Just when you thought Portland couldn’t get any weirder, Pedalpalooza, the Rose City’s annual 18 day bike festival, cycles into town wearing glitter and a tutu. The “2+ weeks of bikey fun” is responsible for rendering Portland residents shockless as throngs of cyclists pepper the city’s streets with themed bike rides ranging from Prince vs. David Bowie to Star Wars/Star Trek. Whether you’re a Riot Grrrl or a redhead, Pedalpalooza has a community for you in its calender of 255 bike-oriented events from June 9th to the 26th.
Most notably, Pedalpalooza features the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) – a “bare as you dare” international cycling event taking place in 70 cities and 20 countries. As stated on the Pedalpalooza website, Portland’s WNBR promotes a variety of messages including a gentle protest against fossil fuel dependence; a comment on the vulnerability of cyclists; and a light-hearted demonstration that any body can ride a bike and have fun doing it. Last year an estimated 10,000 people attended the event in various states of nakedness, making Portland the largest naked bike ride in North America and possibly the world. This Saturday, June 18, Portland police will help block traffic and ensure the safety of all riders by monitoring bike lights, inebriation, and any sketchy forms of sexual conduct as thousands of cycling streakers stroll their way past Portland’s pubs and parks. Those interested in the legal end of this barebacked bonanza can check out Pedalpalooza’s legal breakdown. First-timers can do their best to prepare by studying “Your First Naked Bike Ride” before dropping trow.
And, hey, if au naturel isn’t your thing, there are 254 other clothes-oriented events to choose from. Wherever you are, Pedapalooza just asks that you get pedaling.
Image Credit: Jonathan Maus