Intro

The World Naked Bike Ride coming to / happening in a city I believe typically goes through several distinct phases over the course of years. This was true for Chicago, and I gather from reading was similar in others. I mention this so new rides can address appropriate needs and expectations.

First year and before is usually championed by an individual, and a few dear cycling friends. This is MUCH easier if a Critical Mass monthly ride already exists. If it doesn't, that should be established as well, perhaps first. Champions probably are notably comfortable with their bodies, and local nudists may aid. First year may simply be flyer printing, word-of-mouth, and under a dozen turnout. BUT AT LEAST precedence is established.

Second and third years are about familiarizing the city and cycling community with that the event will happen, and has happened before. City becomes familiar with the name. Helps if prior year photos are posted and good painting was done. Do heavier flyer printing, word of mouth, and PR. For rides under a hundred, route can be informal and start/end as simple as someone's yard.

By third year, cyclists+hipsters will expects the event in advance. Press will readily publish it in event listings and may ask for photos. Expect several times the prior years riderships; in smaller cities be prepared for dozens, larger should hit hundreds with proper publicity. At this level a planned route is required, start/end points become significant questions, and legal observers and police liaison should be engaged.

By fourth year the event is a serious sustained production, where all the matter in this How To comes to bear, and a considerable team of facilitators is required.
As of fifth year Chicago ceased pursuing increased ridership. With the mass long enough to fill the biggest streets for miles, we have the luxury of concentrating on safety and message, and the new challenges of such a colossus.

Chicago has been notably successful due to the current good level of organization built through experience. BUT another key to success is that work is appropriate to development year. Chicago currently pursues an optimized balance of maximized safety, message, fun and comfort, with minimized friction, management and cost. A first few years ride however could simplify down to get lots of riders, have fun, and don't get arrested.

Schedule

FIRST-TIMERS:

1. Create a computer folder for records, links/bookmarks/shortcuts, graphics files, etc.
   Create a notes file in the folder for plans, ideas, contacts, etc.
   Repeats: copy last year to archive, update dates in current.
2. Read the Wikipedia entries on WNBR and Critical Mass.
3. Read WNBR main site content.
   Review a number of other major cities' content.
   Read some post-ride reviews.
   Review past years photos.
4. Read the main site's Organizing a Ride pages, requirements, and linked documents.
5. Research your area's biking community, history, plans. Become more involved with biking locally.

JANUARY:

1. Create/Update a Google announcement group for your city's ride.
   Find and use format copying from other cities' groups.
2. Become active on WNBR main site.
   Add/Update posting for your city.
3. Newbies contact primary WNBR contacts. Request invites to applicable coordinators insider groups (formerly on Yahoo, one on Facebook, may be in flux)
4. Build/Update list of interested committed volunteers. Draw from local bike shop and Critical Mass communities.
5. Initial insiders discussions.
6. Plan/Confirm meeting/fundraiser dates now.

FEBRUARY:

1. Concepts planning: route, painting, philosophy.
2. Establish PediCabs/Tours/Trailers/etc liaison, and/or start building relevant contacts list.
3. Start drumming up mailing list subscribers:
   Post to local groups. Distribute initial flyer. Post basic stubs on local web calendars.
   Hold a party and manually transcribe a sign up sheet.

MARCH:

1. Procure/continue HotLine number.
   Chicago has used TracFone (PAYG) from Target. Mainly as outgoing voicemail message, but also for day of emergency phone. Purchase number before flyer printing, choose date so active period goes a few weeks past ride day, may require adding a month later. Ends up costing about $11/month minimum. Pure virtual voicemail is an even cheaper option. Alternately (smaller cities?) ride coord may publish their own number.
   
2. Optionally create/update text messaging group.
3. Create/Update flyer art with date, URL and HotLine. Review existing promotional art and prior years.
4. Create/Update list of best flyer/poster distribution points. See Chicago's example.
   Bike shops. Cyclist hangouts. Specific bars. Gyms, fitness/yoga studios. Also distribute at relevant events.
   Assess total print needs based on predicted distribution.
5. Rally/be in contact with volunteers/planners; Start considering route.
6. Consolidate printing needs and seek donors.
7. Assemble movies/videos for meeting/party use.

