The World Naked Bike Ride Returns

Mark your calendars for June 25 to shield your eyes or drop your clothes. The World Naked Bike Ride is returning to Milwaukee.

The clothing-optional “bare as you dare” event is focused on promoting body positivity, cyclist awareness and energy independence. It’s part of an international series of rides that date back to 2004.

Riders can gather at noon at Enlightened Brewing Company, 2020 S. Allis St., for body painting. Naked yoga will take place at 1 p.m. and the ride itself will start at 4 p.m.

The first Milwaukee ride took place in September 2021 with more than 200 estimated participants.

Technically a 1st Amendment protest, the ride will follow a pre-planned route for approximately 15 miles before returning to the Bay View brewery. The final route will be released June 23 according to the organizers.

“This year [we] are including a midride surprise! It will be a first! We will make history,” posted organizer John Jankowski in a Facebook group planning the event. The event is led by volunteers.

Participants do not need to ride a bike, but cannot use a gas-powered vehicle.

Live music is planned after the ride. A number of vendors are expected to be set up at Enlightened.

Record high gas prices will fuel the energy independence message of this year’s ride. The 2021 ride featured at least one rider with “less gas, more ass” painted on their back.

Those wishing to ride fully clothed can participate in the United Performing Arts Fund‘s Ride for the Arts on June 5. It includes a trip over the Hoan Bridge.

And if you just want to watch high-performing cyclists race, the Tour of America’s Dairyland series runs for 11 days near the end of June. The Downer Avenue race takes place the same day as the naked bike ride.

A similar naked bike ride is planned for June 18 in Madison.

More information on the Milwaukee event is available on the event website.