Portland's Naked Bike Ride returns after one-year hiatus

Catch up quick: While the the event is quintessentially Portland, drawing thousands of participants, we're not the only city that hosts it.

• Since 2004, cities across the globe have participated as a way to promote cycling as a mode of transportation, as well as body positivity and community.

Driving the news: The annual Portland World Naked Bike Ride kicks off at Grant Park at 8:30pm Saturday. The dress code is "as bare as you dare."

• The route, as in past years, remains top-secret in an effort to prevent pedestrians lining up along streets to watch the bare-skinned crowds cruise by.
• The end of the route (which usually takes a couple of hours) is typically near public transit and often breaks out into an outdoor dance party.
• After-party details will be released the day of the ride on Instagram.

Yes, but: You don't have to be nude, or ride a bike, to join in on the fun. Many riders wear costumes, adorn their skin with body paint and decorate their bikes.

• All forms of human-powered transportation are welcome.

State of play: If you decide to ride nude, consider bringing socks, a beanie or a zip-up hoodie for warmth.

• In case you get hungry or thirsty during the miles-long ride (prior rides have pushed the 11-mile mark), a handy fanny pack or cross-body bag is great for holding snacks and beverages.

The intrigue: It won't be the only nude biking event this year. A dueling event, dubbed World Naked Bike Ride Portland, was started last year by former volunteers of the original bike ride.

• They'll host their second annual event — with a greater focus on protest — on Aug. 9, once again targeting local fuel storage company Zenith Energy, which has long come under fire from environmental advocates.