Naked bikers parade through Wisconsin capital

MADISON, Wis., June 18 (UPI) -- Organizers of the Naked Bike Ride in Wisconsin said about 60 riders turned out to shed their clothes and pedal through the capital.

Peter Keating, a spokesman for the event, said 60 riders participated Saturday in Madison's third annual Naked Bike Ride, which protests the use of petroleum products and celebrates the beauty of the human body, The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, reported Monday.

Keating said the event's route was kept secret until the ride itself "for security reasons."

The spokesman said he was "a little disappointed" with the number of people participating, but he said some came from as far away as Cleveland and Minnesota.

"It was a small but spirited crowd," Keating said.

Witnesses had a mixed reaction to the parade of nude cyclists.

"I was shocked. I thought it was disgusting," said Linda Martin of Milwaukee, who was with her 5-year-old granddaughter when the bikers breezed by.

Sharon Glasrud of Madison said she made sure to find a spot where she could see the cyclists pass.

"I think it's just a hoot. I think these people are quite courageous," Glasrud said. "They are protesting for something they believe in, in a way that makes sense to them. If people are offended, they can look away."