World Naked Bike Ride – Tauranga, New Zealand
Peter Woods, of Guysers Gaystay B&B Rotorua, writes:
On the 9th March 2013 the World Naked Bike Ride began its global series of events – the first being at Papamoa Beach, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Myself, my partner Mike and a friend of ours, Patrick, set off from Patrick’s weekend batch on our bikes along the beach to the starting point. I was not feeling the best from the night before as I had mixed my drinks that evening and was feeling decidedly seedy. I kept breathing in the fresh salt air and tried my best to focus on what was going to be an enjoyable experience riding naked down the beach with the sea breeze wafting over my body.
We made it to the start line where there was already a large banner erected advertising the World Naked Bike Ride. We had 15 minutes to rest while others arrived and then we got into a line with our bikes for a start line photo opportunity (the Press was there too with a huge long lens that I’m sure could zoom into the smallest of things!). Our group was only small, 14 riders I think – but that is good for such a conservative town, and it was an increase in last years numbers which was an improvement.
Some of the riders had body paint on, others had coloured bandanas and funny glasses as a disguise. The group were all men this year – I am not sure why there were no women?
An air horn was blown and we were off on our naked journey down Papamoa Beach. It was a lovely, sunny, blue day, the ocean was glistening as the waves rolled in and there were many people along the beach; walking their dogs, having picnics or just sitting in the dunes. We gave everyone a friendly wave as we gently cycled passed, and in most cases (bar one prudish person who grunted some abuse at us) we got a happy and positive response and a wave back. There were smiles and a few giggles, but that was to be expected. The main thing is people thought it was a lot of fun and it certainly didn’t offend the majority.
We were threequarters the way to the finish line and the breeze picked up and we were heading into the wind, which forced many of us to change down into the lowest gear possible – it was hard on the legs. But we took it slow, we were not in any rush as we were enjoying being naked in the open so much we didn’t want it to end.
After 1 hour of cycling the finish line was in sight and the group staggered to the end and collapsed. We were pleased to see cold drinks and sausage sizzles being handed to everyone which was great of the organisers to put this on for us.
Then out came the free gifts of new cycle helmets, bicycle pumps, drink bottles and “I took part in the World Naked Bike Ride” T-Shirts. We all lazed on the beach enjoying the sun, reluctant to have to put our clothes back on. But all good things must come to an end.
Mike, Patrick and I packed up and headed back to Guysers Gaystay clothing optional B&B in Rotorua where we were glad to be naked again and hopped into the hot spa pool to soothe our aching bodies. A good naked day was had by all.
Hotel available for naturist breaks in Galloway, south west Scotland
This seems like a good opportunity for groups of minimum 18-20 people.
The proprietor of the Cross Keys Hotel writes:
We have recently hosted a weekend break for 20 naturists at the Hotel and, as it was so successful – despite the rain stopping a planned walk and a clothed day out into Castle Douglas was substituted - we would like to host more. These two day breaks must have at least 18/20 people as we close the Hotel/Bar/Restaurant (and the curtains) to the general public – with only invited guests allowed.
If anybody is interested in organising breaks – please contact me at enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk , web site www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk
Their web site says about the area:
The area around the New Galloway and the Cross Keys Hotel is known as The Glenkens which is a unique area of natural beauty with endless activities, things to see and do and a must for anyone exploring the Dumfries and Galloway region of south west Scotland.
Situated north of Castle Douglas on the eastern fringe of the Galloway Forest Park, this unique area covering the Ken Valley surrounding the famous Loch Ken consists of the small scenic villages of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, New Galloway, St Johns Town of Dalry, Parton and Corsock.
The Glenkens is an oasis of natural beauty and activities which provide many things to see and do. It is an ideal base for a holiday in Scotland whether activity based or just simply to relax and enjoy the majestic beauty of this diverse area.
San Francisco is cracking down on scantily clad Castro denizens, but blanket bans on public nudity are misguided.
A new ban on public nudity will go into effect in San Francisco next week, assuming it isn’t blocked by a federal judge. Said Deputy City Attorney Tara Steeley, arguing in favor of the law, “Government has a duty to protect the public that does not wish to be exposed to nudity on the streets.” In dozens of trips to the Bay Area, I’ve wandered widely and never seen a single naked person, but if I’d stumbled across someone in the buff, I can’t imagine it would’ve harmed me, or that there are many San Franciscans so delicate that they’ve suffered from these encounters… Read more at The Atlantic
Documentary maker would like to include a naturist wedding
Anthony Miller writes: I am a wedding expert based in Belfast but working all over the UK. I am currently putting together an idea for a documentary showing and celebrating all the wonderfulness of the UK wedding industry. I would really love to chat with a couple planning a naturist wedding. We are not looking to exploit, judge or snipe at anyone – quite the opposite actually, we want to REALLY celebrate them!
Anyone interested should contact Anthony at: nismant@gmail.com.
Being an Intersex Nudist: Nicky’s Story
As an intersex person, body acceptance is one of the most difficult things an intersex person has to do. It’s hard for some intersex people to accept their body because medicine and society try their hardest to hide and erase intersex people. Intersex people like myself have come to terms with our bodies and even accepted our intersex body for what it is. As an Intersex person who is also a nudist, I have come to terms with my intersex body and because of nudism, I have accepted my intersex body for what it is.
Read more on Naked Vegan Cooking blog.
Alton (Hampshire) naturist swim dates 2013
From Naturist Life magazine
Dates for 2013: 9 February, 23 March, 21 September, 26 October, 30 November.
Season ticket for all 5 evenings SLC member £45 per adult (Free for children booked at same time), non member £52.50 per adult (£5 for each child).
SLC members £10 per person, non members £11 for tickets for a single night paid in advance. Children (who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) are £1 each per night. So for tickets for the Shabden evenings send Cheque/PO made payable to SLC plus SAE to SLC, 49A Spielplatz, Lye Lane, Bricket Wood, St Albans AL2 3TD. Purchasing in advance helps our cash flow as we pay well in advance as well as speeding admission.
The cost on the door on the night will be SLC member £12, non member £13, child £1. Membership cards must be shown to get Shabden discount.
Naked and Active is an English-Language web site and project that focusses on naturists/nudists doing activities. It is run by Richard Foley, who lives in Germany. It was inspired by the German web site Integral Nacktiv, run by Anita and Wolfgang Gramer.
The latest Naktiv project is a book on Naked Hiking. Richard Foley is the author of The World Naked Bike Ride and Active Nudists books, and is an ardent support of naked activities. This latest project will be based on articles and contributions from naked hikers around the world.
Richard is very keen to get input from women hikers, as most submissions to date have been from men. This is partly to be expected of course, but he says it would be good to have a greater balance. While naked hiking is becoming more popular all around the world, it’s becoming more important to be able to point to printed material to demonstrate how many people are involved in this very natural activity. It’s also relevant to show how much fun naked hiking is, not just on an internet forum, but also in a physical form which can be shared over the coffee table.
To register interest in contributing, and to receive an FTP account for uploading text and images, simply send an email to:
Photos need to be relevant, high resolution and copyright free. You can read more detailed information on the project, and the prerequisites, via the FAQ
pages.
