¡Cyclonudisme!

As the weather grows warmer, Bostonist often finds ourselves rather damp after riding to work on our bicycle, as the unique pleasure of bicycle commuting can be marred by the sweaty condition of our clothes and body upon arrival. This is especially problematic if Bostonist is, on that particular morning, burdened with the insane tragedy of the Nine O’Clock Meeting. To combat this problem, we have taken to carrying our work clothes in our bag and changing before hitting the desk. This is an effective, if clumsy, solution. As always, the Europeans are way ahead of us:

This Saturday, June 10, is the international World Naked Bike Ride (maybe not so safe for work). This event, now officially in its third year, celebrates (you guessed it) biking in the buff. The World Naked Bike Ride seeks to “protest oil dependency and celebrate the power and individuality of our bodies” by gathering a group of (according to the pictures) nubile youths, painting their naked bodies with various swirly designs, and riding around on bicycles. It’s sort of like Critical Mass, only sexy (kind of).

Among other countries, naked bicycling will occur in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and South Africa. Even Latvia is getting in on the fun. And what, you may ask, is happening in Boston? Why, nothing, of course. Can it be Boston is too prudish to take off its clothes and scoot around town in body paint? North Conway, NH, is taking part, but so far no one from our fair city has stepped up to the plate and said: “I’m biking naked, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” Bostonist finds this a damn shame.

So the next time we ponder our clothing options when about to embark on our daily ride to work, we’re going to add another possibility into the mix: nothing but the helmet, baby. And, if you’re not doing anything this Saturday, think about breaking out the body paint and rocking your bike in your birthday suit. Just watch out for chafing.

Post contributed by Vance Edwards-Orr.

Photo courtesy of flickr user Kiki_J, who amazes us with her ability to photograph so many naked people in motion while keeping it R-rated.