APRIL:

1. 2009.04.05 Sunday: Proposed first volunteers/planning meeting.
2. Create/Update TV trailer; Submit to local public/cable access TV.
3. Create/Update press release.
4. Create/update list of applicable local online event guides, general/athletic/nudist/etc.
   Record the exact URL for event submission form at each. Post event on web calendars.
5. Post and update note to mailing list, ask existing member to drum up more members.
6. Create/Update media contacts list.
   Record exact fax/phone/email/webform for event/city editors at all applicable local publications, mainstream and specific.
7. Heavily solicit volunteers and start assessing staffing by team.
8. Start contacting PediCabs/Tours/Trailers/etc.
9. Update list of flyers/posters distribution spots.
10. Print first batch flyers and posters; Begin gentle distribution.
11. Optionally create and print stickers. Cyclists love 'em.
12. Post PDF artwork and notify all to self print/distribute as ground roots street team.
13. Contact legal observers: National Lawyers Guild and/or ACLU.
    Also Ask around and on lists for interested lawyers and suggestions.
14. Have legal reps/observers contact/interface gently with appropriate level of local police/civic reps/etc.
    Present that a civilized local participation in an international free speech exercise event WILL happen on the appointed date and time. In is an inevitability henceforth. Then accept input on how best to compromise with city's (imagined) needs. Discount the "Naked" word as marketing (though now a legally assured free speech right), and focus on how the eco/green/clean aspect will reflect positively on the city.
    
15. Press release to media (fax+email). May require "fax blast" help.

MAY:

1. 2009.05.03 Sunday: Proposed second volunteers/planning meeting.
2. Seriously work on finalizing route:
   List all candidate checkin/start/midway/end/postparty points. Choose optimal time (night helps Chicago happen). Consider seasonal conditions and consider rest/water stops. Determine overlapping same day local events. Avoid residential and hostile neighborhoods, highways, long straights. Do go where safe (gay neighborhoods, bike paths, commonly used parade routes). Chicago uses a check-in point to screen participants to forward to separate (usually fenced) gathering spot. This also weeds out masses of pervs and photographers. Smaller rides may not need this distinction. Check-in must be recognizable (statue/corner/lot/...), and not far from gathering.
   
3. Start confirming PediCabs/Tours/Trailers/etc.
4. Print major flyer/poster print run.
5. Do full distribution of flyers. Solicit volunteers to help.
   It's easy to get bike shops to take a stack of flyers or put up mini-posters (carry tape+stapler) if you approach with confidence. Immediately present as if they've probably (or should have) heard of it, since it is the sixth annual. And have art that they'll want to display because it attracts customers.
   
6. Procure all body painting supplies.
7. Confirm legal observers.
8. Create/Update ride guidelines.
9. Finalize specific protest messages and philosophy; slogans and talking points.
10. Bulletin basics/details to mailing list.
11. Confirm info handout content; print thousands.
12. Finalize route: Confirm viewing point and time.
13. Gathering / Body Paint / Launch location final decision/inspection:
    Consider ground, hazards, enclosure, lock-up, exit, power, shelter, neighborhood, right to use, ...
    Pre-prep as needed.
14. Followup contact media. Second press release.
15. Notify supportive locations en-route of viewing times.
16. Find alternate post-party venues.
17. 2009.05.31 Sunday: Proposed fundraising party.
    Note: Two days after Critical Mass! FLYER THERE MOST HEAVILY!

JUNE:

1. Final chance for additional printing.
2. Verify event appearing on previously notified media.
3. Confirm volunteers: all teams.
4. Confirm photographers and videographers.
5. Confirm PediCabs/Trailers/Tours/etc.
6. Buy/assemble volunteer thank you gifts.
7. Buy/assemble large volume of donation giveaways.
8. Prepare all final supplies.
9. Enable text messaging group.
10. Final confirmation: check-in/gather/route/post-party locations.
11. Update Hotline with check-in point.
12. Post final announcement to mailing lists.
13. Final notice to volunteers; time/place, supply needs, etc.

DAY OF:

1. Staff Does Their Thing
2. Check-In / Donations / Security
3. Body Painting / Rejoicing / Photo
4. Route / Corking / Guides

AFTER:

1. Post-Party.
2. Cleanup.
3. Determine and report official rider count.
4. Post photos. Also search photo sites for other people's shots (often from bystanders).
5. Collect press reports: scour newspapers and monitor TV. Also pre-ride clippings.
6. Write post-ride review.
7. Collect and process input to improve next year.

Supplies

Production supplies inventory checklist:

Site:

• Porta-potties.
• Tables.
• Sound system.
• Decorative lighting. Functional lighting.
• Huge outdoor extension cords.
• Traffic control devices.
• Signs. Banners.
• Percussion. Hoops.

