Chicago World Naked Bike Ride 2007 a Spectacular Success!!!

Official count: 600*

Saturday, June 9th 2007, ride check-in was at Union Park (about 100
N. Ashland) from 6pm, assembled and body painted at a secure location
a mile away, and departed at 9pm.  Ride passed published recommended
viewing points at Belmont/Halsted and Belmont/Clark ("Boystown")
around 11pm, and Rush/State ("Viagra Triangle") around 11:45pm.  Also
circled NBC tower, R&R McD, and ended at Oprah's studio after
covering about 20 miles.  Inline skater participation was WAY up with
perhaps three dozen or more, as well as a few skateboarders.
Runners/joggers were discouraged this year as a practicality, based
on experiences in prior years.  Donations again almost exactly
balanced expenses (Thanx everyone!), and we're getting many
compliments especially on the level of organization.

Helped by excellent weather and great spirits ALMOST EVERYONE was as
nearly naked as the law allows, with perhaps as much as 10% basically
fully nude (not counting backpacks and such), some 2-5% in minimal
shorts/t-shirts, and perhaps 1% (such as admin personnel) in full
clothes.  A wildly joyful time was had by almost all, and mad props
for courage go out to everyone.  Generally, the feelings voiced by
participants are that being in the ride is an almost inexpressibly
wondrous experience.

MANY THANKS to the police, who were as tolerant and helpful as they
could reasonably be, and protected our rear and flanks.  Sincere
apologies for the few times we annoyed them, mainly by being
surprisingly huge.

Pre-ride publicity was our most massive ever, with event listings
appearing in all major local print news and pertinent websites, a
Yahoo group topping 700 (now over 800), some 5000 flyers distributed
in advance to bike stores and similar, and the "Indecent Exposure to
Cars" documentary played on local public access cable TV twice.
Several post-ride reports appeared in print and on local TV news.

Several press clippings have been posted at
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/photos.html
ALSO Google Earth and printable versions of the route map.
Photos and videos are still being assembled.  Stay tuned.
Anyone with additional press clippings or video captures from this or
prior years please contact chicago@...

Major improvements this year included:
1. Hotline phone number - Dedicated line created with detailed
outgoing info message.
2. Donated printing - Usually our highest expense. Contact me for a
printer recommendation.
3. Expanded publicity drive - Three times the flyers as last year.
4. Published recommended viewing points and times - Eliminated masses
of oglers from the starting point.
5. Spectator information handouts - >20000 discussing the anti-oil
message and why naked, with URLs.
6. Tight control of media - Only specific designated known and proven
photographers who also participated in the ride were allowed at the
gathering.  Others were limited to an outer area blanketed with anti-
oilgarchy propaganda banners, or forwarded to the viewing points.
7. Walkie talkies - Kept principals in constant contact, connecting
the mass from head to toe (10mile type).

The few lessons we can apply next year are being discussed and
amassed among the coordinators.  Please send
chicago@... any thoughts.  Primary items so far
are: 1. No more loops (sorry, we expected less car traffic and a
smaller mass); 2. More volunteer staff needed (especially "security"
to help with aggressive cars and drunken spectators); 3. More water
carried and/or fountain stops.

LOST and FOUND:
Lost: Cannon digital camera in a yellow pelican case.
Lost: Woman's underwear; men's shorts.
Found: Single sports glove.
Found: Bike computer.
Contact chicago@... if you found or lost any of
the above.

MASSIVE THANX TO
Andrew and Susan (orange clad lilac haired skate footed hard hatted
safety guy self and tall thin gothottie check-in grrl) for countless
hours of coordinating.
Steven (with Polar bear family) for route planning, leading,
location, and more!
Jerry and Nick (suits) for keeping us semi-legal.
Howard for PR and for securing the rear and rescuing the injured.
Other trailer and pedicab dudes for same as above.
Also body painters D+D, Kristina, Melissa and Mairead; Documentarians
Zack, Rob, Antoinette, Barbra, Baramesi; Facilitators Mr. Bike,
Travis, and Dubi!
Anyone else my virus addled brain has omitted, consider yourself
included.
PLEASE all come again next year, and bring some friends!

* Count method: 600 was mass size at likely maximum, +-20, as counted
twice, by fives and tens, from stationary points at narrow passages,
at about a mile then at two miles into ride, as mass passed from head
to foot, averaging about five to seven abreast, about four solid
blocks long.  Multiple other opinions and videos generally confirm.
Total participants is even higher as mass picked up dozens more along
the way, especially ones who started at the half-way viewing point.


World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago
Protesting Oil Dependency and Promoting Positive Body Image
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Andrew Bedno - WNBR Chicago coordinator
andrew@...
chicago@...
Ride hotline: 312-480-0475


