Hundreds of naked cyclists brave gloomy Brighton weather (From The Argus)

Hundreds of naked cyclists brave gloomy Brighton weather

1:10pm Monday 11th June 2012 in News By Peter Truman

Hundreds of people braved the rain to take part in a special naked version of the Olympics yesterday.

Marking London 2012 and inspired by the naked ancient Greek tournaments, organisers of the Naked Bike Ride held a special triathlon with a fun run around Preston Park before the bike ride, ending with a dip at Brighton nudist beach.

The poor weather did not dissuade swathes of people from abandoning their clothes as a protest against oil dependency and promoting cycle safety.

A large crowd gathered as the naked participants met in Preston Park around lunchtime, using body paint to write protest slogans on their skin.

Among them was Tom Jasyton, who had adorned his body with “Caroline Lucas loves me”.

The 40-year-old from Brighton, who was attending his third Naked Bike Ride, explained: “I came here today to protest against car culture and oil culture.

“I have this slogan on my chest because what Caroline Lucas from the Green Party believes in is very much in tune with what I believe in.”

Another participant, Emma Sandham-King from Brighton, was happy to shed the clothes and show some skin for the cause.

The 30-year-old said: “I’m here to demonstrate the vulnerability of bikers.

“We are just bodies on bikes, we don’t have metal about us.

“And today is also about having fun.”

Sunday shoppers were left puzzled and titillated at the sight of the horde of nude bikers cycling thought the city centre streets before making their way to the coast.

But Conservative councillor Dawn Barnett was not impressed with the display.

She said: “I’m glad it rained.

“I don’t think they should be doing it along the seafront as there are kids that are down there.

“It’s not right. If they want to be exhibitionists they should go over the South Downs.”