‘Quintessentially Portland’: nude cyclists protest against national guard deployment | Trump administration

Protesters rallying against the Trump administration in Portland showcased the city’s quirky and irreverent reputation Sunday by pedaling through the streets wearing almost nothing during an “emergency” edition of the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

Crowds who have gathered daily and night outside the immigration center in Oregon’s largest city in recent days have embraced the absurd, donning inflatable frog, unicorn, axolotl and banana costumes as they confront federal law enforcement who often use tear gas and pepper balls.

The bike ride is an annual tradition that usually takes place in the summer, but organizers of this weekend’s hastily arranged event said another nude ride was necessary to denounce Donald Trump’s attempts to mobilize the National Guard to quell the protests.

Rider Janene King called the nude ride “a typical Portland way of protesting.”

The 51-year-old was naked except for woolen socks, a wig and a hat. She sipped hot tea and said she wasn’t bothered by the constant rain and temperatures hovering around 50°F (about 12°C).

“We absolutely do not want troops coming into our city,” King said.

The cyclists made their way through the streets and made their way to the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) building. Authorities ordered people to stay off the streets and demonstrate only on sidewalks, or risk arrest.

The city is awaiting an appeals court’s ruling on whether Trump can send the federalized troops after a federal judge on Oct. 5 ordered a temporary suspension of the deployment.

“Joy is a form of protest. Being together in mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest,” race organizers said on Instagram. “It’s up to you how much or how little you wear.”

Fewer people were completely naked than usual – probably because of the cool, wet weather – but some were still completely naked and riding with only bike helmets.

Naked bike rides have taken over the streets of Oregon’s largest city every year since 2004, often blocking traffic as crowds ride around with speakers blasting music. Some years, according to the Portland World Naked Bike Ride, about 10,000 riders were attracted.