From: Susan / 2007 WNBR-C Public Relations coordinator, should've
been pre-ride message to all (my bad).

One door has closed in my life and I am on an arduous journey in
search for that next opened door. With that said, I will not be
joining in on the ride this year. Thank you all to past and present
who have participated in the ride and made it what it is. I will miss
seeing the hundreds of people gather for a common cause that they
believe in and make a stand in unity. It helps me put some faith back
into humanity again. I will miss taking over the streets of Chicago
and go where no biker has gone before. I will especially miss the
feeling of energetic spirits and positivity around me. Please
remember this ride is an exhilarating experience, but don't get
distracted from the real focus of the ride which is to promote
freedom from oil dependency. I will be with you in thought, so be
safe and smart….. and WNBR will be one of the most amazing
experiences you will ever have.

P.S. I am very proud of the more prominent focus of going green
within the group….
SPREAD THE VISION


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: *A*L*E*C*

The World Naked Bike Ride - Chicago was, sincerely, the most fun I
have had in a long, long time. Riding around the streets of Chicago
butt naked on my bicycle was the most amazing feeling ever. You truly
missed out if you didn't ride. I highly recommend anyone and everyone
to ride next year. Sure you're naked but so is 800 other people.
There's no room for discomfort nor awkwardness. Chicago is a big city
so there were of course thousands of spectators. Seeing their
reactions to hundreds of naked bicyclists, rollerbladers,
skateboarders, and one guy that jogged the entire three hours/
18miles was the best part. AND it's all for a good cause. WNBR-C is a
fun and conspicuous event celebrating the end of the oil era, and
promoting positive body image. We definitely made a scene and we
definitely made an impact on the people of Chicago. Knowing that is
truly rewarding. Again, give it a try. You won't regret it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Isaac L

Sorry I wasn't able to help. I got the message too late in the day to
act on it. You guys did a fantastic job with the ride, I would have
gladly helped with the cleanup as a show of my gratitude. This year
was my first ride. It won't be the last. Consider it a standing offer
that I'll  be available to help with the cleanup in the next ride.

Isaac

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Silvia H

Thanks for organizing this amazing ride. The world should make a
statue of you so we all can ride bikes around it!!!

Until next time!  besos y abrazos

From: John F

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: John F

Thanks to all the volunteers, making this great event another
success!  This was my third year and definitely the best.  While I
bared all for the ride, the helicopter flying over the post-party
worried me, so I cut out early.  It sounds like everything went
fine.  I think my highlight was helping two WNBRs with flats, getting
them back on the road and "back in the pack" quickly.  Being naked
with a flat could be a bummer.  Thanks again and keep me on the
grouplist.  MORE ASS, LESS GAS!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Sonja / MySpace comment

A group of us rode (motorcycles) to Chicago from Indianapolis on
Saturday. We were on our way back to a friend's place to crash, and
hit a red light right when the Naked Riders went by. We actually rode
up to block traffic the other way. Cheers to all that participated.
It was great to see a real protest in these days of apathy.

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

So now the 2008 edition of Chicago's World Naked Bike Ride is done,
and I need to get some of my thoughts and ideas out before they dry
up and blow away.

The first thought is that people don't realize how much work went
into it.  For many of us the ride began back in April, when we began
meeting to discuss the route, the publicity, the promotional pieces,
the problems of past years and how to avoid them, etc.  Everyone who
was involved was a volunteer who did this out of the goodness in
their hearts; many spent their own cash for printing, posters, etc.
True, there were a dozen people who were heavily involved in
organizing this thing, but the task was huge, and each of us spent
many hours on it.  Andrew and Steven in particular
worked like dogs to pull everything together.   I hope everyone on
the ride got the chance to shake
Andrew's or Steven's hand; many kudos go out to them and the other
organizers for all their hard work.

Weeks before the ride I found myself wandering the neighborhoods of
Evanston, Rogers Park and Lakeview with a wad of posters and fliers
in one hand and a roll of tape in the other.  At first I hit bike
shops, then coffee shops, then eco-friendly restaurants (yes,
including the Heartland) and alternative lifestyle shops.  Finally I
got smart and began taping fliers to the handlebars of every parked
bicycle I saw (I gave up on handing out fliers to actual riders, as
that inevitably resulted in long discussions about the time, place,
method, etc.)  I'm sure a lot of retirees and prudish people got
offended by the Naked Biker drawing, but I hope a lot of riders
learned about it who otherwise might not have known (HINT: anyone who
came to the ride because you found a flier taped to your bike, please
say so, or I'll think I was wasting my time and won't bother next
year.)

My second thought is that I broke the rules by driving down to the
ride.  That felt weird; driving to a ride to protest oil dependency.
But I was one of the only ones who actually had a car (required since
I have 2 separate jobs 15 miles apart).  So I was given a long
shopping list; in addition to myself and my bike, I drove to the ride
with 4 cases of water, 4 bags of ice, 2 coolers, 2 cases of soda, 3
boxes of leaflets (which my wife and I copied and cut out ourselves),
assorted snacks (the 2 dozen bananas in particular were gone within
minutes of my arrival), some painting/costuming items and a variety
of tools (my can of WD40 was a boon for several cyclists).
I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

I was particularly pleased with the leaflets, which were my own
baby.  The first few years of the ride there wasn't much promotion or
publicity; a small circle of folks knew about it and spread the word
among friends and other riders.  Then we'd appear, get painted and
costumed, and ride around.
All the bystanders would say, "Hey, naked bikers!  What gives?" and
had no idea what we were about.
So two years ago I drafted a little leaflet entitled "Why are we
riding our bikes naked?" and began to copy them to pass out to the
crowd.  I've been a bit of a pain about it, constantly hollering to
all the riders to take a packet of leaflets, and at every stoplight I
would bellow a reminder to everyone to pass them out, to get the
message out.  But I went to the ride with 28,000 leaflets, and came
home with less than 4,000, so I hope they served their purpose.  If
we don't get a message out then the ride is really pointless (other
than being a naked party on wheels, that is) Here's the text of the
leaflets:

"WHY ARE WE RIDING OUR BIKES NAKED?
      1) To promote freedom from oil dependency
      2) To combat pollution
      3) To foster a positive body image
      4) To highlight how vulnerable bicyclists feel every day
           when they share the road with cars.
      5) TO GET YOUR ATTENTION!
Bicycles are a cheap, efficient, clean and healthy mode of
transportation. Bicycling helps fights obesity and disease. Bicycles
don't use foreign oil, don't spew pollution into the air, and don't
contribute to global warming. If more people rode bicycles we'd have
fewer problems with traffic congestion, lack of parking space, road
rage, accidents, and DUIs.  We'd like to encourage everyone to get on
their bike today…and every day!
For more info, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Naked_Bike_Ride or
www.worldnakedbikeride.org   or   www.ChicagoNakedRide.com"
I wrote them to be as non-political as possible (something some folks
didn't seem to grasp: "Why don't they mention the oil war/Bush is a
chump/an anti-SUV message/promote organic living/etc."  I wanted them
to be as basic and all-encompassing as possible, so that EVERY rider
could agree with the thoughts they contained and would be happy to
pass them out.  Many thanks to everyone who passed the things out and
helped spread the word, and to everyone who put up with my constant
hollering about the damn leaflets.

So, I arrived at the pre-party, to find some of the pals I knew from
past rides getting set up.
Riders gradually dribbled in and began to disrobe and get painted.
Clothing was optional, of course; many chose to go naked but many
more rode in undies, shorts, swimsuits, etc.  Three professional body
painters volunteered their services and did an awesome job; many
thanks to Melissa and the other two talented ladies (whose names I
didn't get)

One of the early problems, which kept re-occurring all evening,
occupied my mind a lot; the problem of pictures.  Four of the
organizers (including me) had been designated as official
photographers; we were supposed to ask permission first, and not to
post photos on porn sites or the like. (We also divided the ride
between us, so there was an official photographer at the front, rear,
and two spread in the middle.  The idea was that if any trouble
occurred—as has sadly happened in the past—we were to get pictures or
videos right away.  That way aggressive police officers or drunken
gropers would appear on YouTube the next day; and our presence might
prevent trouble before it started.

Others weren't supposed to take photos at the pre-party.  But a bunch
of people didn't get the message.  It's fine if someone takes a
picture or two of their friends, with their permission, before the
ride starts.  But a number of folks showed up just to snap-snap-snap,
without the courtesy of asking first, and who knows where their
pictures would end up?  In particular, one young lady (and you
thought all such perverts were men, didn't you?) with a large camera
and separate flash seemed to be all over, shoving her huge lens right
up against people and snapping a half-dozen shots of any bared skin
whatsoever.  I challenged her on it, and she insisted she was asking
permission from everyone, which I hadn't noticed.  (To be fair, she
did ride with us, which wins points in my book; it's fine to take
pictures as long as you 1) get permission, and 2) get on your bike.)
Then two guys in wheelchairs appeared and began rolling around and
gawking; they weren't riding bikes, so why were they even there?
Andrew later told me they'd volunteered to help at the entrance gate,
but as soon as he'd left them there they were over by the
bodypainters, trying to take pictures.  I guess there are volunteers,
and then less enthusiastic volunteers.

So I wandered about the pre-party, saying hello to those I knew, and
taking photos of the painted designs, slogans, bikes, costumes, and
people (I'll admit it, I'm a voyeur, but I tried to capture the
festive spirit of things, rather than just roam about looking for T
&A).  I also had a stack of cards that I kept giving out; these had a
dual purpose.  One side listed my art fairs, because I'm shameless
when it comes to promoting my stuff.  The other had my email address
and website, which reassured some people.  I've already gotten 8
emails from riders; 6 wanted me to send them the photos I took of
them, and 2 wanted me to NEVER send ANYONE the photos I took of them.

The crowd grew, and grew; by the start time over 300 people had
crowded into the bodypainting area.
There was a band (the Environmental Encroachment Marching Band) and
hula-hoopers, jugglers, drummers, and all kinds of shenanigans going
on.  It was chaotic, confusing, but wonderfully fun; the presence of
so many happy riders, naked or not, just spread a joyful spirit
through the crowd.
(That joyful spirit is what distinguishes the WNBR from some of the
Critical Mass rides I've been in; sometimes they're focused on fun
and love, but too often they seem antagonistic and haughty to me.)
Eventually, we worked our way out into the street and, about 9:15
Steven led us off on the fifth edition of Chicago's World Naked Bike
Ride.

To be continued...

Here's the legal report:

I appreciate Joseph's appreciation of the police.  And I so much
appreciate how riders were so respectful of the police -- it made the
ride go so much smoother.

For instance, as we rounded the last turn from Damen on to Hubbard, a
lone squad car was at the intersection.  I rode up to the driver's
side window, and started explaining what was going on.  They were
surprised, confused and taken aback by what they saw (they had not
heard about the ride.)  It was everything I could do to reassure them
that everything would be alright (we didn't want them going into
arrest mode.)

But riders made a crucial contribution.  Many riders, as they passed
us on their bikes, shouted out "Thank you!" to the police officers.
You should have seen the impact of your "Thank you!"s -- I did.  With
each friendly greeting from a rider, their faces moved one step
further from anxiety, and one step closer to smiling.  It is so hard
to maintain hostility or suspicion for people thanking you.  Sure, I
kept talking until they calmed down, and decided to leave us alone.
But it was all those "Thank you!"s from riders which really did the
trick.

Sure, us lawyers do some work to keep the police off your backs.   But
you did a lot of the work yourselves.  You made the difference.

Another year with zero arrests!  Pat yourselves on the back.  It is an
honor to represent such a great group of people.

Jerry Boyle
NLG Legal Observer
(the guy in the jacket and tie)

1. ANYONE WITH NEWS VIDEO or PRESS CLIPPINGS please hang on to them and
reply.
I heard I was on TV but haven't seen.  PLEASE retain any vids.


2. Lost+Found list is growing.

PLEASE reply with anything lost or found, even if its small.


3. Several photos sets are already posted.
Also a printable souvenir copy of the route map.
Follow the PHOTOS link from the ride home page.

http://chicago.worldnakedbikeride.org/photos.html


4. Preliminary turnout reports are so huge that I must wait on video count
to confirm.


5. Ride reviews so far (submit your own by reply):


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Ron / Subject: Yesterday's ride was great!

I have been to the last 3 events and I must say this they are getting better
every year, the get together, the ride, the party afterwards.
Everything went well with no misshaps. :) I wish we could have more of these
kind of events through out the year.

Sad thing is, I don't have any pictures of me being there. If anyone has a
picture of me. can you please Email (naked_ron@...) it or them to me?
Or mail a disk? I can pay postage and something for your troubles.
I was the naked long haired guy with mustash
This is me from last year: http://bedno.com/photo.php?c=20070609&i=119

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: CHITOWNDAWG / Subject: WOW... WHAT FUN

damn it was awesome.. was my 1st naked bike ride.. while organized one.. lol
i am a nudist and folks form my group came also.. and wow..
did we have a good time.. not only bein nude but also promoting a good
cause.. just wanted u  folks to know how much fun it was..  and i shall see
u all again next year.. and hopefully some of you will come to our events

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: axch16 / Subject: ride

hei this was an awesome ride !
my first one and not the last for sure - thanks to all the volunteers for
the great work and the gentleman in suit doing his best to keep the ride
moving in an organized way. I was right up there near by him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Joseph L. / Subject: Great Success and Organization!

Andrew and Steven,
Kudos to both of you for another well-organized ride. Sorry not all riders
take responsibility for the mess they help create, but I'm certain everyone
had a great time due largely to your efforts.

From my perspective, the police did a fine job of protecting and serving. I
talked with three different officers at the check-in point and they really
seemed more concerned with keeping everyone safe and not hindering the
freedom of expression. I think the Chicago police deserve a special public
thanks if that is possible. Some riders at the check-in point wanted photos
of their group taken in front of my check-in sign. The officer chatting with
us offered to take the pictures. People handed him their cameras and he
stood there taking pictures on everyones' cameras for about ten minutes. Of
course they were trying to get info about the ride by chatting with me and
the riders at the check-in. They easily could follow people from the
check-in to the real start point if they wanted to hassle us. I think they
realize the smartest action is to let the ride happen, keep everyone safe,
and let the citizens of Chicago have some harmless fun.

The people of Chicago also deserve a special thanks. Their enthusiasm and
support for the riders is outstanding. You feel like a celebrity riding
through a narrow gap in the crowd with people reaching out for high-fives.
Every one of them embraces your freedom of expression and many probably
secretly wish they had the kind of self confidence it takes to ride a bike
naked through the streets of Chicago.

