Vermonters Show Up in Support of World Naked Bike Ride

A record turnout for World Naked Bike Ride in Montpelier, VT (not everyone pictured here) was met by a friendly and supportive community who applauded and cheered the naked riders and walkers as they wound their way through the heart of the capital city.

Truth be told: though I have been a nudist for a long time, I had yet to attend a World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR). It was always on my bucket list of things to do. As much as I wanted to do it, I was never close to an event with time in my schedule that allowed me a chance to ride. That all changed yesterday, when 60 plus bikers, walkers and skateboarders gathered at the Dog River Park and Ride, disrobed (with special permission from the town of Montpelier - more on that in a bit) and then made their way along bike paths and city streets, through the heart of town to celebrate freedom and oppose oppression while getting an all-over dose of healthy Vitamin D.

I say the part about special permission, because, according to Vermont State Law, it is perfectly legal to be naked in public, so long as you don't get naked in public. In other words: according to the law, it is fine to be naked in public so long as you leave your house that way. For this event, though, they made it OK to get naked in public.

I arrived at the Park and Ride early. But, there was already a decent-sized group that had gathered. And, as we waited for others to join, we snapped some group pictures of the group.

It was a friendly and welcoming group of differing ages, body types and skin tones, which made the event even more fun.

When it was time, the biking group, which was more than 30-strong, headed out, followed by the walking group, which took a shorter route, with both groups then joining back together at the Vermont State House. All along the route, friendly Vermonters applauded and cheered, took videos and pictures and otherwise added enthusiasm to the ride.

In the end, a great time was had by all, including the many who set up along the route to watch the parade go by. For me, checking an item off my bucket list made it extra fun and, beyond a doubt will be participating in future years, with plans for a Naked Bike Ride after party at our place next year. Hope to help grow the event even more next year. Hope to see you there!