The Naked Bike Ride kicks off in the Grove on Saturday at 6 p.m., marking it's 18th year.
It's part of an international event that both celebrates body positivity while also raising awareness of cyclist vulnerabilities on the road.
Tatyana Telnikova is the owner of the Handlebar in The Grove and and is one of the ride's organizers.
"We just feel like this is yet another way to draw attention to cycling," Telnikova said. "I mean, it's hard to look away when a couple thousand semi-naked, super happy people roll by it kind of draws your attention to it and makes you ask questions and that's what we want."
She said a handful of local businesses are involved in the pre and post parties and if not, they often host viewing parties. She added that not everyone rides nude and in fact, most participants ride partially nude, or only undress for the ride.
Last year there were almost 25-hundred participants.
But not everyone is in favor of the event. Jack Baumstark Sr., who has owned property on Chouteau Avenue over 45 years, requested the SLMPD to ticket participants of the event.
Find out both the SLMPD and Telnikova's response at the podcast above.
Prepare to see thousands of partially or fully nude people riding bikes.
Prepare to see thousands of partially or fully nude people riding bikes.