I look forward to working with you both next year for the 2009 ride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Todd
Subject: my first WNBR

I expected the naked ride to be a mixed bag: a little thrill from the public
nudity and a large dose of discomfort both physical and mental.
Undoubtedly the thrill would diminish and the discomfort might grow.
And internet photos can hang around a long time.

I prefer to think of myself more as a rationalist than a coward but it was
easy to 'decide' to sit the naked rides out for several years.  As dark
clouds gathered on the horizon yesterday evening I imagined a sorry scenario
of a torrential downpour dissolving the ride as I cold, wet and alone donned
a raincoat to howls of derisive laughter from cruel onlookers.

But I had offered to haul a performer on my trailer and having made a
commitment I wasn't going to back out from just a threat of rain.  The ride
theoretically had a purpose of voicing a progressive message.  I've been
making an effort to do this on critical mass rides.  I didn't think
nakedness would contribute much to any message or lend credibility to the
messengers.  But the more informed I become, ie the less I depend on
corporate media for information, the more I realize that we must be our own
media.  And to do that we must sometimes leave our comfort zone.

With a very supportive wife and no boss to offend I had no excuses left to
not ride this year.  Well I did have one last excuse and it's one that is
surprisingly common.  My body doesn't fall into either of our idealized
extremes of masculinity or femininity.  I'm a guy with tits.
Small enough that any shirt mostly hides them.

If I was a chick with a dick instead of a dude with tits it would have been
easy as most everyone was topless but plenty kept their bottoms on.
I considered remaining fully clothed but doing so would be cowardly,
motivated by a fear of embarrassment or ridicule.  I'm not ashamed of my
body and somewhat unusually I know why I'm unusual.  Specifically I have an
expansion of a polyglutamine repeat on my X chromosome in the place that
encodes a receptor protein for the hormone testosterone.  And while my body
is swimming in testosterone its effects are uneven and it fails to fully
perform the function of suppressing breast formation.  I just happen to know
this because the same genetic variation is the cause for my neuromuscular
degeneration which is known as SBMA/Kennedy's disease.
Scientific understanding of our genetic diversity should lead to greater
acceptance of our differences.  If only science had as much influence as
faith.

Anyway, my expectations/fears were not supported by reality.  The rain never
came.  The temperature was perfect.  The gentle breeze of motion felt great
everywhere.  But best of all was the huge positive energy.
Most everyone was happy and smiling, both the riders and the public.
Even the police.  I didn't see any heckling or any embarrassment by anyone.

The ride was big enough that there were folks of most all shapes, sizes,
ages, colors, genders, orientations, etc. from completely clothed to
completely nude and even more variety in body painting and costuming.
And very quickly it all seemed normal.

The ride had similarities to a typical mass but it was more organized and
directed and yet more festive.  It was apparent that a lot of work went into
this ride and it worked.  There was an element of protest, but without
hostility in either direction.  The end result was something of a Mardi Gras
/ carnival parade, especially in the bar areas of Clark and Halsted where
for blocks at a time cheering throngs lined the sidewalks and occasionally
even flashed us.

Public nudity didn't horrify or harm anyone.  Mostly it delighted.  It did
get me thinking and it makes me wonder how f*cked up we are institutionally
when Janet Jackson's costume "malfunction" received such heavy media
coverage and was promoted as such a scandal and the ongoing obscenities of
Iraq, Afghanistan, our vast prisons, our absurd war on drugs, our racism,
our sexism, our bloated military budget and shrinking social services, our
deteriorating environment, our corrupt and broken facade of Democracy, our
violent entertainments, our ridiculous car centric transportation system,
...(I could go on and on for far too long here), scarcely ever get honest
and thorough coverage.

A year or two ago I had an exchange with Aurora Butterfly here in the forums
where I stated that the whole bicycle + nudity + protest thing just didn't
make sense to me and she said roughly, "Try it, you'll like it."

She was right and I was wrong.  Thanks to everyone who worked to make the
ride what it is.

And perhaps next year I'll dispense with the briefs if someone will write
across my back "There's more to life than the bottom line" and put a red
stripe across my ass.

Todd Allen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Jason S / Subject: my first WNBR

I would like to apologize for "crashing" kinda the WNBR...my wife and i were
biking home down wood..and i took  us down an alley to get to damen..and
woops...there was WNBR...now we were stuck...we rode with you all for a few
blocks before finding thomas and taking that home..

not that i was embarassed or anything..but i felt like a jerk...you all took
the courage to be as "bare as you dare" and get a good ride going and here
are 2 punks fully clothed hoping into the ride ...kinda of taking of
advantage without the work...

plus the section  we were in was riding on both sides of the road ....which
i thought was not really cool and didnt want to get dinged

otherwise it looks like it was a great ride...and the ppl we were around in
the ride were super nice..

cinchel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Lewis / Subject: what a blast.

What a great group and what fun that was.  Thank you all so much, I loved
being a part of it.

I was wearing a marti gras style feathered mask and had a green print sarong
over my shoulders, but was other wise nude.  If anyone has any pictures of
me please send them to chicagowad@... I would love to see them.

If anyone who chatted me up would like to continue an open line of
communication, that is where i can be reached.

Ride safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: John / Posted My Pics and Video of the Ride

http://www.flickr.com/people/johnjensen/

Go sign up for a free flikr account and friend the above site to see the
hidden set containing World Naked Bike Ride photos and videos for Chicago.

I had a blast!  I loved being naked with you all!

Till Next Year!

JJ

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

Like Steven said: "I will be cleaning up the neighborhood we trashed, so
please stop by Hubbard & Wolcott to help out (3-5pm TODAY)."

That's 460 N Wolcott TODAY/NOW Sunday June 15th.

And: "If you left your bike at the gathering space parking lot, I regret to
inform you that your bike lock will be clipped tonight. I will try and claim
all the bikes and get them back to you, but your best chance for getting
your bikes is coming to the parking lot and picking up your bike by sundown.
Sorry, I have no control of the situation, but I'll do my best to keep track
of the abandoned bikes."


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

LOST & FOUND: Please reply with details of anything you lost or found and
I'll coordinate a list.  Already got a boxful of interesting stuff.

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

Post-ride reviews are being digested.  Feel free to reply with your
thoughts.  Cannot quote turnout until video is counted, but initial guesses
are huge.  As usual it was mind-boggling.

But most importantly:


GO TO 460 N Wolcott RIGHT NOW Sunday June 15th 3pm- to HELP CLEANUP and get
yer bikes.


~ Andrew ~

If you left your bike at the gathering space parking lot, I regret to inform you
that your bike
lock will be clipped tonight. I will try and claim all the bikes and get them
back to you, but
your best chance for getting your bikes is coming to the parking lot and picking
up your bike
by sundown. Sorry, I have no control of the situation, but I'll do my best to
keep track of the
abandoned bikes.

I will be cleaning up the neighborhood we trashed, so please stop by Hubbard &
Wolcott to
help out (3-5pm TODAY).

~steven

CHECK-IN for the Chicago World Naked Bike Ride is at UNION PARK
Southern triangle, near 100 N. Ashland, near Washington/Ogden
intersection, South of Green/Pink Line Ashland/Lake stop, AT the
statue of former mayor Carter Henry Harrison Sr.
GoogleMaps: http://tinyurl.com/4jsjjr * YahooMaps:
http://tinyurl.com/52vgo6 * MapQuest: http://tinyurl.com/3rfktm
Saturday June 14th, rain or shine, 6-9pm gathering, then riding for
several hours, ending near beginning.

