2014 St. Louis World Naked Bike Ride
On 7/26/2014 I rode naked through the streets of St. Louis
for the sixth time. Each time is unique
as the first time. The experience is a
rush, is breathtaking, is freeing and an all around fantastic time. I’ve been scuba diving, jumped out of a plane
and piloted my own plane but nothing comes close to letting it all fly in the
wind. I’ll try to explain how this all
feels but you will never fully comprehend how transcendental it all can be.
The ride begins for me in February since I am part of the
planning committee to whatever extent they need me. This year I was more of the social media lil
bitch and posted items as needed to keep the riders up to date. I posted tid bits or any pieces of interest
to build and keep the interest alive.
Believe it or not there is more than choosing a route and stripping off
clothes. You have to cross all t’s and
dot all I’s all the while having the city’s interests and riders interests at
heart. It’s not always easy to
balance. There will always be a few
items that some will critique on or even complain. We do our best.
Once the day of the ride arrives I’m at a point of just
wanting it over with. I’ve seen the date
in the future so many times and have looked over any items hundreds of
times. I’ve also answered many of the
same questions more times than I care to.
I have to remind myself why the first time I rode and try to regain the
newness of the ride. I always make it a
mission to be the first naked person in the gathering location. There are always a little bit of precautions
each year to hold off on nudity right away.
There is always someone who disregards it and I tend to be the second
naked person in the area. Oh well.
When I finally drop that thong to the ground and start to
walk the streets naked, I’m in my element.
I become part exhibitionist and part voyeur. I’ve been naked and seen naked so many
times. I’ve seen so many people naked in
my life. At times I feel I’m desensitized
to it all. That part I do not like. I still want it to be new and exciting. I know it’s not a big deal to be naked but
that little kid comes out and I have to accept it. One part of being an open nudist it to dispel
the fears and hang ups many people have with being nude or seeing a nude
person. What can I do to get society to
overcome the fears and stereotypes ? I
may put too much on my own shoulders? As
much as I may be naked I still can’t let go of some things. I want all to be comfortable and at ease with
the whole subject.
Now that I over thunk it all, I can get on my bike and ride
in a massive pack of clothing optional, fun loving peeps. Its part bike ride and part parade. The bars and hotels empty out and the cars
stop in the streets to honk and smile. I’ve
never seen so many cell phones hanging out car windows. It seems the crowds along the streets approve
or at least watch like a car wreck going by.
I love the feeling and sight of the finish line. Yay, I can
get off this sweaty bike seat and drink a lil to relax. Should I roam the streets naked or bar
hop. I do a little of both. I have to spread myself thin to meet all the
friends that are doing all of the above.
It still is a trip to walk around a bar completely naked and have
clothed people getting a beer right alongside.
I love how they act natural and play it cool. Wonder what they are thinking.
There is always that part in the night where I have to end
it all and get dressed. I hate it . I despise it.
Ok, a few times I denied it and drove home naked. It’s not the first time and won’t be the
last. I’ll live off the feeling for
about a month until I think of what’s next on the naked front. I hope to see you all there next year . Now why didn’t I come home with all the
clothes I wore down there?