For the 3rd edition of the Philly Naked Bike Ride, I decided to cover the event from two points of view: the crowd’s and the riders’. Claudia Ghetu accepted the assignment to write an article and take pictures from the point of view of the crowd that lined the course of the ride. Claudia’s account will be Part 1 of a two parts series on the PNBR.
The Goals of the Naked Bike Ride
As a first time spectator of the Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride I can attest to having mixed feelings of voyeuristic curiosity and light apprehension standing at the finish line in front of Schmidt’s Piazza waiting for a mass of naked bodies on bicycles to flood the streets. At least I had an excuse in the form of an assignment – writing to report on this rather colorful and passion driven event for Philly Eco City and IndieWomanMag.com, an online magazine devoted to female role models, social and environmental awareness. Having spoken to the local organizers of this international event, I had a clear understanding of the PNBR goals: to promote a greener approach to transportation and encourage fellow city dwellers to get on their bikes rather than burn fuel, emit fumes, and contribute to environmental pollution. I was also aware of the underlying context of the ride: promoting positive body image and the power of community. In simpler terms, people coming together to support not only a great cause but also each other. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and what better way to attract attention to a great cause by raising awareness for another!
The Crowd
I wondered if the people eagerly waiting on the sidelines for the hundreds of naked, body painted, and scarcely clad bikers knew about the true mission of this event? Or was it that they were there for the blatant entertainment value, for a sort of ‘free for all’ show where everything else besides the sight of flesh might get lost in translation? So I took my pen and paper out and started to ask some questions. I was immediately drawn to two jubilant girlfriends holding signs on the edge of the sidewalk obviously there to cheer on the riders. After a brief introduction, Christa told me that she and her friend Anisa were there to support their three male friends who were doing the ride simply for the fun of it and to ‘show off their hot bodies.’ The latter comment was followed up by a couple of woohoo’s and giggles as Christa pointed to her sign which read, ‘You look HOT,’ the latter word written in bold red sizzling flames. As a final thought they both concurred that the boys joined the ride to be ‘part of the community’ and to support the cause.
The Feedback
I moved on to two ladies, probably in their forties, sitting down and sipping on their iced teas short of a big bag of popcorn and recliner movie seats. When I asked them if they knew what the event was all about I got a no frills straight forward answer, ‘Don’t really know, but I think it’s about environmental support.’ I decided to playfully challenge these gals and asked if instead of being spectators they would participate in next year’s ride, to which they both answered, ‘Noooooo wayyy, we’d rather watch, ‘ followed by an endearing coy laughter.
A minute later I posed the question ‘What do you think the message of this event is?’ to a man who would not give his name but responded, ‘Not sure what the message is to be honest, but I hope the people riding are in good enough shape to show off their bodies. Ha…ha…’ Hmmmm, I guess that would qualify him as one of those ‘free-for-all’ spectators. Just as I was beginning to think that there were not enough die hard go-green-less-fuel environment lovers out there, someone shouted ‘less gas no ass’ and I let out a sigh of relief. Yes, he got it! As the bikers started pouring into the piazza in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and scattered articles of strange clothing, people began to cheer.
The Camaraderie
What struck me the most was the amazing camaraderie and ebullience amongst the riders. Men and women rode high and proud in their saddles looking at each other and smiling from ear to ear. Despite their obvious bond these good-natured folk were equally engaged with their audience, and many of them reached out for high fives into the crowd. I felt certain that if some of the people standing by waiting for this event didn’t get the full message at first, now they did!. In the end, who cares how one manages to get attention, if the goal itself is to draw attention to a good cause? I for one, found nothing off putting in this irreverent display of good will. Promoting the environment, promoting individuality, and promoting unity obviously went and go hand in hand.
Janel, one of the bikers said it best at the finish line, ‘It’s okay to be whoever you are, be proud of your body, and promote a non-polluting form of transportation.’ In a nutshell supporting any good cause is about putting yourself out there and allowing the world to take notice.
Now let’s all get on our bikes and to our destinations, and show this city and those brave people who dared to bare it all that we took notice!