DO NOT COME except participants on people-powered wheels, due to
crowd management.

NON-RIDERS go watch at the recommended VIEWING point Halsted+Belmont
some time after 10:15-ish.  Belmont Red/Brown stop puts you in the
neighborhood.  We should pass that point twice over a period.   Last
year a sizable throng assembled there and your cheers were greatly
appreciated!  To get live updates en-route text message JOIN WNBRC to
8762.

RIDERS come at/after 6pm if you need body painting or wanna hang for
tunez, contests, bike decorating, eco banners, camaraderie,
donations, etc.
Or come to check-in closer to launch time, like 8:45pm at the latest.

YOU are responsible for your own bike+self, travel+lodging, ID+money,
food+water, clothes+towel, etc, and help others.  m'K?
Maybe bring some snax or drinx to share; also bells/whistles,
blinkees/glowies, helmet/backpack, smiles, etc.
There's no storage to leave stuff behind for the ride, but at least
we may have a potty this year.

DONATIONS are solicited on site to help defray costs, or use PayPal
from http://ChicagoNakedRide.com

CELEBRATE positive body image and the end of the automobile era with
WNBR-C.  Bare-as-you-dare outfits range from body paint to fanciful
costumes to beach-wear.  GREEN is the theme color this year.
Chicago's past rides rallied hundreds of cyclists and numerous
skaters winding over a dozen miles of city streets.  The ride's
atmosphere is
extremely joyful, convivial, and transcendently fun.  Now in its
FIFTH YEAR, Chicago's turnout is among the largest of many cities
participating globally.
With gas prices skyrocketing and obesity an epidemic, our messages
have become truisms.


=== GUIDELINES ===
1. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT visibly carry open alcohol.
2. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT arrive naked or be anywhere near the park naked.
3. DO NOT COME unless you are participating on people-powered wheels
due to risk of overcrowding.  NON-RIDERS come watch at Halsted near
Belmont some time after 10:15pm.
4. No photographs allowed before ride except by identified authorized
personnel.  Assume however by participating that you may be
photographed anywhere anytime.
5. Exposed goodies may make you a target for arrest.  Even naked
butts may be risky.  Do so at your own risk or remain minimally
covered or painted.
6. If confronted by police obey commands and comply, do not escalate
and do not argue. If told to put something on simply do so
immediately. And thank them en-route for their help.
7. This ride is monitored by National Lawyers Guild volunteers who
can serve as witnesses in case of trouble. If arrested immediately
call the NLG office at 312-913-0039
8. Remember the messages: Promoting freedom from oil addiction and
positive body image.  Not antagonizing cagers and residents and
authorities.  Hostile acts are completely uncool towards cars not
directly threatening riders.
9. For maximum First Amendment protection integrate your
messages: "burns fat not oil", "nude not lewd", "no concealed
weapons", "naked is how vulnerable I am sharing the roads with cars"
10. DO NOT LITTER.
11. For more information see ChicagoNakedRide.com or try the hotline
at 773-578-6289 or text JOIN WNBRC to 8762.


=== PRACTICAL RIDE ADVICE ===
1. Keep a slow pace, it's easy to get excited and start pedaling
faster, but we need to stay together and not get stretched out.
2. We don't need to blast through every red light.  They're a great
chance for the group to mass up, so we must stop every so often to
allow the group to remain in a tighter formation.
3. Avoid passing cars and swallowing them up in the ride.  Drivers
caught in bike masses tend to make erratic moves, so it's best to
just stop behind a pack of cars and wait for them to move on.
4. Stay out of the oncoming lane, we don't need both sides of the
street and must leave room for emergency vehicles.
5. If you have never been on a big group ride in Chicago here's some
helpful tips: http://chicagocriticalmass.org/about/newbies
6. Mr Bike has some great tips for riding naked:
http://www.mrbike.com/how.php


==== SOUND BITES ====
"Say no to oil."
"Less gas, more ass."
"Cars support terrorists."
"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 promoting bicycling."
"Bicyclists make better lovers!"
"My bush would make a better president."


THANK YOU participants for being the most wondrous community I've
known, and crew for having brought your A games, and the mayor and
police for being so bike friendly.  C U tomorrow!

~ Andrew ~
WNBR-C Coord and avid inline skater.

CHECK-IN point for the 2008 WNBR-C will be *** UNION PARK ***
Southern end, near 100 N. Ashland, near Washington/Ogden
intersection, just South of Green/Pink Line Ashland/Lake stop, AT the
statue of former mayor Carter Henry Harrison Sr.  After much thought,
last year's spot seemed the best solution.  This is final and
supplants any previous suggestions.
GoogleMaps: http://tinyurl.com/4jsjjr
YahooMaps: http://tinyurl.com/52vgo6
MapQuest: http://tinyurl.com/3rfktm

Saturday, June 14th 2008, 6-9pm.

DO NOT COME unless you are participating on people-powered wheels.
Love you all, but mass requires that we actively prevent overcrowding.

NON-RIDERS come watch at the recommended VIEWING point, Halsted near
Belmont some time after 10:15-ish.  Belmont Red/Brown stop puts you
in the neighborhood.  I'll try to get a more exact time, but skilled
cell users can join the text messaging group for live updates en-
route.  Last year a significant crowd assembled there and your cheers
were greatly appreciated :)

Riders come at/after 6pm if you need body painting or really wanna
hang.  There'll also be tunez, contests, bike decorating, eco
banners, camaraderie, donation jar, etc.
Otherwise come to check-in closer to launch time, like 8:45pm at the
latest.

More later, but y'all should now be ready to go.
ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT to drag your coolest friends into this.
And if you rock, bring a bunch of something easy to share like trail
mix or waters.

Volunteers, photogs, painters, etc all set, thanx!
Though we could always use more pedi-cabs, trailers, bands, and
performers.

Remember the basics:
WNBR-C is a fun and conspicuous event celebrating the end of the oil
era, and promoting positive body image.  This event is global with
dozens of cities participating world-wide, and Chicago routinely
setting U.S. turnout records.
This is a bare-as-you-dare event, with outfits ranging from body
paint to fanciful costumes to beach-wear. Chicago's past rides
rallied hundreds of cyclists and numerous skaters covering about a
dozen miles of high visibility city tourism and recreation areas.
The ride's atmosphere is extremely joyful, convivial, and
transcendently fun.
Bicycles constitute the best solution to reducing America's petroleum
addiction and improving public fitness.  With gas prices astronomical
and obesity an epidemic, our messages have become truisms.

(chant "please don't rain please don't rain please don't rain...")

~ Andrew ~
http://ChicagoNakedRide.com

hello, my name is Steven

I hosted the pre-ride gathering party last year, and I 'steered' the ride, which
put me in a
good vantage point to videotape Chicago's 2007 WNBR. That being said, I must
apologize
for the overall crappie quality of the video, and for not editing it down
further (30min), but
it should be useful for those that have never been on a World Naked Bike Ride.

You get to see the pre-ride gathering, where you can get your body painted if
you arrive
early enough (this year body painting stops at 8:30pm). I realize everyone is
super anxious
to know where we are gathering this year, please be patient as we are still
working to
confirm a location, just keep in mind it will be very near Union Park again.

