The World Naked Bike Ride Returns to the Grove on July 20

The World Naked Bike Ride is coming back to the Grove in just three short months — so get ready to bare as much as you dare.

This will be the twelfth annual St. Louis iteration of the worldwide event. Last year's ride drew an estimated 2,000 cyclists, making the St. Louis ride one of the largest on the planet.

Described by organizers as "a protest, a festival, a parade, a seminude gathering, and a bike ride all in one," the ride loops through the city on a ten-mile route. (Woe to any vacationing moralists!)

"We realize that the event will be criticized by some as controversial," organizer Tatyana Telnikova said in a press release. "But everyone who has ever been knows that this event is only about bikes & body positivity, about acceptance and respect for yourself and each other. Besides, to be honest, most people, myself included aren’t even fully naked. Of course we are not advocating going out nude in public on a daily basis, but once a year, we want to make a point to promote body acceptance, and positive body image among other things. So please, bare with us!”

See also: The 2018 World Naked Bike Ride Brought Naked Bodies to the Grove

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with music, street vendors, body painting and a costume contest. The actual ride gets underway at 6 p.m., and riders should expect to be back in the Grove by 7:30 or 8 p.m.  At that point, organizers promise "dancing and positive vibes," with the aptly named Hazard to Ya Booty playing until 11 p.m.

The route will be posted soon to www.wnbrstl.org; check back for more details.

See also: Clueless Tourist Calls Police After Being 'Molested' by World Naked Bike Ride

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