Is it still THAT warm down there?

[size=18:9f25974372][color=green:9f25974372][b:9f25974372]Cyclists bare all for cause[/b:9f25974372][/color:9f25974372][/size:9f25974372]
13 March 2006
By HAYLEY GALE

One hundred cyclists of all ages and in various states of undress - some fully clothed, others naked - rode from Tarakohe to Pohara on Sunday for a cause they strongly believe in. There was almost a carnival atmosphere at Golden Bay's third annual World Naked Bike Ride, as spectators lined part of the route, with many waving and cheering as the cyclists rode by.

The slogans painted on their bodies included "Burn fat not oil", "I'm safer on my broom" and "Blink (bike lanes nurture kids)". Those opposed to the ride - 200 had signed a petition against it - stayed away, it seemed. Patrons of the packed Penguin Cafe and Bar at Pohara raised their glasses to the riders. The police were present but no one was arrested.
At the start of the event, Sergeant Arthur Clarence of Takaka police told the cyclists to "have a good ride" but warned them that the police would deal with anyone not wearing a helmet.

The cyclists were from all walks of life and included musicians, artists, tourist accommodation operators, and Golden Bay Community Board chairman Joe Bell dressed as a white swan. Some riders said they were offended by Tasman Mayor John Hurley's comments on Friday that they were "just a bunch of radicals trying to grab a headline" and that the police should arrest any nude cyclists.

"He obviously hasn't got the message that we need safe cycle lanes in Golden Bay," said partially clothed Takaka backpacker hostel operator Peter Woodward, whose dog travelled behind him in a trailer. Wearing nothing but a thong, Golden Bay Kayaks manager Nigel Marsden said Mr Hurley's "inflammatory comments" had pushed him into taking part in the ride. Onekaka craftsman Peter Greer joined the ride wearing just a strategically placed willow basket he had made.

"The mayor is obviously not in touch with his constituents. We have to do something about the lack of safe bike lanes. If we have to bare all to get some attention, we will do it," Mr Greer said. One of the cyclists riding totally au naturel was Golden Bay resident John Calermbo. "It's a marvellous way of shrugging off the shackles and letting your hair down," he said.

Musicians Caitlin and Sika Rose, of Clifton, rode with their two children, seven-year-old Shemaya and toddler Jaya, in bike seats. "It's about the safety of future generations. We want our children to be able to cycle to their friends' houses," Mr Rose said.

The ride finished at Pohara's Totally Roasted cafe, where prizes donated by local residents and businesses were awarded for the most glamorous, funniest and most visible costumes, and the best environmental message. Organiser Victoria Davis said the event had been a great success. "I'd like to thank the police for taking a sensible stand."

[img:9f25974372]http://www.movetonz.org/pics/motherbear_0,1445,227223,00.jpg[/img:9f25974372] [img:9f25974372]http://www.movetonz.org/pics/motherbear_0,1445,227224,00.jpg[/img:9f25974372]

Is thst Welshgirl I see there?? I wondered why they were not around much at the mo, preparing for the big race.

Did you know about this MB, disgusting. :icon_eek:

Well, this is the race (and I don't mean cycle race, either) that you're so keen on becoming one of, Stevey. Better get in training now, if I were you. :icon_wink:

[img:e02f127595]http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/sport/4.gif[/img:e02f127595]

Well my breasts are bigger than that bird at the front so I'm on my way me thinks :icon_mrgreen:

Whichever character you thought was me Stevey, I can wholeheartedly assure you is most definitely not.......... :005:

I wouldn't put the poor people of New Zealand through that trauma - besides which Taffy would never forgive me [-(

Think I'll leave the naked cycle riding to people with a lot of guts, a lot of spare time and a lot of paint :icon_eek:

Hehe, not to worry it brought you our of the woodwork if nothing else:-)

I'm going next year, LOOK OUT NZ. Urrr can you get stabilisers in NZ :icon_cool: