, or you can rent a BIKETOWN bike for a few hours.
Where is the start? Start location will be disclosed closer to the protest.
When should I ride? Sunset
What’s the route? There is no public route, per usual.
Wait… When is it? August 12th
World Naked Bike Ride 