World Naked Bike Ride

Sometimes I say mean things about Chicago. I say that I don't like living here, it's dirty and everyone is such a stupid mess. I say that I'd rather go and live in the mountains.

But the truth is, that going and living in the mountains (which is really just a metaphor for escapism, whether or not a person knows anything about mountains or even likes them)...it would be kind of boring.

If you escape the dirty ugly mess of people and concrete, then you also lose things like the World Naked Bike Ride. Last night, in the company of 700 or so minimally clothed bicycle enthusiasts, I rode around the Loop, up through River North, Old Town and Lincoln Park. We paid special attention to the BP stations by riding in a full circle around each one and yelling mean things (like "Fuck oil!" or just "Fuck you BP" ...not overly creative).

Large bike rides that clog the streets are not always met with happy faces. People in cars hate Critical Mass (like these poor people) , but its amazing what a little nudity can do (ok, a lot of nudity). From 8-10:30, I didn't see one unhappy person. All the riders, were so happy and friendly, because they were naked. Obviously, everyone was choosing to be there and choosing to be however exposed they chose to be, but I think that, on a different level, people were more friendly because they were nude and vulnerable.

The spectators were absolutely thrilled. Chads and trixies in Old Town were out cheering on the sidewalk, while people indoors were squished up against the windows taking pictures and videos (which they immediately tweeted, I'm sure!).

I'm sure no one is surprised that a naked bike ride made everyone happy, I'm certainly not. But I did find myself marveling, "Look how happy everyone is!" because for the whole time, I witnessed exclusive joy and positive energy. No cops, no fights, no crude comments. I think that's something, anyway.