epic. just outstanding.

I would like to sign myself up as being one of the only guys in this picture. I think I could handle that.

I've ridden in the parade the past few years and it really is an amazing event! It's the highlight of my summer. In Gasworks Park I was sitting with the girl painted purple and the harlequin painted girl (btw, they were part of the Where's Waldo ensemble a couple of years ago); funny, Klondike, you didn't get me in any of your shots. :) However, I congratulate you on your great photography. The estimate this year was about 500 riders in total. Looking at all of these pictures brings home to me how big it was. Even though I was in the middle of it I swear that I actually saw less than half of the riders. One thing I do want to say is that as the parade has gotten bigger and more well-known, unfortunately there have been more and more complaints from the women about rude and aggressive photographers. The riders really, truly are just a bunch of normal people. They aren't performers and their attitude toward being photographed varies widely. Everyone knows that they'll be photographed during the ride but many people are uncomfortable with it at the painting party and at Gasworks Park. I'm not accusing anyone of anything -- I love the parade photos, too -- but be polite, don't assume that people want to be photographed, and ask permission. Besides, wouldn't you rather have a photo with a happy, smiling face than one giving the camera a dirty look? Personally, I'm already looking forward to next year's ride!

Welcome Lonemeat, it is great to have an actual rider here.

Yes, some of us are big fans of this event, but most here fully understand that one has to 'allow a certain amount of personal space and politeness' if you want to capture things. Modern cameras seem to reveal a lot more nowadays too, but that, I guess' is progress.

As a 4 time WNBR rider, I am fully aware of intrusive photographers; there was a group of girls in the UK this year who only allowed shots from photographers who stripped naked too. Not something that you could easily entertain in Fremont.


Is there a club or group of you that organise and paint up the riders? or is it a case of just turning up on the morning of the ride and asking to join? Although the other side of the world from here, I cannot help think that to ride at Fremont is 'one of the things you MUST do, before you die!"

IN answer to your last question, the answer is most definately "yes". If the woman is not comforable, then i am not comfortable.

thanks for the info. Concerning the numbers - 500 sounds about right to me and I think, if you accept that number, that my final tally of female riders will show that quite possibly they outnumbered the men.

We've talked a lot about photographers rights and all quite a bit in this forum. It seems that the Fremont solution is to give women a choice. Notice that the bodypainting this year was an indoor/outdoor event. If you were not keen to be photographed, you could stay inside where only known photogs were permitted (there was a sign) But the doors were wide open allowing riders to go in and out freely, and many opted to be painted outside. Also, at Gasworks Park, the main group on top of the hill were in a sort of protected area that was out of sight if you were down below on the north side. Possibly this was a conscious decision too.

I have also been following some discussions in the WNBR London yahoo groups. As Pedro may know, the Brits are very keen (more than in the US) to discussing the issue and finding a solution that is acceptable to the most number of people. There have been some open confrontations between riders and photogs. And then you will find riders chiding other riders to "get over it"! meaning - just ignore the guys with the cameras. And at Fremont, the veteran riders have pretty much learned to do just that. To them, I just wasn't there :)

Anyway, thanks and its nice to here from a rider. I get this strange sense that Pedro may be on line right now checking airfares to Seattle......:)

Which is funny, because I had been thinking London might be kind of a nice place to visit in June....

KLondike

To answer Pedro's question about a club or organization, there isn't one but there are a handful of people who do a lot of work to make it all happen. The history of the naked riders is that it started about 10 years ago with a small group from the Seattle Burning Man community. Since then, as you can see, it has gotten bigger and bigger and it's become a general Seattle "event," with people from all sorts of backgrounds, all ages, shapes and sizes. I don't know if we've ever had someone from overseas but participants come from all over the country. Send me a PM and I can give you information about how you can join the group. I encourage everyone to do it -- it's incredibly fun, and for a first-time rider you'll never find a more friendly, welcoming group of people. As for photography, it's something that gets discussed a lot but I don't think the issue will ever be completely solved. It seems to me that the best solution -- like so many things in life -- is a combination of common sense and the golden rule. Realize that we're all human, be polite, have a sense of humor and don't let a few bad apples ruin your day. The main problem is really the painting party since that's when people are most exposed and identifiable. The group has gotten so big that it's tough to find a big enough indoor space for painting but the last couple of years with an indoor space that spills over into the street seems to be a reasonable compromise. btw, this year I was part of the "Fiscal Stimulus Package" group.