IMPORTANT! The video has a lot of me yelling directions to the group and
screaming SLOW
DOWN!!! Part of that was my fault as I should have delegated the responsibility
of leading
the ride, this year we'll have maps to hand out, and if anyone wants to help
steer the ride,
please contact me offlist.

EVERYONE! If you find yourself at the front of the ride:

1. Remember to keep a slow pace, it's easy to get excited and start pedaling
faster, but we
really need to stay together and not get stretched out.

2. Keep in mind we don't need to blast through every red light just because we
can, red
lights are a great chance for the group to mass up, so we should stop every so
often to
allow the group to remain in a tight parade formation.

3. Avoid passing cars and swallowing them up in the ride, drivers caught in bike
parades
tend to make erratic moves, so it's best to just stop behind a pack of cars and
wait for
them to move on.

4. Stay out of the oncoming lane, we do not need to take both sides of the
street.

The rules are a little different for the group responsible for the tail end of
the ride, so
please refer to Howard's previous request for volunteers to mind the rear.

If you have never been on a big group ride in Chicago, the following link offers
some
helpful tips (http://chicagocriticalmass.org/about/newbies).

Mr Bike has some great tips for riding naked (http://www.mrbike.com/how.php).

ok, here's the video of last year...
---------------------------------
World Naked Bike Ride: Chicago 2007
http://bike365.blip.tv
---------------------------------

~steven

http://www.chicagonakedride.com

Looking for folks interested in pulling trailers and sound systems on
this ride.  If you don't have your own you would need to be at my place
(24th/Rockwell) by about 5 PM to get one.

I have two trailer-based sound systems and two that fit over your rear
rack (if it's reasonably sturdy) to lend out if it doesn't look like
rain-- they're MP3 or portable CD payer ready. You would be dispersed
throughout the ride, and on your own with your playlist choice.

We also need to put together a "rear guard"-- a line of bulkiness across
the back to keep gapers in cars and taxis from getting too close to the
riders. Sound systems don't make much sense back here since the back
folks need to communicate with the rest of the ride via walkie-talkie,
but large trailers, pedicabs, etc. do.  Please contact me if you can
pull one-- can hook you up if you don't have one.

This ride is "bare as you dare"-- actually better for the rear guard not
to be nekkid.

Thanks for your assistance!

Howard

I've created a text messaging group for the event.
Anyone in the group can send text messages to everyone else in the group.
Now we can broadcast our progress and other chatter live so fans and press
and late joiners can find us using their cell phones or web.

A join form for this new "Mobile Alerts" system is now on the home page at:
http://ChicagoNakedRide.com

Or send "JOIN CGONAKEDRIDE" to 8762

Or visit http://upoc.com/group.jsp?group=CgoNakedRide

To help make this work, could someones with fast thumbs please volunteer to
be authoritative en-route location updaters on ride day?  Reply for my
records. THX!


