Photos:: World Naked Bike Ride

Ben Shymkin rests next to his bike before joining thousands of bicyclists for the 11th annual World Naked Bike Ride.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

John Bishop, a former UCLA faculty member, takes photos as he joined thousands of bicyclists for the 11th annual World Naked Bike Ride. The ride which boasts “as bare as you dare” is a protest that promotes bike riding as an alternative to driving cars.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Cyclists (from left) Gavin Flynn, Oliver Gaebois, Peyton Teutsch, and Sebastian Brito relax before shedding their clothes and joining thousands of others in the 11th World Naked Bike Ride, which is the largest event of its kind.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A participant known as Mr. Wilson, waits for the 11th annual World Naked Bike Ride to begin.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Kuder as Elvis and Kate Houston walk around Normandale Park before the World Naked Bike Ride, which boasts “as bare as you dare” to ride.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sascha Archer wears an elaborate costume from the neck up as she joins thousands of bicyclists for the World Naked Bike Ride, which is an event to promote bike riding as an alternative to driving cars.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Thousands of bicyclists in varying degrees of undress leave Normandale Park during the 11th World Naked Bike Ride.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Bicyclists take part in the 11th World Naked Bike Ride in Portland, Ore., as partying spectators cheer their efforts.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)