Last night I went to the naked bike ride. I’ve never seen so much wang in one place, much less drunken, dancing, jovial fun! It was like a Dionysian party of the days of yore – well, without the groppage and the orgy.
Just good clean naked fun. Music, chatting and general social enjoyment. I didn’t take pictures of the crowds of naked flesh because, well, that would have been rude – but I did happily take pictures with anyone who asked or with people who said yes to my question. Therefore, if you are family… you will likely not want to scroll down or read anymore.
When I was invited to the naked ride I had my misgivings. After all I’d only had my first naked co-ed experience last month. But after spending the day getting hyped up, doing my makeup and picking out an outfit (the rules are whatever you’re comfortable in – as much or as little as you want) then I decided I’d feel left out if I didn’t go. However, once I got there I discovered my rear tire on my bike was not fixable so I just partied for a couple of hours and joined the screaming cheering onlookers during the ride.
There was a woman dressed like Eve in leaves. A guy in a full business suit with the ass of his slacks missing. A large jovial man in just his dress socks and sock garters. A girl with a cute dress shirt and fabulous hair and no bottoms and so on – there was definitely something for everyone.
I discovered, as I wandered around that although I was likely heavier than most of the girls there who are regular bikers, there were in fact several women that were pushing 250lbs. There was also one girl who was a slim size 4 who got on her bike and revealed a lot of cellulite. I began jumping up and down and cheering her on thinking, “That’s SO fucking cool!” Every body shape, size, color, sexual orientation was represented by the hundreds of people present and there was absolutely NO – I repeat – NO judgment about it whatsoever!!!
People there didn’t care if I thought my legs were too bumpy or my belly was too round or my breasts shaped funny! They just didn’t care, and I realized for perhaps the first time in my life as I posed for pictures and cheered for every naked ass in sight – No one cares, because it’s not really important. Importance is what you label important. So I walked away in the wee hours of morning, thoroughly exhausted and grinning because I went home feeling like a beautiful, curvy woman. I posed for pictures next to waifish skinny girls, and slender pouchy guys and naked middle-aged men and even a charming cross dresser and you know what, I had no judgments and I received no judgments – so what’s the big deal? God! I love this city!
KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD!
Safari Cass, and Athena
Steve Libby from the Golden Greats. My official invitation and a writing friend from our fav coffee shop Chance of Rain. Check out his work.
A guy who wanted to pose!
Guillermo, Me and Lauren, my friend from the conservatory who I didn’t know was going to be there! Hey Pretty Lady! I’d totally give your show a plug but I need more info, so drop me a line.
Nake+free beer+bikes+music+free neck ties+ Portland = More swerve than you can shake a stick at!
17 Comments(+Add)
That sounds so cool! I would definitely have been nervous if I’d been invited, and it’s highly likely that I would have chickened out and not gone, but I’m glad you found the courage to go. You look great! And a place where a bunch of people can get naked and not be judged by how big or small they are sounds a little bit like heaven.
It was an awesome party. It was also my first-ever public nudity.
I did it because I’m working on overcoming my repression and depression, and thought this event would blast through both of those. It did.
Like you, I was impressed by the acceptance and openness. And at the party, nude, feeling skin to skin contact with other people, it felt… warm (literally and figuratively) and touching (literally and figuratively).
And riding the streets of my hometown, having a great time, and surrounded by people I’ve never met but treated me like a friend… that is the best time I’ve ever had.
I recognize you from the pictures; saw you at the party. Great post.
Thanks Nelli! And, for the record – Portland is a bit like heaven, so anytime you want to came hang out, just let me know.
Hi Brian, Welcome to the BlissQuest!
Congratulations on your first ever public naked experience! Kudos to you for venturing out out your comfort zone to enjoy a very cool event!
Go Brian! Go Brian! Go Brian – Go! Now you can can start going to the coed naked sauna in SE on Sundays!
Portland is definately a place I need to visit. You looked wonderful and are so brave, I don’t think I could get naked due to all my body misgivings, although I’d love to be in something like that. Did you know SLC has a PRIDE festival. It just passed I really wanted to go but couldn’t find a sitter. So I am so planning for next year cause it sounds like so much fun. To expierience something so different here. I heard its huge and thousands attend. So even Utah has it’s alternative group which makes it seem not so backwards after all.
Maybe sometime I’ll be able to get down there to visit my brother. If so, I’ll definitely drop you a line!
Well, being a runner, I was considering the Bare Buns Run on Sauvie Island at the end of the month… So I’d be open to this co-ed naked sauna of which you speak. Where can I find details?
i am too self-conscious to join in these activities.
i think they are cool to see, but have always had trouble with self image (not just physical). this means i am even more excited for others who participate!!
i thought you looked fantastic, but there is nothing new there.. you always look beautiful.
Right on Nelli! Hope to see you soon:)
Hey Brian,
I’m not sure where the details are only that I’ve heard about it word of mouth as I hang out in coffee shops in SE. You might be able to find out more in the Willy Week, or Mercury. Also, on criags or tribe.
Good Luck!
Erisian, thank you. You’re a sweetheart! Now I’m coming over to the next room where I know you’re sitting so I can hug you
I may have to rethink my dislike of the Northwest. Mind you, this dislike is based on things as they were 20+ years ago. Portland seems to have come a long way since then. And it has bicycle culture. BONUS.
Hey Jessie,
You should come visit next year and do the nake bike ride, then you can go back to UT and tell all the Mormons about it! FUN!
Hello MidwestGuy,
Welcome to the BlissQuest.
P-town has a huge bike culture. If it’s been 20 years since you were here last, I totally vote fora refresher visit so you can see what this city has become since last you stopped by.
Sweeet! I finally got the chance to check out the page while not at work. You look GREAT, girl!! Must have been a total Blast!
Portland is definitely a vortex for change – If large groups of people will get nude in public, anything is possible! I love it!
Thanks Sondra! Next year you should come down and ride with me
Hi Athena, its being a while, but i just find out about this email, just got back in PDX, no matter never too late to take a look, awesome night.
Un abrazo