C U next Saturday ~ Love you ALL!
Andrew


~~~ basics for newbies ~~~
WNBR-C is a fun and conspicuous event celebrating the end of the oil era,
and promoting positive body image.  This event is global with dozens of
cities participating world-wide, and Chicago routinely setting U.S. turnout
records. 2008 is our fifth annual ride!
This is a bare-as-you-dare event, with outfits ranging from body paint to
fanciful costumes to beach-wear. Chicago's past rides rallied hundreds of
cyclists and numerous skaters covering over a dozen miles of high visibility
city tourism and recreation areas.  The ride's atmosphere is extremely
joyful and transcendently fun.
Bicycles constitute the best solution to reducing America's petroleum
addiction and improving public fitness.  With gas prices astronomical and
obesity an epidemic, our messages have become truisms.
Ride is NEXT Saturday, June 14th!!!
6pm gathering and body painting, 9pm ride, location TBA.
http://ChicagoNakedRide.com

hey cyclonudistas,

We have been getting emails inquiring about parking for cars, and others have
mentioned
they'll be driving in from the suburbs and out of state. I fear many people are
not really
understanding what this ride is about, so I thought it might be worthwhile to
post the
following from the WNBR Wiki:

Evolution of a message
In the beginning of WNBR, the message was balancing protesting against oil
dependency
and celebrating the power and individuality of the human body. In 2006, there
was a shift
towards simplifying the message and focusing on cycling advocacy. While the ride
does
include and appeal to participants from social nudity circles, the rides is not
focused on
promoting social nudity directly as much as cycling.
       Conrad Schmidt has pointed out that the most active support has coming
from the
cycling advocacy community, with groups such as Critical Mass. While we have
been able
to get many people from social nudity circles to take cycling more seriously,
too many
people are coming to the event without really supporting the primary focus of
the ride.
Focusing on cycling helps clarify this.
(http://nakedwiki.org/index.php?title=About)

It's getting much easier to travel by train with your bicycle:
Metra (Chicago area): http://tinyurl.com/5y4pr6
Amtrak (Midwest): http://tinyurl.com/6l4vo

I live right by the train stations (Ogilvie & Union), and for those who can make
it to
Chicago going Car-Free, I'll help you get situated and give you all the inside
information
on Chicago's World Naked Bike Ride 2008.

~steven

PS. The ride will not be gathering at my place again, so do not show up to 613
North
Racine; no one will be here, and you will miss the ride.

It's just 12 hours until the start of Ride of Silence 2008

Please arrive at 6:45PM tonight to Daley Plaza at the Eternal
Flame and tie on your black armband. Choose a sign to pin on.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR HELMET.  You don't want to be another accident
victim.

We'll ride 13.1 miles and pass several of the ghost bikes which
memorialize fallen riders.  We end at the bike of Isai Medina
at 1100 N. Western.

From the Ride of Silence website:

DATE: May 21, 2008
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12
mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed
while cycling on public roadways.


WHY DOES THIS SITE EXIST?

     * To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
     * To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
     * To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE? WILL NOT BE QUIET

Please forward this message to any lists you are on.

The FIFTH Chicago World Naked Bike Ride is just 25-ish days away!!!

=== VOLUNTEERS ===
People able and committed to helping this ride happen are encourage to
volunteer.  Primary needs include experienced body painters,
corking/security/route, supplies/cleanup/help, promotional, trailer/pedcab,
more.  Photo is already well covered, thanx.
Please simply reply to this message with your name, skills, phone, and
email.  Past years helpers and ESPECIALLY all who attended the 1st meeting
please confirm same as well just in case.

The 2nd planning/admin/coord meeting for the FIFTH ANNUAL Chicago World
Naked Bike Ride is TUESDAY (tomorrow), May 20th.
Meet at Jody's place at 6:30pm Tuesday evening.
Jody works at the Chicago Bicycle Federation, and her spark has made her
well known to many in local cycling community.
Come to 1228 N. Noble St #3.  Top floor. Up the skinny stairs on the north
side of the building then through the door with the clouds painted on it.
Blue line to Division, 3 blocks east to Noble, 1/2 block north. On the west
side of the street with Burkhart's art on the front.
Division bus: Westbound stops AT Noble, Eastbound stops the block before
(Cleaver)
Major cross streets nearby: Milwaukee, Division, Ashland, freeway.


=== AT THIS SECOND MEETING ===

We will hastily discuss actions since last meeting, and plan next immediate
actions.
Top priorities include: Publicity to all press media, bike shop flyer
distribution, route planning, supplies, volunteers.
Then we'll race to the full moon fire jam (after 8pm south of Foster beach),
so come early/on-time if yer coming, or find us at the jam.


!!! DONATIONS NEEDED !!!
If you love this ride and can show it, please click the PAYPAL link at the
bottom/left of the WNBR-C homepage:
http://chicago.worldnakedbikeride.org

Last year's ride cost hundreds of dollars in supplies, and this year we
don't have a printing donor yet!?!?!?
Seriously, $10, $20, $100, would sooooo ease my mind, and get you a shoutout
on request.


=== SOME CONCLUSIONS FROM 1ST MEETING ===

1. No strong need to actively grow mass.
600+ is fine. Less publicity filters committed attendees, saves on printing,
eases traffic.
Clear message and safety/comfort of riders are higher priorities.

2. Increase the carnival/performance atmosphere.
Gets more attention to message, and maybe more safety for mass.
X peeps, we're thinking pre-show.  Anyone with skillz and/or show bike
welcome.
Need more BANDS! (Thanx EE) Even harmonicas and cowbells welcome.
Need more trailers (find a way to pay some fares)
ROLLERDERBY girlz! (dear fellow skaters, step up to the plate)
So all you colorful peeps REPLY NOW so we can think lineup.

3. Body painting must be more streamlined/standardized.
Not all stenciled, but selected within theme (leaves/ivy/bikes/words).
If you need custom, do it yourself (have yer own little painting pre-party).
***GREEN*** is the event's favorite color (flyers, body paint, costumes...).

4. Starting point options suggestions welcome.
Considering funnel in from secondary starting points, or encouraging
riders/groups to merge downstream by communicating route live in progress,
but details unfinished.

5. Route plan pending.
Priorities include: considerably shortened (earlier ending good, shorter
distance good, slow is good), do neighborhoods where we are welcome, avoid
big empty spaces, require wide streets, think skater friendly (minimum
tracks/grates/bridges), end near beginning, have 1+ water/rest stop, define
viewing point.
Input from good route planners welcome (hey Critical Mass / Rat peeps!).

6. Volunteers always needed.
Probably giving away an event specific clothing accessory free to
volunteers.
Probably making the after-party for volunteers and their invitees only.
Thanx big time to everyone who's ever helped before ;)



Andrew Bedno - World Naked Bike Ride / Chicago coordinator
Promoting Freedom from Oil Addiction and Positive Body Image
andrew@...
http://ChicagoNakedRide.com

Chicago's World Naked Bike Ride 2008
is set for Saturday June 14th!

NEWBIES
--------------------------------------------------------
For those that are new to the group and have never participated in
a WNBR, keep in mind you do not have to do anything to prepare
for the ride, you just have to wait till the gathering location is
announced the day of the ride. Stay tuned in for more info.

If you have never been on a large group bike ride in Chicago, you
should check out a Critical Mass ride (http://chicagocriticalmass.org).
I posted video of last month's Critical Mass ride, which includes a
brief clip of the Chicago's 2007 WNBR
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AkleZATHo).
More video of WNBR 2007 will be posted soon.

EVERYONE ELSE
--------------------------------------------------------
For those that know the routine, let me start by saying I have heard
you all loud and clear, "LAST YEAR'S RIDE WAS WAY TOO LONG!"
18.5 miles to be exact, my neighbor had a trip computer tracking
the distance from start to finish.

OK, we'll make it shorter. What else could we do better?
This Sunday we will be gathering at the site where last year's ride
began  and ended to discuss how to make this year's
5th Anniversary WNBR mo' better.

--------------------------------------------------------
WNBR Planning Party [ Sunday, April 20th, 3 - 7pm ]

Steven's place
613 North Racine, Coach House
312.738.0480

Veggie Barbeque ~ BYOB

We'll eat drink and discuss the following:
- Promoting the ride
- Finding a gathering space for 1000+ people, or
- Finding a few spaces close to each other
- Recruiting more artists for body painting
- Programming pre-ride entertainment
- Plotting our route
- Hauling musicians along for the ride
- Procuring a post-ride party space

At 7pm, we'll be riding north to Foster Beach to catch this month's
fire jam, see what that's about by linking to:
http://bedno.com/album.php?v=20080416234159&c=20060710

--------------------------------------------------------

Our peerless co-coordinator Andrew has uploaded 2008 flyers to the
website, so please print some out and help promote the WNBR!!!
Flyers at -> http://chicago.worldnakedbikeride.org/flyers.html

Sorry for the long message, you will not be getting many posts on this
group, so just bear with us.

~steven

Reverend Phil hails from Portland, and he is touring America spreading
the gospel of bike love through the art of cinema; ladies and