TESTIMONIALS:
===========================================================
From: J.F.
Subject: WNBR Lost Camera
Andrew,
This is a shot in the dark, but I lost my camera- Cannon digital in a
yellow pelican case.  If you hear anything please let me know.
Also- good ride.  Well planned and administrated.  No arrests to my
knowledge.
Do you know what happened with the pedestrian with the broken nose on
LaSalle and North?
Good job.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Editors note:
The injured spectator report is under review.  Anyone with further
info please send to chicago@...
===========================================================
From: V.H.
Subject: Re: World Naked Bike Ride: I did go
I was there also and had a great time.  I would do this again next
year.  I was VERY self-conscious about showing my body
(insecurities?), but seeing how absolutely comfortable everyone was,
I felt better about myself.  I'll drop to my skivies (misspelled?) on
the drop of a dime.  Here are some photos I took.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/vh3710/album?.dir=/6ae5re2&.src=ph
Three photos stick out for me
1 - the panda bear girl - greatest mask ever, not so much the photo
as it was the mask
2 - Travis in his semi circle bike thing stalled as people bike
around him
3 - The last photo of the Peter Pan crew.  Check out Peter's snarl
4 - The second smurf pic
Enjoy
===========================================================
From: M.G.
You might recall I wrote an e-mail to the list last week, expressing
concern about having photos of me naked posted to the Web, exposing
my online d*** to the world.
It turns out I did ride pretty much naked, wearing nothing but shoes,
socks, helmet, gloves, backpack and a big smile.
I was not arrested by the cops, nor fined, thankfully.
I think I even saw the woman from work who has a crush on me along
the parade route in Wrigleyville. I think she saw me, but,
thankfully, she did not think to look up and see my face.
I can now relate to all of those women who wear T-shirts with arrows
pointing up towards their faces over the words "I'm up here."
I was probably photographed about 150 times or more along the route.
That number is completely made up, I made no attempt to count the
shots.
Is it just me, or did it seem like there were more women along the
route taking photos, while the men just stared blankly with their
jaws dropped, thinking "thank you, God!"
Special thanks to the three drunk girls along Rush Street: as I
passed them and extended my hand to slap them "five," they ignored my
hand and slapped and beat my ass mercilessly for all of about a
second or two, giggling the entire time. They were cute.
Thanks to everyone who made this happen. I had a fun time. Looking
forward to next year.
PS I was just kidding about my friend from work. I didn't see her at
all last night.
===========================================================
From: A.F.
Subject: Re: World Naked Bike Ride: I did go
Ah, nakedness.  And yet still, a few folks were not sufficiently
amused by the parade of skin passing them by.  In case anyone needs
them I took down the plates of two such lame individuals:
1) IL - 624 6003
light blue (2-door?) compact car.
beginning of the ride around the side of Union Park
Male, dark brown hair, glasses, 40s
2) IL - 789 0704
black suv
Lincoln / Fullerton
knocked someone over, hit and run
That's all the info I have, managed to remember to copy it onto paper
from the sharpie on my leg.  Other than those I didn't hear about or
see much by way of idiocy during the ride.  Perhaps all CMs should be
nude, thus preventing road rage?
And please please, tell where the pics are being posted.  Somehow I
couldn't find anywhere to stash my own camera, so am relying on the
documentation of others . . .
===========================================================
From: R.C.
Subject: Re: World Naked Bike Ride: I did go
i agree the WNBR (world naked Bike Ride) was amazing. the large
number a of bodacious, naked women .....and men in the ride seemed to
mollify the anger of stuck drivers. Most just sat back and watched
the show peddle past. i think the CCM need more nudity...it works.
i had a great time and the large crowds on Wells and Belmont seemed
to be having a great time too. as we came past the bars would empty
out to view the parade as we screamed 'park your car and join us next
year'.
i saw and heard the friend of a guy who had way too much to drink
saying "dude, wake up. you are going to be angry in the morning when
i tell you that you missed these beautiful naked broads" he was
right. i've got a couple of movie clips i will check today for a
count. i estimate 600 or so people at the peak.
it was great fun.
===========================================================
From: K.S.
Subject: Re: World Naked Bike Ride: I did go
I picked up a piece of woman's underwear while on the ride.  If you
can describe it accurately, including size, color, designer name and
decoration, it is yours.
===========================================================
From: G.D.
Subject: Re: World Naked Bike Ride: I did go
I'm guessing anyone who dropped underwear on this particular ride, is
someone who's not terribly concerned with wearing underwear in the
first place.
Just a guess.
PS.  Putting some drawers on for the first time after the ride was
really really nice.
===========================================================
From: S.D.
Subject: Union Park: WNBR Collides with Cycle Courier's Birthday Party
Apologies if this is a duplicate from the Global WNBR Group.
As much as I wanted to, I didn't ride on Saturday -- my bike was
stolen a week ago at University of Illinois, Urbana. But, I was up in
Chicago anyway on Saturday for the Tribune Book Fair, so I stopped by
Union Park. I didn't notice the guy with pink hair standing by the
statue, but couldn't miss the huge crowd of people under the trees
with a barbecue and bicycles everywhere. So, I went over and joined
them -- even pitched in for beer. I wasn't the only one over there
looking for the WNBR. But, it eventually came out that this wasn't
the WNBR check-in at all, it was a group of Chicago bicycle couriers
celebrating the birthday of one of their members.
You should definitely hook up with these folks. Not only do they
depend on their bicycles for their livelihood -- indeed they succeed
because bicycles are more efficient for rapid transportation in an
urban environment -- but they have a blast!
They are truly nice people -- salt of the earth. None of them were
aware of the WNBR.
Cheers,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Editors note:
Every fifteen minutes or so someone went over from check-in point to
that group and wandered through calling out for World Naked Bike Ride
participants who may have gotten diverted to that crowd, and
encouraging those un-aware and potentially interested to join us.
Most were aggressively rebuffed.  I personally tried several times
and got literally scalded with vitriol like "f*** off a** packer,
this is a private event, we don't want no f***ing queers here" and
similar.  I'll dismiss this as not representative of all of them,
testosterone based and alcohol fueled, however it was from multiple
members of both genders with no objections voiced.  Furthermore,
their choice of location is suspicious, and the fact that they
attracted multiple police visits was a hazzard.  So... whatever.
===========================================================
From: A.Z.
Subject: Where are the photos?
Why no article in any newspaper? Finally newspapers can publish
decent nudity and they don't? Why? Are they against us? Shouldn't the
media be supportive of positive civil movements like ours?
Any way, all those professional photographers that where all around
us, taking pictures of my bare everything, where are they now?
The event was great, where's the momentum?
===========================================================
From: A.P.
Subject: Bike ride congratulations!!!
I just wanted to thank you for doing such an absolutely wonderful job
with the ride this year!!!
Last year the oglers and all the strange non-participants taking
photos made me feel very uncomfortable. This year everybody felt like
a participant and the vibe was celebratory and all-encompassing and
full of love. So thank you for creating the accepting environment
that made it all possible. You are all amazing!!!
peaceLove,
===========================================================
From: M.C.
Hallo ---
I'm sure you're getting a ton of these sorts of emails right now, but
I wanted to say thanks for being so kind, and having me help. I've
done the Seattle ride several times, but this was bigger and brighter
in at least six ways -- and the two of you are rad for planning it so
smoothly.
Also I've been waiting for, o, at least a year to hear someone who
wasn't me play a Le Tigre song, in Chicago, and now it's happened and
that was super-excellent.
I'm sure we'll bump into each other again soon, but for now: thanks,
and I hope to God you can both catch up on some sleep now!
yrs -- M.
===========================================================
From: D.
Subject: Hey WNBR
Thanks for everything!! I had a fantastic time. And...well...I might
just have to ride my bike naked all the time now.
G
===========================================================

This notice contains MANY important details.
Please read ALL carefully if you plan to attend.

CHECK-IN FOR THE WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE CHICAGO
Saturday June 9th 2007 is UNION PARK, Southern end,
near 100 N. Ashland, near Washington/Ogden intersection,
AT the statue of former mayor Carter Henry Harrison Sr.
Map link: http://bedno.com/zmap.php?s=wnbr

NON-PARTICIPANTS and disruptive people will be turned away.
DO NOT COME if you just want to watch.
The ride does not assemble at nor pass this location.

RECOMMENDED VIEWING is on Clark or Halsted near Belmont
starting around 10:45pm, or Rush at State around 11:30pm.

NEITHER METRA NOR RTA ALLOWS BIKES ON TRAINS ON RIDE DAY
due to Blues Fest.  Far suburban riders, sorry, you may be
out of luck. Join us in spirit using the donation form
online at http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Busses may be allowing bikes at driver's discretion.

QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS ON NON-MOTORIZED VEHICLES
will be directed from the park to the gathering location.
Check-in is from 6pm-8:45pm.  Ride leaves promptly by 9pm.
CHECK-IN BY 8:45pm OR YOU MAY MISS THE RIDE!

TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING if you do not require body-paint
please go from check-in to a nearby pub/diner such as
Twisted Spoke (501 N Ogden), Cobra Lounge (235 N Ashland),
Sip Coffee (1223 W Grand), etc., then join us at
gathering immediately before departure by 8:40pm.

THE WNBR's OBJECTIVE is to create a fun and conspicuous
event promoting freedom from oil dependency as well as
positive body image.  This event is international in scope
with dozens of cities participating world-wide.

THE EVENT IS BARE-AS-YOU-DARE. Outfits from thong and body
paint, to fanciful costumes, to street clothes are all fine.

RIDE DURATION is over three hours, but pace is quite slow.
Past rides included several hundred bicyclists as well as
numerous inline skaters, and covered about 20 miles of high
visibility tourism and recreational areas.  Route maps may
be available at ride. Post-parties will be announced later.

PHOTOGRAPHERS covering the pre-ride gathering have already
been assigned.  No others will be permitted in.
An interview area may be available for legitimate press.
Expect to be photographed en-route by countless spectators.
Previous year's photos are here:
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/photos.html

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
The ride is monitored by the National Lawyers Guild.
In case of arrest call 312-913-0039.
For emergencies en-route call ride hotline 312-480-0475.
In case of mechanical failures, some assistance may be
available from participating bike trailers.
In case of questions seek out ride admin personnel.

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED for route and
pre-party assistance.  Please email me a detailed note if
interested.  ALSO LAST YEAR'S PERSONNEL please email me
to confirm your involvement this year.

BRING additional clothes, water, beverages to share, ID,
cash, noisemakers, blinkees, glowing things, backpack,
helmet, etc. Bike parking is planned, but bring a lock.
There is no storage available to leave things during the
ride. There are no toilets before/during/after ride,
use local pubs/diners/mini-marts.

THE RIDE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT:
There is no participation fee, however donations will be
solicited at the gathering to help cover expenses such as
printing, water, paints, etc. Anything is appreciated.
Also respect the park and gathering spot, do not litter.

