Naturist pals strip off for 260-mile journey naked tandem bike ride – they caused a stir

The duo, both naturists who enjoy spending time in their birthday suits, wanted to take in the natural beauty of the south west of England. They've pedalled nude from Gloucester to Bristol, ventured to the Mendips, and made a pit stop in Glastonbury.

Some nights have seen them camping, while others have been spent in hotels or B&Bs, with the pair even making some cheeky nude trips to shops and bars along the way. Now in Cornwall, they're nearing the end of their cycle and report that the public response has been "overwhelmingly positive".

Finance worker Neil, hailing from Stoke, Cheshire East, shared: "We did a bike ride down to Land's End in 2022, and raised about £5k. This time it's been more for enjoyment."

He added: "We're not far from the end now and we've had varied responses."

Despite the potential for backlash, Neil said: "People on social media always have opinions - but we haven't had many negative reactions."

He continued: "People in Glastonbury were overwhelmingly positive, it was a bit overwhelming.

"In Bristol people had a casual indifference, but that's what we want to be the case really, which is what they hoped for."

Neil confessed: "There were times I was worried about a negative reaction, but it was all in my head."

"After we went through Glastonbury we did get dressed - but only because it was windy and chucking it down with rain! ".

Neil embarked on the journey with J, a Peckham native, on Saturday, cycling down to Bristol before enjoying an evening of drinks.

The pair visited several central bars in Bristol completely nude, stating that the response was largely "indifferent" - they were simply left to enjoy their evening.

Sunday was spent planning the logistics of the rest of their route before setting off for the Mendip Hills, Somerset, on Monday.

Depending on the weather and their location, they've spent some nights camping, while others have been spent in hotels or B&Bs.

On their way to Cullompton, Devon, the following day, they made a pit stop at Glastonbury where they grabbed some grub, had a drink, and browsed a few local shops.

Neil remarked: "In Glastonbury it was almost too positive. One lady even thanked us."

"Wherever we go, people do look over - I think some are just bemused about seeing two people on a tandem."

"So they find it even funnier to see two naked people on a tandem."

As they approach the end of their route, the duo have been pleasantly surprised by the positive reactions they've received in person.

However, Neil noted that social media users were less appreciative of their nudity when he shared their journey on a local Facebook group.

One user commented: "You may love seeing each other naked, doesn't mean we want to. Have more respect for other people! ".

Another chimed in: "I have never understood the need of people to draw attention to themselves, without offering anything to the rest of society."

However, some rallied behind them, with one supporter exclaiming "good on them! " and another arguing it's "good to counteract the media portrayal of bodies these days".

Neil clarified that their naturism isn't intended to offend anyone - it's simply a natural way of life.

He stated: "I don't think naked bodies are bad or dangerous.

"It's not a sexual thing - I have a girlfriend of 10 years and she's comfortable with me going on trips with other women because she knows it's a wholesome thing and there's nothing going on.

"There are lots of issues around body image in the world, and if we can do something to make people think all bodies are OK, then that's a good thing.

J added: "It's been a good turning point for me in terms of my own body image and confidence.

"I heard somewhere that supposedly having more exposure to non-sexual nudity can have a good impact on others' self-image.

"I think that's always a good thing in this day and age."

Neil concluded: "I feel happier and less stressed when I'm naked. And most people seem supportive of that."

By Simon Hamalienko