Ahhhh - June 14: the world-wide date for the World Naked Bike Ride, an innocent gesture to get people to take notice of our unhealthy consumption of non-renewable resources. This year over 70 cities organized events whereas naked riders peddle through their city to landmark a dependence on oil and it's negative impacts.But not in Boulder, Colorado.
In Boulder the warnings started early; any person exposing themselves fully would lead to receiving a charge of indecent exposure and as I have pointed out before, a charge of indecent exposure in the state of Colorado is an immediate mark against that person as a sexual predator, resulting in said person's requirement of registering as a sex offender.
The Denver Post states that everyone behaved themselves - well they had to when threats of a felony charge which would impact the rest of their lives were thrown at them.
Now Boulder has always been more carefree, more liberal, more tolerant the Denver. In fact, although Denver attempted the guise of a local event, truth is that Boulder is about the only city in Colorado that could pull it off - that is until Boulder city officials and police threatened to levy the devastating charges against riders should they disrobe. I guess I'll have to stop thinking of Boulder as that fun-loving, live-and-let-live city that was always so much more progressive and accepting than Denver could be.
The Denver Post reports that people were in underwear, swimwear and there was even a creative codpiece or two. They did allow women to go top-free, I guess there has been some progress made in realizing that at least the top half of your body isn't dirty or something to be ashamed of. If only we can get people to realize there is nothing with the rest of your body then we might get someplace - and tell me that a codpiece isn't a little more demanding of attention than a plain ol' penis...
I will admit I didn't even entertain participating this year based on these reports (coupled with the incidents at last years Pumpkin Run) which is sad as at 6'6" I drive an economical car, I recycle, and I've given up my house and yard for a more energy and water efficient apartment - but I have to live somewhere and have no desire to posted on a national website with a label that is best worn by rapists and pedophiles, resulting in my being drawn and quartered by my building-mates.
I was at Haulover Beach in April for 10 days and the experience was great. Legal, social nakedness with no fear of repercussion is the most freeing and liberating joy you can experience (sans sex). Colorado does not allow for this freedom and I still have yet to understand why, although it is good to know that I can hop on my bike in my skivvies and be left alone.
Maybe I'll hit San Francisco or Portland next June - I hear there were no arrests and no codpieces.
A link to the Denver Post article has been included for your reference:
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