PRECAUTIONS:
The police were tolerant and helpful last year.
To keep things that way please observe these guidelines:
1. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT arrive naked
    or be anywhere near the park naked.
2. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT carry open alcohol.
3. Exposed genitals or female nipples may make you a target
    for arrest.  Do so at your own risk, and not until ride
    is underway.  Even naked butts may be risky.
    Remain minimally covered or body painted at all times.
4. Obey traffic laws such as signals, signs, and lanes.
5. If confronted by police OBEY COMMANDS! COMPLY! DO NOT
    escalate! Do not argue. Say "Yes Officer". If told to
    put something on, simply do so immediately.
6. Remember the purpose of the ride: To Promote Freedom
    from Oil Addiction, as well as Positive Body Image.
    Not to antagonize residents and authorities.
7. For maximum 1st amendment protection (freedom of speech
    and peaceable assembly), integrate nudity with your
    message. Examples from the ACLU include: "this naked
    body burns calories not oil", "nude not lewd", "no
    concealed WMDs", "stripped of our rights", etc.

THE WNBR DOCUMENTARY "Indecent Exposure to Cars" is showing
on CAN-TV (cable 19 where available) at 1:01am on Saturday
June 9th (morning of ride day!).  So set your Tivos/VCRs.
ALSO, there's a great short from Chicago's 2006 ride here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1uNEJV_A1I

FINALLY, REMEMBER THE MESSAGES:
When people ask "why", here are some recommended responses:
==== SOUND BITES ====
"Less gas, more ass."
"Cars support al-Qaeda."  "Bikes fight terrorism."
"Naked is how vulnerable I am sharing the roads with cars."
"Bikes don't block traffic, bikes ARE traffic"
"Why are we naked?  Because it got your attention."
"This is an annual free speech exercise, protesting oil
  dependency, and promoting respect for bicyclists."
==== FACTS ====
* Cars are a top cause of death in the U.S., with at least
42000 fatalities and over 3 million injuries in the U.S.
annually, over 100 deaths a day, constituting THE greatest
threat to public health other than disease.
* Cars contribute at least 10% of greenhouse gases,
threatening the future of our children and all humanity.
* The pursuit of oil to fuel U.S. cars has lead directly to
our middle-east entanglements, our being targeted by
terrorists, and GWB's folly in Iraq with the resulting
massive loss of life.
* Our excessive use of cars for every short trip is a key
contributor to the growing U.S. epidemic of obesity.
==== GOALS ====
Through the World Naked Bike Ride we raise awareness that:
* Bikes are THE primary replacement option to cars.
* Status quo is a fallacy fueled by automotive industries.
* Our nation's future depends on more respect for bikes.
* Bicyclists make better lovers!


4th Annual World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Ride hotline: 312-480-0475

Editor's note:  This is an EXCELLENT piece.
Really captures the feeling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hurry, before some soccer mom has my YouTube account revoked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1uNEJV_A1I

¿ who loves you baby ?

this year is even gonna be better, i promise :)~

~steven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. There's a new PayPal/Donate link at
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Any help you can spare would be deeply appreciated.

2. Press releases have been posted at
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/flyers.html
Anyone in local media, or who can help distribute, please pick them up.

3. We got CAN-TV (Public Access, cable 19) to play the World Naked Bike Ride
documentary "Indecent Exposure to Cars"
Showtimes are 11:30pm on Saturday June 2nd, and 1:01am on Saturday June 9th
(morning of ride day!).  So set your Tivos/VCRs.

4. I'm getting a lot of questions about nudity and risk of arrest.
The ride is bare-as-you-dare.  Anything from street clothes, to body paint,
to fanciful costumes is cool.
In 2006 there was lots of nudity and no arrests.  Bottom line is if a cop
tells you to put something on, do so immediately.  I've posted details here:
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/about.html#legal


4th Annual World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago
Protesting Oil Dependency and Promoting Positive Body Image
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Andrew Bedno - WNBR Chicago coordinator
andrew@...
chicago@...
Ride hotline: 312-480-0475

WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE CHICAGO is holding our planning meeting
THIS Friday May 18th at 7pm at the Handlebar Bar&Grill
2311 W North Ave, 773/384-9546, http://www.handlebarchicago.com
The place is very cyclist and veggie friendly.

It IS CRITICAL that people wanting to help distribute flyers
attend as I'll be bringing thousands and we'll be divvying up
the city.  If not 7pm, come when you can within a few hours.

Also anyone with thoughts on route and pre-party planning
or any other ride relevant issues make sure you come.

This may be the only meeting as we'll be down to just 22
days, so please come if you have any interest in helping
make this extraordinary event happen, or even if you just
wanna grab a bite and a beer with cool folks.

Find me by looking for the guy with purple hair.
Questions? Call the WNBR-C hotline at 312-480-0475.

Fourth Annual World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago
Protesting Oil Dependency
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
Andrew Bedno - WNBR Chicago coordinator
andrew@...

World Naked Bike Ride (and Skate) Chicago 2007 Update

1. Flyer art is ready and PDFs are posted at
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/flyers.html
Printing advice and a list of bike shops are also there.
Anyone wanting to help distribute, go for it.
These flyers say to call the hotline or join the e-group
for location info.  That's partly because we haven't picked
a starting point yet, but also we may not put the location in
print in advance this year to avoid non-rider overcrowding.

2. Pre-party spot and check-in location are needed!
A couple of tentatives have come in, but we need someplace
as firm and excellent as last year.  Your place could go down
in local cycling folklore.  We'll provide everything but the
place; snax, drinx, body paint, cleanup, even some cash.
An enclosed court or yard, cool neighbors, and maybe
slightly secluded is ideal.  Anyone with the will and
such a place please contact me ASAP.

3. T-Shirts are now available.
Also a donation form has been added.
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago

4. I got the WNBR documentary DVD "Indecent Exposure to Cars"
Anyone with suggestions on a good screening place/date do tell.

5. Is Travis who planned last year's route on this list?
Please contact me if your are him, or have contact info.

Andrew Bedno
andrew@...
WNBR Chicago coordinator
chicago@...
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
312-480-0475

World Naked Bike Ride Chicago is less than 50 days away!

CRITICAL IMMEDIATE NEEDS ARE:

1. Pre-party location:
Where body painting happens, always a great time.
Enclosed courtyard or yard, cool neighbors, and maybe
slightly secluded is ideal.  Anyone with the will and
such a place please contact me ASAP.

2. Check-in location:
We should consider Wicker Park exhausted and think
elsewhere, depends on pre-party location.

3. Support:
We need flyers printed.  If you know of a printer or bike
shop who can donate this service please contact me.

4. Tell others about the event.
Planning and volunteer coordination meetings TBA.


Andrew Bedno
WNBR-C Coordinator
chicago@...

Dearest cycling enthusiasts,
Preparations have begun for this year's (fourth annual)
World Naked Bike Ride Chicago which will take place
on the evening of SATURDAY JUNE 9th 2007.
The ride raises awareness against oil dependency
and promotes positive body image.
It's "bare-as-you-dare" and includes inline skaters.
Chicago has had record turnouts in past years.
For details visit http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago

Photos from last year's event are FINALLY posted here:
http://bedno.com/album.php?c=20060610

Photos from the prior years are here:
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/photos.html

My deepest respect goes out to the many brave peeps who
made last year's ride a success.  Thanx!


Andrew Bedno
WNBR-C Coordinator
chicago@...

Following the last message I've received multiple postings about what is
critical mass, when, where, and is it nude.

