Summer Solstice - Let Your Freak Flag Fly

I'm not going to lie. This guy haunts my nightmares.

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Every year, the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade kicks off with a crowd of naked people. Most are on bikes, some use a scooter, others jog, and there are even a few unicycles. What started out as a relatively modest number of proud nudists has morphed into hordes of naked men and women of all shapes and sizes. They don't just ride through the parade route - they cycle along, turn around, and then ride it again (and again). For the most part, it's just a bunch of adults having fun. They show up early, shuck their clothes, and paint each other. Some have elaborate costumes, others are purists and ride through just as they were made.

At times, it was so congested that people were at a stand still. With the size of the crowd, it was amazing that there were only three wipe-outs (that we saw). Most were pretty minor, but one involved a golden painted man who looked like he might cry. Can't say I blamed him.

While the vast majority of the crowd were fun loving and harmless, there were a couple of people who were aroused by the attention. These two or three people are the reason why we need indecent exposure laws in place. One guy even did jumping jacks to show himself off. There were children in the crowd. It was completely inappropriate. Bodies are a natural thing and if parents don't want to shield their kids from a bunch of naked bikers, that's their choice. When someone decides to be lewd, it completely changes the dynamic.

Despite a couple negative moments, the shock of so many private parts quickly dissipated and was replaced by respect for the people who were so comfortable with their bodies. In a society so fixated on obtaining an unrealistic ideal, it was refreshing to see so many people completely at ease, no matter their physical fitness. Bicyclists were riding around, proudly letting it all hang out, and I had to admit I thought it was kind of cool. 

Although I applaud the courage, I'm not going to dust off my bike and join the next parade. I'll leave that to the professionals. Plus, it looked really, really uncomfortable. The anatomical contortion required for a successful unicycle ride was nothing short of mystifying. Instead, I'll start small and not apologize for blinding people when I wear shorts. 

Are you offended by nudity? How do you feel about children attending an event like this?