Taf Fechan Nature Reserve
Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride organiser Mike Ambler reveals his South Wales Secret.
Like many cyclists, Mike Ambler has experienced the brunt of the poor infrastructure and poor driving that threatens so many bicycle users on our roads today. To highlight the often overlooked issue, he participates in the Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride. “Some years ago a car pulled in front of me making a right turn and I ended up on the bonnet. The driver was more concerned with the dent in their front wing rather than to my welfare. It was quite unbelievable. The naked bike rides are designed to highlight these issues. ‘Notice us when we’re not naked’ is a frequent slogan that riders in the naked bike rides paint on their bodies. It’s like a happy carnival of liberated souls, but with a strong message to give.”
This nude bike carnival snakes 8.5 miles around Cardiff’s Civic Centre and Bay, starting in Sophia Gardens where people decorate their bodies. He continues: “Nudity is by no means essential, though it is encouraged. Some people choose to do the ride in underwear, swimwear or bikinis, though often people disrobe part way round as courage and adrenalin kicks in! The overwhelming majority of people react favourably. A minority of observers may be shocked, but that is more to do with society’s attitude to the naked body. Thankfully in Wales being naked in public is not against the law, though many people don’t realise that is the case.”
He then reveals his South Wales Secret: “Taf Fechan Nature Reserve. Once there, you would think you were in mid Wales, not just a couple of miles from the heart of an industrial town.”
Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride, Sophia Gardens, Sun 5 June. Info: www.worldnakedbikeride.org