Critical Mass is a massive gathering of cyclists, making their presence
known to all automotive traffic en-route to varying destinations.  In
Chicago Critical Mass is the LAST Friday of every month (THIS Friday),
starting from Daley Plaza (the Picasso), at 5:30pm.  This month's critical
mass is the Halloween edition, costumes encouraged, and as messaged earlier
peeps are invited to a free concert at UIC afterwards.  Critical Mass is not
a nude event, though there have been occasional nude participants.

http://www.chicagocriticalmass.org



And in case some are interested, this month Skate Rave (the skater
equivalent to Critical Mass) is this Saturday, also from Daley Plaza, 2pm.
Costumes encouraged, helmets required, bring candy to giveaway.

http://www.road-raves.org



Andrew@...
ChicagoFunNews.com - Chicago's oldest online entertainment guide.

This Friday is the Annual Halloween Critical Mass! Afterwards at UIC
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Head-Roc (Revolutionary HIP
HOP), Son of NUN (HIp HOp), and Ryan Harvey (FOLK/Punk) will be
playing a free show at UIC. SOme of us will be riding there in a post
mass ride... you are all invited!

Finally got off my butt and uploaded all my 2006 WNBR photos--take a
look and enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46116540@N00/

Public photos don't include full nudity, just topless/painted/costumed
people.  The photos of all of us posing outside the Harpo Studios are
private, because they all show a little too much--to see those, send
me an e-mail and I'll set you up to see them.

If you're in one of these, and want to be removed, just send me a
message and I'll remove it or make it non-public.

Profrob64

I've received numerous questions about when photos from the Chicago 2005
ride will be posted...

Just wanted to reassure everyone that I do still exist, still live in
Chicago, am still profoundly dedicated to the ride (and to the
bicycling/skating agenda in general), and am looking forward to next year's
ride (Saturday, June 9th, 2007).

Sorry to be so delayed, and to still not have good news.  I maintain a huge
photo archive (http://bedno.com/photos.php) and am extremely behind (just
posted February photos) due to a very very very busy year.  Eventually and
inevitably, collected photos (from multiple source) of the ride WILL be
posted, as I gradually make my way through the months of posting.

Hopefully Chicago 2005 ride photos will be posted before year end.
I will of course announce to this list when that is done.

Later!

Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago

Editors notes:  I am accumulating photos for posting on the WNBR web-site as
the official 2006 album.  Thanks for your patience.  Anyone with photos or
video who has not already contacted me should do so.

Also: Anyone with press clippings or recordings of TV news appearances
please contact me.


Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: zacksudler@...
Date: Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:10 am
Subject: Re: [WorldNakedBikeRideChicago] More post-ride notes...

I have oodles of photos that I would be happy to share with you.  I took
close to 800+ for the entire trip (no after parties - couldn't find any as I
had to take a cab for the last two miles - phew-  and ended up at an abandon
Exit)  I can burn these on CD/DVD for you to send to people who
participated.

Let me know your wishes,

Keep me posted for other events that might be fun!  I would love to join and
meet some more cool people.

Thanks,

Zack Sudler

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
875 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 2000
Chicago, Illinois 60611

312-654-4224 Direct
773-550-9946 Cellular
312-751-9293 Fax


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: "Rick" <naturist594@...>
Date: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:30 pm
Subject: RE: Havamartini's pics/vids

Hi,

I believe I was in your group.  I would love to see the pics/video. Please
drop me a line at naturist594@....

Thanks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: kevin burrows <mayorofbucktown@...>
Date: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:20 pm
Subject: Re: [WorldNakedBikeRideChicago] More post-ride notes...

Greetings from the Mayor of Bucktown,

Thanks to all the coordinators who made the ride so much fun. I wish I could
have made it to the after party, but I burned out early and veered back to
Bucktown.

Kevin, the Milk Factory is such a great and cozy space!
Visually fun. I liked the red wagons on the roof. I brought four bottles of
flourescent tempera paint which you can keep for next year. I'll also do
some research at Burningman this year(which is actually hosting a world
naked bike ride during the festival)on better body paints that won't wear
off so easily for next years ride.

Kathy, thanks for the wonderful sun painting on my chest-I would love a hard
copy print of the picture you took of it, with me in my Elvis suit. If thats
possible you can reach me directly at mayorofbucktown@...

Congratulations to all the costumed and uncostumed bikers! Looking forward
to next year. I want to volunteer to help out. Kevin, mayor of bucktown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: "chicago_ron_l" <chicago_ron_l@...>
Date: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:05 pm
Subject: Chicago ride was great for me!

Ah yes, the World Naked Bike Ride here in the big city of Chicago. What a
concept, what an adventure. What an important cause to play a part in. And
of course, some awesome memories I can take with me. And to think, I almost
didn't go to it.

Last year I missed it for one reason or another and said to myself, I'm
going to do it this year for sure. Well, a year had past and the ride is
this Saturday. I was geared up all week for it, then the weather took a turn
for the worse. It drops 20 degrees on Friday and just as cold Saturday. The
forecast is 53 degrees F and chance for some rain. This is going to be one
cold bike ride, especially doing it naked. Well, tell that to Mr. Happy. The
cold weather and thoughts of getting arrested started to give me second
thoughts. But I decided to take a chance. And I'm glad I did. I had a great
time!

The whole point of this bicycle ride is to get some attention on our over
whelming need for oil and oil by-products, such as fuel oils and gasoline.
It's having a very bad effect on our planet. So, the point is; when ever
possible. Get your butt out of the SUV and place it on your environmentally
safe bicycle. Hey, it's fun, good for you and not damaging to the planet.

I came with layers of clothing; I wore a coat, sweat pants, heavy T- shirt
and underneath, I wore a half cut off shirt with a small bright yellow
speedo. This way I could adjust to the law enforcement and weather
conditions on the spot. It worked out well. The ride started at 9PM. I
striped down to my half cut t-shirt and yellow speedo and away I went. A few
blocks down the road I took of the shirt. Then I notice a few other people
were already naked and the police did not seem to mine. So, off came the
speedo. Mr. Happy, meet Chicago. Lol.

It was great. The police were very helpful escorting a safe trip through the
downtown streets of Chicago. They did not know our route, but they would
beat us to the intersections we crossed giving us the right away. Some of
the busiest ones, we would stay circling it a few times before exiting. All
of the spectators were very friendly and very supportive with big smiles and
a lot of cheering. Some seem to want to join in the ride. I seen one girl
flash her tits, another group of people pulled down their pants displaying
full moons. One guy was running along side of us, pulling off his tie and
undoing his shirt. Even the police seem to be enjoying our ¼ mile long
parade. We must have been a sight to see. 300 naked bikers riding through
the streets of Chicago. Well, not everyone was naked, but a lot were and the
rest had very little on, painted up bodies or just wearing some really wild
looking outfits. Br –r –r –r, but too exciting for clothes!

But of course there's always one in every crowd. One very upset spectator
had jump into the middle of our biking statement of freedom and healthy
living, grabbing at our bikes and screaming out "You are all going to hell
for this!!" The police quickly jumped in and defused his violent attack on
our very peaceful mission.

The ride lasted about 3 and half hours and I didn't catch a cold. No cough
or sniffles today, just a lot of good memories.

You know, it makes me wonder why some people would like to see this kind of
behavior illegal. 99% of the people I seen on the ride were very much
enjoying it. Hmm, who's in charge of this adventure called life?

A lot of people were taking pictures and movies. I didn't bring my camera,
so if any of you reading this have a picture of me? I would love to see it.
I'm a guy with athletic build, very long straight hair and hairy chest. I
was riding a blue and yellow mountain bike and Yee Haa, I was naked!

Ron
nude@...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: "thestevenlane" <futureboy_2000@...>
Date: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:41 am
Subject: WNBR 2006 Video Clip Online!

Friends,

You can post small video clips to the 'Files' section of this group email
site.
I put a brief clip of the Oprah photo-opp there. We only have 20 MB, so you
should try and keep your file size down to 2-3 MB.

Note to moderator: someone put an ad in the Files section - please delete.

Note to other videographers and photographers: I have about 40 minutes of
footage shot in 16:9 format, and I would be willing to share footage with
anyone else out there; maybe collaborate on a documentary?