I completely agree with Klondike just a few posts above. There is a comfort zone factor. I'm a Television camera operator and have been sticking a camera in somebodys face for years. I started really doing Still Photography just a couple of years ago, I've drawn from my television background.

After the ride in the Gasworks I will ask or make a motion to a model if I can take her picture. those usually give the best results with smiles, and a wonderful pose. I also like the Candid Pose, where the they are doing something else besides looking at the camera. I only took one close up "bush" shot but I was entranced by it.

This past year as I was framing a group of couples, shot. I heard from the back about a photographer getting a little too close for comfort. The bicyclists can band together, so its always a good idea to get permission or sneak a voyeur shot from a distance. I think I only had a couple of riders who declined. But usually there are a few bad eggs in the dozen, that spoil it for the rest of us who are having just as much fun and excitement looking at the world through our viewfinders.

I have also noted several photographers handing out cards to the riders saying they can find their pictures on there gallery. A nice gesture as well.

look what i found - I didn't know I had these. The dreadlock blonde entering Gasworks Park.

My tally is up another 10 riders or so to about 260. Stay tuned...

KLondike

Be sure to check out this gallery. Lots of bright, clear, large pics. There's an entire series devoted to the beautiful walking/dancing girls who wore pasties. Plenty of other nude/painted girls as well. They're all watermarked, but here's an edited version as a sample.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/6182550...7620316653608/

After going thru John Cornicello's photostream, my tally is now between 270 and 280 female riders and other female nudes. I don't epect too many more than this. As for how it breaks down topless vs nude, I'll just give you an example: Of the 41 blue painted riders, 18 were fully nude, 21 topless, and 3 undetermined. This means there were probably well over 100 fully nude female riders. Just a few short years ago, the total number of women, topless and nude, was under one hundred. Man, this ride is BIG now!

BTW - John Cornicello may have been the guy that climbed the ladder at the painting party to take the group pose. And he also makes mention of "other painting locations" (note the plural "locations"). Mmmm.......maybe one or two that were not advertized on the web? I knew some hung out at the front of Hales rather than the back, but as for totally different locations - I believe it judging by the numbers, but where were they?

Also - I have started uploading my pics to Flickr, so please be aware if you happen across them - DavinS06 is me.

KLondike

wonderful set of pics. He really focused on the most beautiful women, and got the most out of each one. I had seen all of the riders, but those two girls with gold pasties were new.

thanks,

Klondike

Here's something a bit unexpected: a girl who was fully nude for the painting party, but put her panties on for the ride.

I came across the first picture when going through one of the painted party galleries already linked here, and instantly fell in love. Here was a beautiful girl with an amazing body, fully nude, so why hadn't I noticed her on the ride? I went back through all my pics, but I didn't recognize her until I made the connection with the bearded guy she was with. I'm assuming she took her panties off to get a complete paint job (unlike the other girl who it looks like just painted over hers), but didn't want to ride naked. I think the sunglasses were probably another bit of modesty.

Anyway, this photo is probably the only one in existence showing her completely naked. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Great photo.

OK, now I'm going to move on to more generalized posts. I haven't been online in days, so I just went back and spent several hours on flickr before I came to OCC. I had about 300 pics to post, but most of those were already here, THANK GOD! Anyway, I believe I deleted any reposts, but I'm sure a couple slipped through. Please excuse.

First up here's more of the rollerblade girl, who I (and hopefully you guys) can never get enough of.