gentleman, behold The Pornagraphy of the Bicycle, a series of short
films on the theme of Bike Porn.

The Pornagraphy of the Bicycle {one night only}
3/14/2008 -> 11:55 pm

Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Pay to Play -> $9.25

I know the World Naked Bike Ride is a non-sexual event, butt maybe you
are willing to take your perverted bike love out of the closet and let
the world see you for the true bike freek you are. We will have Bike
Porn & World Naked Bike Ride fashions for sale. Anyone willing to be
an underwear model before the film starts? If so, you get into the
show free, and you get to keep the naughty bike fashions you model!!!

Contact thestevenlane@... for details
and access to pre and post party events

Info on Chicago's show:
http://chicagocriticalmass.org/event2008/bikeporntour

Bike Porn Tour Blog:
http://bikesmut.com

xo ~ steven

join us for the premier Bike Winter event of 2008!

we are taking the Critical Mass ride to a bike art
and dance party at the Heart of Gold.

if you cannot make it to the ride tonight,
email me off-list for the address.

~steven

=====================

Additional editor(Andrew)'s note having nothing to do with the above...
The NEXT planned Chicago World Naked Bike Ride is confirmed as
SATURDAY - JUNE 14TH - 2008
http://WorldNakedBikeRide.org/chicago
This is in accord with other Western hemisphere dates.  We had debated since the
last ride about changing it a week before or after for logistical reasons (which
London did for example), in our case the problem having annually been overlap
with Chicago's Blues Festival and its attendant Metra blackout.  Finally, the
city announced their fest date (25th annual) as June 5-8.  So this year for the
first time there appears to be bikes allowed on trains and no other big park
events on our ride day!  I'm hoping for a surge in suburban attendees.
Furthermore our ride date overlaps Chicago's "Bike to Work Week" (June 9-15),
and is the day after the mayor's Friday "Bike To Work Day Rally".
http://www.bikechicago.us
So, go to Critical Mass and/or Steven's thing tonight and talk about it,
SATURDAY JUNE 14th, just 106 days away!

hey Peeps, it's Steven, the guy with the car-free garage that acted as
the body painting studio for last year's WNBR.

sorry for the late notice, but there are some cool events i'm hosting
this weekend to counter the hype machine surrounding the 100th
Anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show.

JOIN US for SHOW & TELL and AUTO SHOW PROTEST!!!

-------------------------------------
Break the Gridlock: Show & Tell
Friday Febrauary 8, 7pm - Midnight
Bloom Inn, 2418 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

Directions & Bike Parking Info:
http://midwesternwine.org/pages/directions.html

Free Beer & Food
(compliments of the Velorution Brewing Collective & BTG)

BTG's Show & Tell Night is designed to let grassroots appropriate
transportation activists and advocates share what they are up to and
exchange ideas. We also encourage new commuting cyclists, pedestrians,
and public transportation devotees to join us; there are many ways to
take your desire for a Car-Free Chicago to the next level in 2008 -
GET ACTIVE!

http://breakthegridlock.org


-------------------------------------
AUTO SHOW SHUTDOWN FESTIVAL 2008:
REVENGE OF THE CRASH TEST DUMMIES!
Saturday Febrauary 9,
Meet by the Picasso at Noon
McCormick Place Main Entrance at 1pm

Crash test dummies have gone AWOL and now tour the country on bicycles
trying to get their human counterparts to finally realize that cars
are killing over a million people every year worldwide (who's the
dummy?) Bike in solidarity with the renegade cycling crash test
dummies and let the attendees of the Chicago Auto Show know it's time
to wise-up: STAY ALIVE - DON'T DRIVE!

Oh yeah, we're also giving away little polar critters to remind kids
they can be a hero and save the earth by riding a bike. Help us by
bringing small stuffed polar bears, penguins (i.e. anything arctic!)
This was a big hit with the kids last year, so come out and help us
inspire the next generation before it's too late.

Watch this for inspiration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bDD2qKbsDc

Get schooled in the way of the Shutdown:
http://autoshowshutdown.org

Contact me to get involved! Invite your friends!!

~steven

thestevenlane@...

http://www.youtube.com/thestevenlane

Sorry for the delay (since June 9th) but there were literally 3000 raw
photos from three people to go through, resulting in the largest single
batch I've ever posted in over ten years of doing online photo albums.
There are over 400 thumbnails, so modem users may be out of luck.  And
sorry, because my site is all ages accessible many goodies are covered.

World Naked Bike Ride 2007 photos:

http://chicagofunnews.com/album.php?c=20070609


If you're in a photo that you wish wasn't on the web, even though you rode
that way through 20 miles of Chicago, take ten deep breaths, sleep on it,
wait another week, then contact me if it still really troubles you.



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

The Chicago Critical Mass TENTH ANNIVERSARY ride is THIS FRIDAY, September
28.

In the unlikely case that you're unaware, Critical Mass is a MASSIVE group
bike ride that's been going on monthly since 1997.  The ride gathers in
Daley Plaza downtown (50 W Washington, under the Picasso) and departs
sometime after 5:30 or 6pm.  Likely to cover some 20 winding miles having no
definite end; with purpose being fun, comradery, and making the presence and
power of bicyclists undeniable to cars.

This should be the most spectacular one ever, with a record number of
thousands certain to come, including multiple music trailers, pedi-cabs,
clowns, freak-bikes, and a band; effectively manifesting a force of nature.
Pre-parties are planned.  See website for details.
http://www.chicagocriticalmass.org

Though police help facilitate the ride to some degree, they've been stern
lately.  For best results don't be seen drinking, obey police commands, and
don't be a masshole.

To receive Critical Mass emailings or to discuss Critical Mass, join the
Critical Mass mailing list here:
http://listserv.uic.edu/archives/chi-crit-mass.html
Rather than responding to this message or posting to this group, which is
strictly for WNBR related announcements.

Join the Chicago Campus Antiwar Network (CAN)
in demanding IL Senator Richard Durbin
STOP FUNDING THE WAR!

When: Thurs Sept 20th, 10:00am
Where:  Federal Plaza - Adams & Dearborn
Bring:  Yourself, your friends, and some signs!

Congress will soon vote on a $145 billion supplemental spending bill to continue
the wars
against Iraq and Afghanistan, wars which the majority of Americans now
overwhelmingly
reject.  It's time that we demand accountability from Senator Durbin and a 'NO'
vote on all
funding for war!

Part of the CAN NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION SEPT 16-22
To endorse or for more information, call 773-616-0940 or email:
uiccampusantiwar@...

Special "Naked Night" Performance of Chicago's BARENAKED LADS
To Benefit Great Lakes Area Natural Tans Society

CHICAGO, IL -With the audience as well as the cast in the buff, a
special naked night performance of BARENAKED LADS will be held on
Friday, September 7 at 10:00pm at the Bailiwick Arts Center in
Chicago, with a portion of all ticket sales going to support the
Great Lakes Area Natural Tans Society (GLANTS).

"This special benefit performance will help GLANTS continue to expand
and to offer a variety of activities for its members who enjoy nude
recreation," said G. Carlos Henderson, GLANTS founder and cast member
of BARENAKED LADS.

The audience for this benefit performance is co-ed, and as common
practice among naturists, each brings a towel and gym bag when they
arrive (clothed) at the theater box office. Once the audience is
inside the Studio Theater of the Bailiwick Arts Center Mainstage at
1229 West Belmont, the disrobing begins both on-stage and off.
Audience members sit on their own towels, and dress again before
exiting the theater.

GLANTS, a Chicago charter club of the American Association for Nude
Recreation (AANR), believes in the essential wholesomeness of all
human bodies, and in social nudism, asserting that the exposure of
the human body to light and air is beneficial to physical and mental
health, and that recreation is enhanced by the nudist experience. The
diverse group hosts other indoor and outdoor events throughout the
year, including bowling, bare-b-ques, beach parties, camping, and
Nude Year's Eve events.  For more information about GLANTS, visit its
website at www.freewebs.com/glants or email nkdchtwn@....

Bailiwick's BARENAKED LADS has been celebrating its own hilarious
brand of nakedness, and is now performing in its third year in
Chicago. The theatrical group recently was also hits at the Fourth
International Theatre Festival in Dublin, Ireland and a Provincetown
company is currently running at the Post Office Cabaret Theater in
PTown.

For tickets and reservations to the benefit performance, call 773-883-
1090.

Yours truly regrettably had to miss June's Critical Mass (partly because of
Chicago's bizarre practice of barring bikes from trains during festivals).
The next one is on Friday July 27th (and the last Friday of every month).
The ride gathers in Daley Plaza downtown (50 W Washington, under the
Picasso) and departs sometime after 5:30 or 6pm.  This ride is wondrous and
MASSIVE (over 2000 riders in summer months?!?) and nearly 10 years old.
Likely to cover some 20 winding miles having no definite end; with purpose
being fun, , and making the presence and power of bicyclists undeniable to
cars.  In answer to the several questions I got after mentioning this last
month, NO, the ride is not a naked event per-se, though nudity its not
unprecedented.  Come as bare as you dare, though be aware the great majority
are clothed, but many are festively dressed.
http://www.chicagocriticalmass.org


RECENTLY ACCUMULATED WNBR-C POSTINGS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Dubster2k