Steven Lane
312.738.0480

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: "Jean and Luis" <naturist1957@...>
Date: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:01 am
Subject: Naturism

Now that the World Naked Bike Ride is over or at least for another year.
Naturism is something that comes to my mind to enjoy the rest of the Summer.

Does anybody know of places around the Chicago area for the practice of
naturism?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A nice bicycle helmet was left behind at my place, 2nd floor.
I hadn't noticed it all week because it looked like mine, but it's
definitely not.  Owner must tell me what size it is (S, M, L, XL),
brand, color, and any other identifying remarks about this helmet.

If it's unclaimed after a couple weeks, I'll probably hold on to it or
donate.  It doesn't fit my noggin', but it might a guests'.

Adios,
K

Hello friends,

You each brought such a great vibe to the spectacle at the Milk
Factory.  I almost wished the ride never to begin.  Thank you thank
you thank you for being such wonderul party folk and getting on so
well with one another.  I feel there was a nakedness to our minds as
well as bodies for all to happen so perfectly.

Ok, but back to clothing...
I found a pair of boxers stuffed inside of a dark khaki-green colored
hat on the floor of my apartment.  Please feel free to contact me
directly (home phone: 773-252-6181) if you'd like to arrange a pick-up.

So long for now,
Kevin Monahan


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor's note: Also, I picked up all the paints and brushes and drop cloths and
toys and reflective tape and was gonna keep 'em for next year.  If anyone really
needs some of them back contact me (andrew@...)

1. 17 more accumulated post-ride postings follow...  In date/time order.  If
I missed any, tell me.

2. I've got a first 50 photos from Rob, and a dozen of my own including
video clips of the times we circled to take over some major intersections.
But sorry, due to other demands it may take me until next week to post them.
I'll at least put up a Harpo shot promptly.

3. The break-away pack, or two, was due largely to the fact that a good bit
before 9pm, Wicker Park became OVERWHELMED by something...  It became
impossible to communicate with arriving cyclists.  There was literally a
thousand people, like shoulder to shoulder, like 20 rows deep around the
fountain.  It was crazy.  Cops told me they didn't know what was going on,
but thought it might simply be entirely people hoping to see the ride,
having read that location in publicity.  Wow.  My thought on that is next
year we need more volunteers at check-in, better cell phone contact, and
pick a check-in point that we can ride by and maybe pause at to inform the
masses.

4. The "compromises" we made with police to avoid arrests, was to stress
"bare as you dare", and to immediately take the ride out of the 14th
district.  That's why this year we didn't hit Damen/North/Milwaukee.

5. This is hard, because I know I'll miss someones, and where to draw the
line, but I MUST give some special exceptional thanks: To Aurora (the Native
American) for bringing the ride here and for her magical spirit, to my
dearest Susan (tall/skinny skater) for being her usual breathtakingly
reliable and efficient and loving self, to my dear bud David Greene (big
kilted skater) who came through at the last moment to be our primary
check-in handler and get repeatedly mistaken there as the leader of
everything, to Jerry Boyle AND the other National Lawyers Guild observers
without whom the ride quite probably would've been stopped by authorities,
to Joseph Lawrence for the trailer (which played on CAN-19 TV) and other
volunteering despite broken bones, to Stephen (flag wrapped) for many
services and joyful nature, to Howard big time for being the rear guard and
for major publicity assistance, to Doug and Kathy and Ben and A.Dutch and
others for body painting, to Rob and Zack for photography and Barb and
Baramesi for videography, massive thanx to Travis for PERFECT route
planning, to Exit for the after party and bike shops for the advertising,
and especially to KEVIN and roommates for volunteering the pre-ride spot!!!
Also big big thanx and congratulations to the many very brave men and women
who dared to bare all.

6. Next year'll be even better!


Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subject: (Windy City Cycling Club) RIDE REPORT: World Naked Bike Ride
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 09:47:22 -0500
From: Marc

Brian B. and I went on the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) last night.  It was
a lot of fun despite the cold, rainy weather and terrible ride leadership.

WHERE: We arrived at Wicker Park's fountain at about 9 p.m. where a  large
group of gawkers and photogs were standing around waiting for  naked people.
It turns out that they were going to have to wait a  long time because the
riders were directed to other locations. I  suspect that there were several
mini-rides starting from different  locations because the guy who redirected
Brian and me said there  were two locations. Ideally, all the groups would
have met up at  some point especially since our particular group was too
small  (about 40), but that didn't happen.

WHY: To protest our "addiction to oil" and negative body image. I  wore an
"Addicted to GAS" sign on my back with a down arrow. I had  planned to
change the sign as the night went on, but the ride broke  up. Other ideas
for signs were: "Addicted to A$$" "Alt Fuel Source" "Cheap Gas / Great Legs"

WHEN: Our mini-group left at about 9:15 p.m. The police had just  rolled up
and warned some guys to cover themselves. They did, and we  were off!

WHAT: A very light rain was falling as we departed. The person who  led our
group apparently hadn't done so before. She rode relatively  fast, and
didn't leave time to group up. There were riders who had  real clunker bikes
that were clearly hard to pedal. (You could hear  how dry those chains
were!) I wanted everyone to feel welcome so I  held back to block traffic
and let the end of the group join us.

One police car followed us and blocked some traffic, but the last  time I
saw them was at Chicago/Ogden/Milwaukee. They appeared to  have enough of us
after that.

Only a few blocks later at Chicago Ave. and the river, the group was  too
dispersed to cohere. By the time I reached Michigan and Chicago,  there were
only four of us left! It was very scary because the rain  had picked up and
the streets were slick. I didn't have my lights,  and I was angry that the
group had lost many participants. By 10 p.m. I had lost the group. I called
Brian, who had stayed with the front  of the group. He stopped, and I caught
up with him at Michigan and  Wacker. (Thanks Brian!) He gave me a
much-needed hug.

We still wanted to find the party. I had a hunch that the people at  the
HandleBar would know where the party was. I was tired so I took  the El back
to Damen. Interestingly, I noticed four plain clothes  cops on the Damen El
station's O'Hare platform, and they weren't  getting on the train. I think
they were monitoring the WNBR. One of  them took a note as I passed by with
my bike. You'd think we were  terrorists or something!

Brian decided to bike to HandleBar. We arrived at the exact same time! We
had a few drinks. Birthday 'Marc'aritas for me! That place was  hopping on a
Saturday night. There was some nice eye candy. ;-)

We asked the staff for info. on the ride party. They informed us  that WNBR
had attempted to hold the party there, but HandleBar  refused the offer for
many reasons (keeping their permits, running a  business, etc.). They didn't
know where the party was. We stayed  there until 11:30 p.m. or midnight. No
riders appeared except for  one smoker who told us that the location was
still uncertain as of  the previous Wednesday, which made us think that
there was NO PARTY!

WEAR: Fabulous outfits!!! We saw someone with long green hair and  green
body paint. Mexican wrestler masks were popular. It being my  first WNBR
(and pretty cold) I wore regular bike clothes including  my WCCC jersey! I
liked the simplicity of the guy who wore a  bathrobe and red sparkle boxers
that looked like they were purchased  from Cupid's Treasures. I thought it
would have been humorous to  wear a flasher's raincoat.

RECOMMENDATION: This ride gets a 'thumbs up.' It was exciting and  should be
fun with better weather.

-Marc

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subject: (Windy City Cycling Club) RIDE REPORT: World Naked Bike Ride
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 13:12:45 -0500
From: hnk
Marc et al,

I thought I'd fill out the picture a bit.

I wasn't directly involved in the organizing, but I did want to  volunteer
to be in the rear and do jail  support/interference/observation if
necessary, so I knew about the  start location and was able to skip Wicker
Park. I was running late  and about 2 blocks away when the ride went by at
about 9:10 PM,  eastbound on Chicago, so I was lucky enough to be able to
hop on the back.