Concessions:

• Breads.
• Fruits.
• Waters.
• Chips, candies, pretzels.
• Serving bowls.

Setup:

• DuctTape. Scissors.
• Garbage bags. Toilet Paper.
• Chalk.
• Pavement paint.
• Rope.
• Clips, staple gun, twist ties, etc.
• Chairs.
• Ladder.

Admin:

• Final printed matter.
• Phone. Handsfree lanyard, bluetooth.
• Phone lists for volunteers.
• Safety vests.
• Walkie Talkies. Spare batteries.
• Power extensions, strips, lighting.
• Ponchos. FlipFlops. Shirt.
• Air horn. Defense spray?
• Bullhorn?
• Bike Tools. Skate tools.
• Med kit.
• Protein Bars. Energy Shots. Trail Mix.
• Coffee.

Painting:

• Body paints.
• Brushes big and small, bristle and foam.
• Pasties. Stickers.
• Mirrors big and small
• Bowls. Cups. Plates.
• Drop cloths. Table cloths.
• Paper Towels. Sponges.
• Water jugs.

Gifts:

• T-Shirts.
• Whistles. Glow stix. Bubbles.
• Candy, suckers, etc.
• First Aid Kits.
• Stickers. Temporary Tattoos.
• Flasks. Tote Bags. Shirts.

Gifts

The following is a generalized version of the actual donation gift items and quantities consumed by Chicago's ride. These were given away on site, some on honor system, at a donations table. For other cities the quantitites can be scaled, but the items are sound.

first aid kits (3 dozen)

$1 at Target, zippered pouches, add WNBR-C stickers or temporary tattoo

camping safety whistles (3 dozen)

$1 at Target, Bright orange lanyard, water-tight compartment, mirror and compass.

blinking bike tire valve caps (3 dozen)

Wonderful multi-colored LED globe valve covers found at dollar store.

bubble necklaces (3 dozen)

Inline skate or smiley face shapes.

glowstick sets (6 dozen)

Included varying lengths and connectors

candies (12 dozen)

Various easily carried and low garbage types.

stickers (12 dozen)

Event specific.

Also gifts for leading volunteers:

• logo tote bags (1 dozen)
• logo flasks (1 dozen)

Teams

Production staffing for a large event can be seen as several largely independent teams. The following are titles Chicago uses, their descriptions, and approximate number on each in 2008:

Admin: (3)

HR, capital, supplies, planning, coordination, donations.

Check In: (4)

Process arrivals, help and info.

Legal: (2)

Observers.

Music: (20)

Bands, sound wagons, noise makers.

Paint: (12)

Body painting, supply and cleanup, signage.

Performer: (2)

Show bikes, stunts, games, DJ, costumes, preshow.

Photo: (4)

Photographers, videographers, amateurs.

Promo: (5)

Flyer distribution, leafleting, web publicity.

Route: (7)

Corking, lead, shepherding, maps.

Safety: (10)

Eject non-participants and photogs, screen incoming, control spectators, enforce policies.

Site: (6)

Setup, cleanup, carting, water, stay-behind, other.

Trailer: (12)

Rear guard, injury and mechanical support, pedi-cabs.

Stations

The following are typical pre-ride "stations" (activity areas) during the gathering phase of Chicago's events.

Check-In. Gate. Support.

Donations and concessions table.
Roaming donations and concessions.

Body painters.
Body painting DIY.

Drum Circles.
Bands.
Music Trailers.

Bike decorating.
Coolest bike contest.

Roaming photographer(s).
Stationary photographe(s)r.

Autographable event banner.
Bike related art.

Performance: joust, extreme, tall, dance, ...
Play: chalk, hoops, poi, frisbee, ...

Water. Snacks.
Potty.

Ride Guidelines

Body Painting

Major subjects related to body painting for the World Naked Bike Ride Chicago.
Newbies, please visit the example photos page.

Body Painting Examples

Examples from past year WNBR Chicago body painting and a few other related examples combining simplicity and coverage.
Specifically cover nipples, and think broad, organic, elegant, and fast. Bikes and icons are great, but leaves and vines and big flowers are more reality tolerant.
http://bedno.com/album/wnbr

Communications

Radios / walkie-talkies / other ride-day live communications solutions is the subject of extensive discussion. Bottom line, don't skimp. If a ride is tiny to small just yell or use phones. At the 150-500 level GOOD walkie talkies are a BIG help. Buy more than two of the highest power and distance allowed by law. At the 1000 plus level we're debating PTT rentals as the only reliable for distance.

More details will be posted here when finalized.