And look who turned up at Fremont this year?

Some folks said they liked the Star Trek group, so here's what I have in addition to what's already been posted.

Also one for you butt fans out there, so I guess I get double word score for this post.

Here's a group of nice pics.

If I'm not mistake Pedro enjoyed the dread-locked girl. Here's one where her paint job isn't quite complete.

The last photo is another one that threw me for a loop. The girl is beautiful, and I don't think I've seen her in other photos.

But wouldn't this also spook a few of them??...it's reminding them that they're going to be plastered on the net.


geesus mate, lord knows how many more goodies you have stashed there,...look forward to seeing more
:)

Here's another group.

I highly recommend viewing Pic 4 in full size. You get to see a little something that wouldn't make it past the censors.

Another group. A while back I commented on how cute the girl in Pic 1 was, and how I hoped to see more of her. Turned out we've seen quite a bit. Love her smile.

Pics 2-3 are for you butt guys.

Here's more.

A bunch in here for you butt guys.

If I may interrupt Flanker for a moment....

First off, I am delighted to see Earth Friend Jenn made it, and she is also new to my Fremont collectors set. Thanks, Flanker -

Second, now I figure fully nude, minimally painted babes would have perhaps the highest level of interest here. A "minimal" paint job is any where there is significant (say over 30%) exposed skin, and you get extra points if that exposed skin is a private area. Usually, these women have little designs painted all over their bodies (but not always), with unpainted skin in between. Anyway, I count 37 of these women (fully nude). And here they are. Now you have something to aid in your searching, and if you come across better pics of any of these women, by all means post! These are not the best by any means - this is just "phase one" of the collecting.

EDIT - I just realized I have one girl pictured twice, so the number is 36, not 37

enjoy,

Klondike

The girl in Pics 2-3 looks like she's probably beautiful. It's unfortunate that 1) she didn't go completely naked and 2) that she chose to paint herself in a way that made her disguised her beauty. I posted a couple days ago about how I think one of the reasons girls really get into this event is so they can play dress up with the paint and make themselves look pretty. She didn't get the memo, apparently.

Pic 8 is a another nice butt one.

Pic 9 is a cute/fit asian girl (not too many asian in public nudity events...) who I thought was just topless. After seeing a couple photos like this I realized she was nude but wore that little sarong/ballerina skirt thingee. I wonder if at any point she can be seen without it?

Last of Fremont, then it's off to WNBR.

Pic 1 is a nice posted shot. From the way it was captioned, I think a tourist just asked a bunch of riders to pose with his car. The guys was a gearhead with mostly car pics in his account, and this was the only Fremont pic. Anyway, I like this pic because it shows the spirit of the event, how open everyone their is about their nudity, and how happy they are to pose for photos. Amazing.

The last four are of of the dancing/walking girls. If you like them make sure to visit the gallery I linked to a few posts back. I didn't notice them too much at first, but I realized they're secretly hot. Neither wears very much make up, and since their nipples are covered by something other than paint it's probably not as sexy as the other girls. Still, I find their natural, un-made-up beauty striking.

above pics look like same group of girls as last years
well at least 1 or 2 of them

Flanker, I got the green girls friend, but not her. Here she is. I thought she was mega cute. Unfotunately, she's got coverage over her nips. Klondike

some butts have "post me" written all over them. Klondike

just another pic. There were three girls painted like this and sometimes they rode, sometimes they got off their bikes and danced in the road.

KLondike

One thing I find refreshing is that quite a few of these women are not wearing much in the way of facial cosmetics.

simply GREAT
 

Of all the pics of the event, the one that really stands out to me is the girl on roller blades and viking helmet. In every pic she has this really increditable smile and looks like she is really enjoying herself. What a beautiful girl.

This was an exceptional group, Pedro. I am still reeling a bit and shaking my head. And as i drove around Seattle after the ride, I paid particular attention to the women walking around town. They are a beautiful. Seattle has lots of money (Fremont being the exception, not the rule) and is considered one of the best places to live in the country.

