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Boulder bicyclists riders bare all to protest oil dependency

Vanessa Miller, Daily Camera

Published June 15, 2008 at 10:23 p.m.
Updated June 15, 2008 at 10:23 p.m.

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"Less gas, more a--," was painted on the bare backs of many of the 60-some nude cyclists who pedaled through Boulder this afternoon for the city's fifth-annual Naked Bike Ride.

"Watch out for road rash," one mostly naked rider shouted as the group took off in their scantily decorated -- if at all -- birthday suits.

All the riders, in some way, delivered the message that the United States and the world should reduce its dependency.

All the riders, in some way, delivered the message that the United States and the world should reduce its dependency on oil.

One man showed off an American-flag-decorated sign that read, "Liberty from oil dependence." Another person's back was painted with this note: "Have some class. Buy less gas."

Juanita Gable, 39, of Denver, participated in the naked ride this year for the first time."It seemed like a fun time," Gable said. "And I believe in the cause."

Gable, who wore a bra and underwear, said she opted not to go fully nude because, "It's my first time. I'm nervous.

"What if I get a flat?" she said. "I might end up in the middle of nowhere looking for someone to help me fix my tire -- naked."

Some riders bared it all, some painted their unclothed private areas and others wore tiny coverings -- such as Victor Ferrera's tuxedo-themed thong underwear.

"Whatever it takes to get the message out," said Ferrera, 36, of Boulder.

Four years ago, Boulder's underground cruisers picked up on an international tradition and organized the once-a-year ride that leaves little to the imagination.

It started at 4 p.m. in Boulder's Hawthorn Community Gardens -- near Hawthorn Avenue and 16th Street -- and headed south toward the Pearl Street Mall.

Rhiannon Murre, 21, of Wisconsin, was visiting Boulder and was on the mall when the nude riders zoomed past.

"Oh my gosh," Murre said to her friends, whipping out her camera. "That is disgusting."

Being fully nude in public is illegal in Boulder, and although there has been little police disruption in the past, several people have been ticketed or arrested in connection with the ride.

There were some reports today of complaints about the naked riders, including one call after the race had ended about a man who was gardening naked in the Community Gardens -- where the event began.

It isn't known at this time, however, if anyone was arrested or ticketed.

There have been naked rides in as many as 70 cities in 20 countries, including Austin, Washington D.C., Toronto and London.

As Boulder's nude riders took off this afternoon, so did cyclists in London -- where a massive naked ride was planned to start in Hyde Park.

Denver's version of the World Naked Bike Ride is planned for July 12.

An underground group of Boulder's more eccentric residents also organize an annual Naked Pumpkin Run on Halloween. That event invites people to strip their clothes, don pumpkins on their heads and run down the Pearl Street Mall.

Comments

  • June 15, 2008

    11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ztliano writes:

    I'm so in Boulder for the Pumpkin Run. Lol. I'll take Grandma along. Hahaha.