With freedom of speech on their side, organizers of Missoula’s first “Bare as You Dare” public bicycle ride have received their final permit, along with the official green light to hold the clothing-optional event.

Come Aug. 17, Missoula will be the latest city to participate in the “World Naked Bike Ride,” a movement launched in 2004 to protest oil consumption and “reveal” the vulnerabilities of cycling in an auto-dominated society.

While the event has grown exponentially in recent years to include 11 countries and more than three dozen cities, local organizer Nita Maddux is keeping a low profile on Missoula’s inaugural ride to avoid unnecessary controversy.

“I really don’t want to blow it out of proportion,” Maddux said. “I want to give people a chance to see that it’s not that big of a deal.”

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