Catch the Sprockettes at a

pre-party in North Portland.

(Photo © J. Maus)

The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is this Saturday night and there are some late-breaking developments to share.

The big news is that locally-based craft beer icon Bridgeport Brewing has stepped up to be the sponsor and host of the official WNBR after-party.

I asked Bridgeport why they’d put their legendary and esteemed brand name next to a naked bike ride. Here’s what they said:

“Being that BridgePort is Portland’s oldest craft brewery – it only made sense to pair an iconic brand with an iconic event. Food carts, great live music, stellar beer and proceeds to benefit Shift — this is what Portland is all about.”

And here’s a flyer they’ll release tomorrow:

Gotta’ love it.

The Bridgeport party will be outdoors under the Hawthorne Bridge at SE 2nd and MLK Blvd from 11:30 pm – 2:30 am. There will be Bridgeport on tap (with some proceeds going to Shift to help pay for WNBR), music from DJ Gulls, and food from Koi Fusion, Golden State, and Whiffies.

Bridgeport says the City has granted them a street closure permit with the condition that folks wear bottoms. That’s right. To get into this party, you’ll need to put on your pants on. Shirtless is OK (and I assume that means for men and women).

If you’d rather keep all your clothes off and still party after the ride, there are four other “naked friendly” unofficial after-parties planned:

Crystal Ballroom (Lola’s) (1332 W Burnside)

21+, free, naked-friendly, and a “big sweaty dance party” says the flyer. Matador (1967 W Burnside)

21+, free, naked-friendly, drink specials, pool, photobooth (!). Weird Bar (3701 SE Division)

21+, free, naked-friendly, DJ, karaoke. A PDX Pride party. Mystery Ride (led by North Freak and Dropout bike clubs)

Meet at 11:30 pm north of Vera Katz statue on the Esplanade. Ride to an unofficial, free, all-ages outdoor rocking party, BYOB, “goes all night.”

But wait, there’s more.

If you want to get excited and inspired before the ride and help raise money for the awesome Sprockettes so they can go on tour in August, they’re hosting a pre-WNBR-party and benefit show at 6:00 pm on N. Failing Street between Vancouver and Williams.

WNBR has a theme this year. It’s Carnivale! Think feathers, beads, Brazil, Mardi Gras, etc…

WNBR organizers know their stuff. They’ve pulled this ride off for many years and suffice it to say that a ride with thousands of naked people has some unique challenges. With that in mind, they’re distributing a list of rules with some common sense reminders:

For more tips and information about the WNBR, check out this link. After missing the event last year, I’m really looking forward this.











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pedalpalooza 2011