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.