Apparently I was in the group you never found.  It looked like about  150
riders to me. There was a printed route which, except for an odd  little
diversion to the DePaul campus, was generally followed. There was a lawyer
in the back, a few leaderly types with the ride on  roller-blades, and we
actually had a car trailing us if needed.

There was almost no police interest, and no known arrests.

The route took us through areas dense with bars, including Lincoln  Park,
North/Wells, and Division/Rush streets, and people came out and  whooped it
up. The southernmost apex was an excursion through  Millenium park, over the
twisty metal footbridge.

There were many piggish comments from passersby as can be expected,  and it
appeared people in cabs were actually ordering the drivers to  try to push
into the ride for their entertainment value,  but there  was also a
tangeable reaction from many who just thought it was great,  and wished they
were on the ride.

There was a substantial amount of full nudity for most of the ride,  but
also plenty of riders fully clothed.

Hope next year's ride is a little less confusing! I suppose I'll find  out
at some point how there came to be multiple start locations and  how they
came to be so poorly coordinated.

Howard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: John Loftus
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 6:31 pm
Subject: Chicago ride

Hello and thanks for posting..

I rode in Chicago NBR last night, plenty fun.
Is there anyone who has a few pics they can email, or is there a site that
will post them?

I am especially interested in obtaining a picture  of our multi-person
decoration of the Harpo Oprah studio sign...

I am interested in helping with next year's ride.

The word "compromise" with the police was interesting, maybe I can find out
more? The police acted politely, what did that take?

Thanks for good ride, it was a unique look at Chicago. Especially enjoyed
the roundabouts at major intersections.. very powerful

Good work,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: havamartini
Date: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:18 pm
Subject: Re: Preliminary post-ride report...

Hey!
We were part of the renegade pack and it rocked!At one point there were only
6, grew to 10, then about 35, and when a head on collision at Diversy which
grew to 70! We have some pics and video of the posse. If you were part of us
and stopped at The Exit for the potty/drink break and are interested in pics
drop a line here.

Love, Sparkly Thong And Pink Panties!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Arlington Dutch
Date: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:31 pm
Subject: Re: Preliminary post-ride report...

Travis D. here, I was pretty satisfied to ride with you all, thanks for
watching my back to those who rode the rear guard trailer and the convenient
rickshaw, did anyone have a breakdown even?

Hope you all had as much fun as I did. I was almost naked through much of it
so I look forward to be embarrassed by some of the images that might have
been taken.
-t


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Christopher Jones
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:26:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: WNBR

Thanks for organizing. The ride could have been warmer, but was so much fun.
You and Aurora did a great job keeping people informed. Mr Monahan was
generous in letting us claim his property for a base camp.

The line of us walking our bikes across the Ghery bridge towards the end of
the ride was beautiful. I hope the photographers got some great shots.

My input would be as follows:
Route should go through neighborhoods with bars a little more. Much more
visibility and cheering.

We should limit the number of minutes or revolutions we commendeer an
intersection. Otherwise it seems abusive and unorganized. I believe the
statement this all makes should be light-hearted and noticable while being
as peaceful and non-aggressive as possible.

So much fun. I hope the amount of time and energy you put into this was
worth it to you. It was appreciated by 250. I'll see you next year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Joseph Lawrence
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:07:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: WNBR Chicago ride - great success!!!

Andrew & Aurora,

Both of you deserve kudos for the organization and execution of another
successful WNBR ride. Even though I couldn't ride due to my rib injury,
volunteering at the check-in point was fun just to meet friends from last
year and make new friends who share the same attitude about body acceptance.
I even had a decent chat with Officer Doyle who processed my arrest last
year.

...

Joseph,

Sharing Nature on Its Terms. Naturally!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: grimmlyn
Date: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:59 am
Subject: Re: Preliminary post-ride report...

I didn't know there was a route, and from what I gathered there were several
splinter groups randomly riding around (I think my group met two). Though I
think it only added to the visablity of our cause.

NIL

PS
If anybody has pictures of a guy in shiny red boxers and a black bathrobe
riding a Haro- send them my way so I can post them on my blog where friends
and relatives can see them and feel ashamed (a lot of my family is
conservative)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Daniel J. Byrnes
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:29:30 -0500
Subject: Re: Preliminary post-ride report...

Andrew, did you hear the bike ride listed during one of the WBEZ breaks
during Car Talk--as if protesting big oil and gas guzzling cars while riding
the streets naked was just another thing to do in Chicago this weekend.
Congrat's! And let's make it so.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Rob
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:59:52 +0000
Subject: Photos from WNBR

...

Richard Roeper made a half-assed reference to us in his column in this
morning's Sun-Times: (amidst a bunch of short anecdotes about kids in
accidents and bad calls by umpires)

"On an infinitely lighter note, about 200 nude and semi-nude bicyclists
pedaled through Chicago last Saturday night as part of the "World Naked Bike
Ride" movement. Good for them. They have a cause, and they're willing to
strip and pedal for it. But what is that cause? Does anyone out there know?
Anyone? Answer later in the column."

***

"Oil dependency. Those cyclists were riding naked to protest our
automobile-crazed culture and our dependency on oil."

(Makes me think--once again--that we really need some fliers to pass out to
the crowd during next year's ride)

Thanks again to you both for all your hard work!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Rick
Date: Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:53 pm
Subject: Post Ride Comments

Glad to hear the main contingent of the ride faired so well.  I somehow
managed to find myself in that "renegade" group that started early.  I was
at Wicker Park where there was a very large police presence when one of the
organizers told some of us it would be a good idea to be at Chicago and
Damen at 9:05.

A few of us made our way out of Wicker Park and down to Chicago Ave. After a
while there were about 30 -50 of us standing around the bus stop. A paddy
wagon was parked across the street at McDonald's, so I figured it was not
quite time to get naked.  However, at least one brave soul decided to get
completely naked while waiting for the ride to come by.  A few minutes
later, 3 squad cars pulled up and all 6 officers stepped out of thier
vehicles.  They walked along looking at the crowd.  Most of us were
scantilly clad, but still legal.  When they spotted the the one guy who was
naked, they told him he would need to put something on.  He obliged and
reached into the bag on the back of his bike for a pair of shorts and put
them on.  The police did not make any arrest even though he was completely
naked on a very busy public street. (It may have been a different story had
he not obliged the police request to put something on).

At this point a couple people to appeared to know what was going on said we
should get startted and began to ride.  Those of us (myself inlcuded) that
didn't know where the start location was, when we would actually be
starting, and what route to take joined them.

So 50 of us took off expecting to join the main contingent.

I was wearing only a pair of shorts to be legal.  Once the ride got started,
I pulled over removed my shorts and rode the entire ride completely naked
execpt for my bike helmet (I always wear a helmet when I ride).

Unfortunately, we never joined the main contingent and I never made it to
the after party (hope it was a lot of fun).

Our renegade group ended at Exit Bar (1335 North Ave), one of the locations
Andrew mentioned had offered to host the after party.  Most of the group was
hanging around outside, so I proceeded inside (still completely naked and
sans helmet at this point).  I only had time to order one beer and proceed
to sit down, when I was told that due to liquor license laws, I would need
to put on some shorts.  So my night of nakedness ended there (a little
disappointed because in previous years, I stayed naked from the start of the
ride until the end of the after party at about 4am).

So that's my story.  Sorry I missed the main contingent, but we still
managed to ride for about 1 1/2 hours and promote our cause.

Rick Stoll
Nudits/Naturist/Body Acceptance Advocate

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Jen
Date: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:02 pm
Subject: Thank you for the good time!

Hi All,

As a new WNBR lady, I just wanted to say thanks to the coordinators, and
everyone actually, for the great time on Saturday night!

A small group of us fell behind around Lincoln Park, but it was fun while it
lasted. : )

I, as well as a few of my friends, will definitely be joining you all again
next year. And thank you to Mr. Star Shorts for leading the wayward tots!