Subject: other Chicago rides
Since we are on the topic, here is yet another Chicago ride - once a month
at midnight.
Midnight Marauders -
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/midnight_marauders


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Mary Jadernak
Subject: HI FRIENDS
Was on the street at Viagra triangle as your wonderful group rode by.
I heard a  guy say: I'd support them if I knew what they were protesting .
Oh you really did a great job; the people in the streets were so powerfully
effected by you. Thanks for being out there!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Dave Jennings
Just saying hello to the group.  I'm from St. Louis and planning on the ride
in 2008.  Hope to get to know some riders before I drive up there. Dave.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Annatude
There is no WNBR like Chicago!! I came out all the way from Venice Beach to
be a part of it....ah, thanks for being hard-core, Chicago and taking me
into the fold!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Aurora Butterfly
NAKED RIDERS!!!!
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!!
I was at a naked hot spring in the mountains...
but it is sooo good to hear it went well considering the first year we did
it when I was passing out flyers half the people screamed at me and told me
how awful an idea it was and that we would all be arrested.  HA Email me
ride reports or pictures anything like that... XOXOXOXOXO Aurora
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Kathleen Ellis
Aw Aurora I missed you so much! I could feel your spirit everywhere as we
rode all over town.
Thanks everybody for showing this girl a great time. I didn't go all- bare
but had such a blast! Thank so many of you for making me laugh so hard, and
for laughing at some of my cheeseball jokes too.
Thanks extra to the back-line riders, Sarah Ho3ard and the bicytaxi guys,
and also the lawyer dudes. Wonderful!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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

CRITICAL MASS:
In the unlikely case that any WNBR-Chicagoans aren't aware, there's a
CRITICAL MASS ride THIS FRIDAY (June 29th, and the last Friday of every
month).  The ride gathers in Daley Plaza downtown (50 W Washington, under
the Picasso) and departs sometime after 5:30 or 6pm.  This ride is wondrous
and MASSIVE (well over 1000 riders) and nearly 10 years old.  Likely to
cover some 20 winding miles having no definite end; with purpose being fun,
comradery, and making the presence and power of bicyclists undeniable to
cars.
http://www.chicagocriticalmass.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


PHOTOS:
Many participants and spectators have posted WNBR-C 2007 photos on Flickr.
Use the search shortcut below:
http://tinyurl.com/ywuo9z

Anyone having photos from the 2007 ride please contact
chicago@... to have them eventually included with the
official WNBR photo archive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


OTHER LOCAL NUDIST EVENTS:
From: profrob64 <r-serb@...>

Last month over 600 people participated in Chicago's 4th annual World Naked
Bike Ride-way to go!  Thanks to everyone for riding, and to Andrew, Susan
and company for organizing a great event!

Several people were talking at, and after, the ride about other naked
events.  These kind of events are relatively rare around Chicago, but they
do happen.  One problem is that they are often either poorly publicized or
spontaneously thrown together at the last minute (which is fine, but means
you often only hear about them after the fact).

Rather than overload this group with non-bicycling related posts I started a
new Yahoo group to exchange news, ideas and info about Chicago area clothing
optional events.

You can find the new group here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chicagoclothingoptionalevents/

There already are at least 2 nudist organizations in Chicago (the Chicago
Bares, which is oriented for gay men, and the Chicago Sun Club, which tends
to include older people.)  But there are also a number of informal nude
gatherings and happenings, such as last January's Lady Godiva ride in Wicker
Park.  I'm hoping that news about such nudist events can spread through this
group.

A few other thoughts: This is NOT meant to be a swinging or sex group-go to
Craigslist for that.  I've been to two nudist colonies and a number of
nudist events and have never even SEEN, much less participated in, any
sexual activity at such gatherings.  If that's what you're looking for, I
suggest you find another group.

This is also not meant for gawkers or photographers to get a line on where
and when to see a free show.  It's intended to be a group for nudists to
publicize naked and clothing optional events, and meet like-minded people.

So if you're interested, or have info about local naked or clothing optional
events, please join this group post away!  If you're spamming or looking for
sex or free shows, please don't bother.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chicagoclothingoptionalevents/

P.S. I'm not convinced this group will really take off--I'll give it six
months, and if it seems like there aren't any "real" nudists joining or
naked events being discussed then I'll close the group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


RECENT GROUP POSTINGS
======================================
From:    R.L.H. IV

I took quite a few photos at the World Nake Bike Ride and I am still sorting
through them. But the ones that are ready, I have uploaded to my Flickr
page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shadows-of-hyperion/
I'll be uploading more later.

Coordinator's note:
If you can't see the photos, make sure to login or join Flickr.  If you
still can't see them, check your FLickr Account settings under
Privacy&Permission/ContentFilters.  If you still can't see them send SoH a
Flickr mail asking to be added to friends.
======================================
Hi Andrew
Thanks for all the great work to make this ride a success!
Thanks - Skaters, B. and A.
======================================
From: V.H.
What a great ride. Thank you to Andrew and Susan, and everyone else who made
it possible. I rode in the 1st ride in 2004. Then in Seattle in 2005. I
missed last years ride, as I was in Germany for the World Cup. But this ride
topped them all. A special thank you to the beautiful girl, who painted the
bike on my chest. I uploaded some pictures on Flickr. (Coordinator's note,
may not appear in searches yet).
======================================
From: R.
I had such a blast riding around with all of you!!!
ROCK ON CHICAGO
======================================
From: B. and B.
A perfect Naked Bike Ride! That was great.
======================================
Coordinator's note: I lost a few postings from before and just after the
ride.  Please don't feel slighted if I didn't post yours.


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

Some participants and spectators have posted photos of the 2007 ride on
Flickr.  A search of "everyone's photos" for "naked bike chicago" sorted by
"most recent" gets them.  (Thanx Dubster)
Use this compacted URL to see:  http://tinyurl.com/ywuo9z

If you have photos on Flickr which do not show up in this search add "World
Naked Bike Ride Chicago" to their tags.

Photos and videos from the official embedded ride photogs will be some time
to come.

MORE KIND WORDS:
===========================================================
From: b.b.
To all the beautifully delicious naked bike riders who make life so
appetizing,  Thank you! Your free spirit and positive energy was immense.  I
had a blast and hope to see you all next year!
===========================================================
From: a.
Andrew - Thank you for helping make it happen, creating the excitement and
getting us all organized. We all had a fantastic evening!!
Kisses
===========================================================
From: w.n.
Subject: why so late?
Hello,
I will never be able to participate in WNBR if it always starts so late. Why
does it start so late?
xoxo
===========================================================
From: p.l.h.
Subject: FWIW Publicity
I thought I'd mention that the WNBR was listed in our club newsletter, "The
Cue Sheet," in the May and June editions.  Unfortunately, I was out of town
the night of the event.
http://www.elmhurstbicycling.org/pdf/06-07.pdf
I hope to get more club members to participate next year.
Elmhurst Bicycle Club
===========================================================
From: s.
Thank you so much for organizing this.  One of the best times I have had in
years.  Being able to be naked in a public setting with so many other people
was a blast.  I heard so many "Wow are those people really naked?" remarks
along the way, it was just so cool.
It is such a shame the bonds society puts on us to have to wear clothes all
the time I just wish there were more chances to do things like this with so
many cool people.  :)
===========================================================
From: j.f.
Subject: Thanks for a Great Ride!!!!!
I just wanted to thank the organizers and volunteers for putting on one of
the most fun rides I've ever been on!!!  Last year didn't do it justice.
The support by the Chicago Police was totally unexpected, but very welcome.
I will definitely support the ride, including buying a t-shirt ASAP.  Thanks
again and please keep me on your group list for next year!
Michigan City, IN
===========================================================
From: N.S.
Subject: Re: Check-In, and Out
Hello, everyone. I just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to work
with you on your Group Bicycle Ride, and I'm glad that you had a successful
event with no arrests. Please feel free to stay in touch with the National
Lawyers Guild.
Warmly,
NLG Chicago legal worker
===========================================================

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@...