Nude cyclist gets gear off in the Bay

6th March 2010

 A naturist who successfully appealed a conviction for riding his bike nude in Upper Hutt is set to take to the roads again - this time in Hawke's Bay.

Nick Lowe, who is president of the Hawke's Bay Naturist Club but hails from Wellington, was convicted and fined $200 for riding his bike nude in Upper Hutt on March 15 last year.

But he appealed his conviction and it was quashed by Justice Denis Clifford who noted Mr Lowe's nudity had not met the test of offensive behaviour.

Mr Lowe will be back in the saddle on March 13 for World Naked Bike Ride Day for a ride from Bay View Pub to Tongoio picnic area, a distance of 14.5km.

 For motorists and pedestrians not wishing to be startled or confronted by the flesh, there will be a trailer travelling in front towing a sign warning of "nude cyclists ahead".

 Mr Lowe said he was not thumbing his nose at the authorities and his nude cycling had been "tested in law".

He had sharp words for anyone taking offence. "They need something bigger and better in their life to worry about. Anyone who says the human body is offensive has a problem."

The ride starts at 2pm from the Bayview pub carpark. Anyone is welcome on bicycle, motorbike or car - but you must be naked.