It is hard for one photog to adequately document this ride right now. You need a team! NOw that I've spent a lot of time getting to know the women, I'm constantly asking myself - why did I take no pics of this girl or that. BUt when you are there, you have no idea whats really out there. But this was such a great group, it has inspired me to collect every girl. And when I am done (as done as can be), I will organize them all by paint job, and RS a zip.
Should take a week or two...

KLondike

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but to keep Klondike's vaunted filing system pristine, I should point out that Jenn was at the OTHER solstice parade on the left coast, that in Santa Barbara! The costume was what made me suspicious: I'm sure that's the most she could get away with there (though I think she and her conch went fully topless w/hemp thong the previous year), but can you imagine how overdressed she'd have felt like that in the center of the universe's version? From the Fremont solstice: I previously posted the front of the woman at the end of the parade, so here's her back, at the beginning; and a (regrettably small "o" size) sample of 2 galleries posted at flickr by one who was actually in the ride. http://www.flickr.com/photos/regolux...7620433068682/ is the larger, and be sure to also check the smaller...

Two views of someone, unless my eyes are terminally blurry, not in your group of 36...(from the set I linked above)


Edit: They (3rd and 4th picture) too?

Good grief, these women must have been popping up from nowhere every five minutes of the ride, at least the first two I have never seen before. I suppose the unpainted girl may have just stripped off at the last minute!:D

Great sleuth work, as always!

What I love most about these pictures is that Seattle girls are smiling. This area isn't known for outgoing exuberance. Your figures about our "figures" may not actually be too far off the national average, but Seattle is far healthier than the norm. We get a lot of hikers, climbers, boaters, cyclists, runners, etc. that move to the northwest for the scenery. This area isn't flat, unlike the middle of the country. It's a good bicycling workout. You certainly wouldn't want to see pics of this event if it were staged in Houston, Texas. Then again, the ones that would show up with bikes would probably be in decent shape there too. It's the ones who don't have bikes, and who don't exercise at all, that you'd prefer skipping.

Check out pics of Sturgis for comparison.

I love this country, but it does have a weight problem. Doesn't have to be that way.

Oh, and Klondike: You rule man. That goes out to all of the photographers actually, but Klondike seems especially driven to get this stuff out to the world.

Crispus's observation about Naked Jenn (yes, it occured to me that she should've been fully nude) brings up a point about my collection in progress: I want to be absolutely sure that we have not slipped any ride pics from previous years into this thread. It can happen easily. So - other than the pics on the first page, I am assuming that all of these here are 2009 photos. If not, I have some culling to do....and a count lower than the lofty 275 or so (Latest adds - two from Crispus including a fully unpainted nude who may have pulled the ol' Bay to Breaker trick of "streaking the streak", so to speak :)).

KLondike

today and tomorrow, I will try and post (in thumbnail form) all of the fully nude riders in my collectors set. So far, it appears as though at least 50% of the women went fully nude.

Here are the green fuly nude riders. The first three pics are ones i took myself.

KLondike

the fully nude red/orange riders. there is one additional girl who might be fully nude, but I can't tell for sure from the pic. She is pictured below the thumbs - nude or topless? Bottom might be painted on, 'cause there is a hint of bush on the bike

more tonight.

Klondike

more pics ( i think )
 

I must say that I appreciate the organizational skills that this method entails ..... i myself label the pics " Folder # 1 " ; " folder # 2 " ... etc ......

but it had not occured to me to ' Color code ' them ..... wouldn't that entail having to ' crop ' just about every pic , though ? ...
as there are many different colored riders in many of the pics .... and then there are the multi - colored ' riders themselves ... would you categorize that particular rider by the dominant primary color of the rider ?

Ah , * confusion reigns * ( for me anyways ) ...

i think I'll take a break from this pondering and post some pics -