Jen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Brian
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:15:08 -0000
Subject: WNBR after thought

I just wanted to say I had a total blast. I have never met so many cool
people that share the same "lifestyle" that I do. I came from Lafayette, IN
and would do this again for the rest of my life. I wish there were more
events like this so that we could gather more often than just once a year.
Everyone was so nice in helping me find my way around. Wish I could have
stayed longer at the after ride party, but you can bet that next year I will
for sure. Basically I want to say "Thank You" for making this an event that
I will never forget.

Brian Freeman
Lafayette, IN
"See thru underwear w/glow stick around genitals"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: swimin2sky
Date: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:07 pm
Subject: 1st WNBR

Hi y'all out there!

My first time at WNBR Sat. and it was great!...I had a blast painting people
and meeting everybody at the pre-party! I painted a radiating sun with cool
shades on Thee Mayor of Bucktown! and stars shining among the happy moon in
a galaxy on 'Starface'...you know who you are! Met alot of awesome ppl, alot
of Kevins too ...i think i met a total of 3, all unique...and Ben, who
air-spray painted a mesmerizing tribal sun on my forearm, which is fading
away with melancholy...my favorite design that was painted on me.  Thanks to
John for the symbolic eye, and sun...didnt stay on too long b/c tempera
paint...but it was fun while it lasted.  I took some pics on my dig cam and
im having trouble making it into an attachment to send out, i'm still trying
though... Thanks to all the coordinators, i think you all did a great job in
coordinating :) and rounding up the masses!

Kathy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Richard
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 05:21:25 -0000
Subject: Thanks

Thanks, Andrew, for a terrific time. I can't wait til next year. Do you ride
with the Critical Mass people as well? I may have to join that group as
well. It was just too much fun for words. Thanks again.

Richard
(old guy with long johns and loud-mouthed mask)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Richard
Date: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:15 am
Subject: Wow.

I have no idea what posessed me to join you all last Saturday night. I
didn't know anyone else who was going; I didn't expect to see anyone I knew
when I got there. I imagined I might see some of the same people with whom
I've chatted briefly at numerous political rallies downtown over the last
decade or so--but none of those people were there either. Then I recalled
that a lot of those people were nuns...

So it was a great and welcome surprise to see and visit with my pal Kevin
there--aka AstroBoy--whom I've known for many many years--he wore the derby
and the white Elvis jump suit. He is off to The Burning Man next--should be
a great one this year.

This being my first "bare as you dare" bike ride, it never occurred to me
that I might be sorry if I failed to make proper arrangements for full
frontal, or at least full dorsal, nudity. I guess it never occurred to me
mostly because it the weather was supposed to be in the 40's, possibly
raining.. and besides, I'm nearly sixty years old--perhaps a little too old
for things like that. By "proper arrangements" for nudity (and this might be
something to include in next year's announcements)--I mean wearing a
decorated jock, or thong, under my sweats, or as I saw Saturday, modified
boxer shorts, with a robe, smoking jacket, something which can be easily
worn closed, (or if the mood strikes, open) for warmth (or exposure). I wore
bike pants this first time, which are too hard to get out of quickly and
gracefully, especially with long johns, which were humorous and warm, but
then... I have to admit I was sorry to be so overdressed, and as the ride
went on, I wished I had been prepared to take off more than just my
shirt--it was just so great to be out there with all of you, and what a
delight to watch the reactions! Next year--watch out! I'm starting my
preparations already, costume, bike decorations,  music, chants and/or songs
that might be fun...

Thanks especially to the warm and friendly people who organized, supervised,
and in general did a knockout job putting this together and making it safe,
sane, yet insane--in a good way! Thanks Stephen, Andrew, and everyone else.
Great talking to you Aurora, Billy, Meghan, Kevin, Bob, and everyone whose
names I didn't catch...

Wow. See you all next year. I'm gettin' jiggy already.

Richard
(Old Guy with the loud-mouthed mask, bike pants, and long johns)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Jerry Boyle
Date: Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:38 pm
Subject: (No subject)

By coincidence, I found out what happened to that other group -- a guy at
the coffee shop I frequent was in it.  They waited for a while at Chicago &
Damen, but a police officer told them the ride had already taken off down
Chicago, so they left, in an effort to catch up with us (they didn't know we
were behind them.)

Unfortunately, the guy I talked to didn't stay with the ride for long, so I
don't know its ultimate fate.  He got separated at a light, and contnued for
a while on his own, naked.  A passing patrol car spotted him, and the police
thought he was nuts (they didn't know about the WNBR.)  So, they just asked
him nicely to put his clothes on, and he went home.

You could say that the police split the group.  But you could also say the
groups split the police.

Jerry Boyle
(a/k/a the guy in the green hat)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's what I just posted to the international group:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Figured I should post something... I think we're all pretty knocked out here
in Chicago or someone would've posted more sooner...

Chicago's ride was challenged by hostile authorities (well known in
advance), and cold wet weather (came abruptly).  Nonetheless, everything
really was very successful.  Heavy pre-event publicity, well handled
check-in, good pre-party location and body painting preparedness, excellent
route planning, (in)decent post-parties, and lots of volunteers, all pretty
much perfect.  Thanks to advanced discussion and compromise with police,
there were no arrests this year (despite lots of nudity!!!), and in fact we
were escorted and assisted through most legs of the ride, which again
covered several very high visibility tourism areas!  This year was almost
exactly 15 miles, intentionally down from the over 20 in 2005, and took just
over about 2.5 hours.

Certainly had it not been for the weather (which forecast rain all day and
night and temperature in the 40s, but which was actually clear and low 50s
during ride hours), we probably would have had a much better turnout.
Fortunately we did emphasize the WNBR position of rain or shine when asked
in advance.  Even so, real head count early in the ride (stationary counter
as pack passed) was AT LEAST 250.  And that excludes a renegade pack of some
50 which left early.

Skater turnout was much better than last year (I'm a skater).  Last year had
only six on skates.  This year was at least a dozen.

Several appointed photographers documented the ride well, two even traveled
with the pack with video.  Results may be quite a while coming.

More later...


Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


And here's the collected post-ride posting to this group from other riders
so far:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to the NLG

I just want to say thanks to Ryann (not sure how she spells it) and the guy
in the green hat who rode with us. Ryann I've known for a year and she is
super awesome and the green-hatted man was nice and I enjoyed talking to him
in the bathroom line. Thanks again NLG. I LOVE YOU!

Casey
chicago_socialist@...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
News

Did you all have fun last night ? A friend of mine e-mailed me to say that
she saw you all. Are there going to be any pictures posted ??

DJ L'Monte
djlmonte_357@...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You ALL!

Hello all you riders. Just wanted to say a big thank you for coming out for
that fabulous ride. I enjoyed meeting and talking with so many of you and I
look forward to next year.

XO Kristina
with the black birds
aristina@...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please read all; every word matters.

A. CHECK-IN:
1. Check in is at the Fountain in Wicker Park, roughly 1455 N. Damen,
starting from 6pm.  This is simply a point where qualified participants will
be forwarded to the next location.  Do not loiter there.
2. DO NOT arrive nude.
3. Consider coming late (closer to 9pm but NOT after) if you do not need
body painting, to relieve overcrowding.
4. Official WNBR position is the ride is rain or shine.  Current forecast is
quite cool.

B. TRAVEL:
1. Wicker Park is just South of the Blue line (North/O'Hare) DAMEN stop,
which is 24hr; or a 1.5 miles West of the Red line (North/Howard)
NORTH/CLYBOURN stop, also 24hrs.  Also reachable by bus: Damen (#50/not
24hr), North (#72, not 24hr).  Also a few miles South/West of the Metra
Clybourn stop (UPN/NW lines, limited hours).  Theoretically, bikes are
allowed on trains and buses right now, some limits apply.
2. Wicker Park is about .7 miles West of the 90/94 North Avenue exit (#48B),
or about 2.7 miles West of the L.S.D. North Avenue (Rt. 64) exit.
3. Parking near Wicker park is difficult.  Main streets may be full or have
limited hours, side streets are zoned.  With patience, you may find
something within a mile.  Best bet is West of the six corners, on Damen or
Division or Milwaukee.  Or consider paying for parking.  Share rides if
possible.

C. NUDITY:
1. Technically, public nudity is not legal in Chicago. Code 8-8-080
(Indecent exposure) prohibits visibility of pubis, female nipples, and other
areas which in common practice today are exposed on beaches.
2. All riders are encouraged to cover to the point of legal.  Thong and duct
tape for example would due.  Even a sock helps.  Flesh tone undies are
perfect.
3. DO carry clothes with you at all times; before, during and after ride.
If a ride coordinator or police tell you to put something on, do so
immediately.
4. DO NOT arrive for the ride nude.  DO NOT undress until the ride is
underway.
5. Official WNBR policy is bare-as-you-dare.  So be naked if you wish and
dare, but it's at your own risk.
6. As an alternative, wear a costume.  Outlandish is cool.

D. BRING:  (remember, there's no place to safely leave anything behind)
ID! Clothes, Water, Money, Sharable Snacks, Protein, Safety Gear
(helmet/blinkers/etc), Towel, Bullhorn, Handouts (candies/confetti), Musical
Instrument, Ideas, Good Vibes.

E. PHOTOS:
Don't bring a camera unless you have been preauthorized or are well known to
the coordinators.  Don't expect to be able to control being photographed
en-route.

F. VOLUNTEERS:
1. Make sure your phones are charged!
2. Identify yourself at the check-in point for instructions.

Additional info (such as rockin' after-party location!) will be provided at
check-in.

Questions, comments, reply to andrew@... rather than posting to the
whole group.

If you have an urgent question on ride day, try 312/909-9313, but only if
you really really really really must.

Additional information is available at:
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago


Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord

Sure, we're 300 + naked humans.
Sure, we're on bikes and skates.
Sure, we're riding down the streets of Chicago (and the world!)
What more could you possibly want?


(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago in conjunction with
www.worldnakedbikeride.org


PRESENTS FOR YOUR PLEASURE: CHICAGO WORLD NAKED BIKERIDE 2006 !!
Join THOUSANDS of cyclists worldwide for a naked bikeride to end all
naked bikerides, which for the miraculous third year in a row
showcases Chicago's most concientious, fun and adorable beings in a
state of pure bliss, all the while protesting the insanity of oil
addiction and laws that criminalize our natural state!  (Chicago's
ride is world renown for being the largest and wyldest!)

When:  SATURDAY JUNE 10th 2006
Time:  Pre-Party 6 PM
        Departure 9 PM
Checkpoint:  Wicker Park Fountain (1455 N. Damen)
MAP: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?&addr=1455%20N%20Damen%
20Ave&csz=Chicago%2 C+IL
Sats:  To be "legally" nude wear pasties & thong~ if you don't care,
just bare!!
FAQ's: http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/about.html
Cost:  FREE! Bring cash to donate to the cause!

You don't HAVE to be nude to ride!  We love your support in any
state of (un)dress!

NEED A BICYCLE?
www.workingbikes.org

REMEMBER TO BRING:
I.D. For afterparty
Bottle of water
Bag with your clothes (We can't leave stuff at the start location)

BRING THESE EXTRAS!
Weird half costumes!
bullhorns!
Body painting ideas
Face and body paints
Nosh/snacks to share
Musical instrument
Fire spinning gear
Toys & handouts (candies! confetti!)
Bullhorns
Sparklers
Treats of your pleasure


PHOTOGRAPHERS:  Be respectful and ask permission before snapping a
shot!

xoxoxoxo  !!!  PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY  !!! xoxoxoxo
              VISIT OUR AWESOME WEBSITES
         www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago
                  ~Love each other~

FYI the press release went out last night for the second time, to over 40 news
outlets.
I'd be interested to hear of any bites.
I plan to ride behind the ride, and will probably have my big trailer in tow to
be able to do jail support if necessary.
Anyone with me?
Would be good to have a line of trailerage across the back of the ride as sort
of a rear guard.

Howard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrew notes:
Yes, all branches of Trib have logged interest: MetroMix, RedEye, CLTV.  Anyone
coming across press appearances of the ride in print or video, try to keep a
copy for our later records.
Yes, rear guard sounds great.

With only days to go, prep for Saturday evening's ride has gone well.  But
there are still some significant needs:

1. MOST CRITICAL, we still don't have a confirmed after-party spot.  I've
been in touch with many likely spots (such as TransAmoeba and 650 Lake), and
most willing so far are Handlebar and Exit, but neither can handle even half
the likely turnout.  Best location is anywhere between WickerPark and
Downtown East to West.   Too far North/South of that line may be too
geographically challenging.  SUGGESTIONS and/or VOLUNTEERING of location are
urgently needed.  Please email andrew@... or call 773-944-0229

2. We still need more qualified body painters to volunteer 6-9pm.  Anyone
with even a smidgen of such skills who will be participating in the ride
please contact me.  We may be able to cover some paint cost through
donations.  There may also still be need for another few lite "security"
volunteers.

3. Many bike stores have received flyers and posters, many still have not.
Consider printing some and hitting some of the shops I'm not going to reach.
Artwork and distribution points list (with those most in need highlighted)
are here:
http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/flyers.html

Thanx!


Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord
http://worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago

1. LOCATION:
Unless anyone emails me back by this evening with a strong reason why not
and an alternative suggestion, I'm going to declare the pre-ride checkpoint
as: Wicker Park Fountain, 1457 N Damen
That's the big fountain in Wicker Park itself. This is not the body
painting, gathering, pre-party, or launch point; just a checkpoint for
further directing of arriving riders.  This location has the benefits of
bathrooms, water, familiarity and space to play, while being not on the most
massive of streets.


2. CONTACTS:
If attorney Jerry, and/or Dan Korn are on this list, or are known to anyone
on this list, please contact me (andrew@... 773-944-0229/eves) or send
me their contact info.


2. BODY PAINTERS:
Anyone who painted last year please contact me (andrew@...
773-944-0229/eves).  Anyone who has real skills in this area do likewise.
I'm looking to confirm volunteer resources for this job, and also need
specific advise on cheapest types of paints we can provide in volume.



Andrew@...
WNBR-C co-coord

Anyone from Fort Wayne care to carpool, Please write to me or call me
at 260-424-4348 of were we can meet. Russ

Preliminary flyers for the Chicago World Naked Bike Ride have been
posted here:

http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/flyers.html

There are 8up and 4up PDFs, and suggested printing procedure.

Those who want to help promote this amazing event right away are
encouraged to make copies of the flyers and spread them to their area
bike shops and among bicyclist friends.

Thanx!

World Naked Bike Ride Chicago planning meeting...

Wednesday
2006.04.19
7pm

Handlebar
2311 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
773/384-9546
http://www.handlebarchicago.com




Andrew@...
ChicagoFunNews.com - Chicago's oldest online entertainment guide.

Hey peeps, I'm trying to help promote and organize this year's local
WNBR, the bare as you dare demonstration against oil dependence.  As
many of you must know, last year Chicago had among the planet's
largest turnouts at well over 200.

It'll be Saturday June 10th, less than two months away, probably in
the evening.

First and biggest thing we need is a place to start.  Ideally a home
with yard / semi-private area.  Last year was sort of NorthWest Wicker
Park.  Anyone in that area got a place to volunteer?  Other
neighborhoods within fair reach of major city be-seen areas may also
be acceptable (Logan Square? Lincoln Park?)

If you can help please reply ASAP.
And don't forget to join the mailing list here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WorldNakedBikeRideChicago