GERMANY: Caution, naked cyclists crossing ahead

. Telegraph, London October 11, 2008 By Tim Howe With its tranquil forests, picturesque lakes and Alpine views, it's hardly surprising that Bavaria is Germany's number one tourist destination... According to Munich-based expat nudist Richard Foley, it's the emphasis on being active that sets Naktivists (naked and active) apart from traditional nudists.... Foley's organisation, Naked Europe, has been leading nude hiking trips in the Alps for almost 10 years. "We're not afraid to challenge commonly accepted social norms," he says. The same goes for naked rock climbing, naked bowling and, here's the latest craze, "Nacktradler". Almost every weekend during the summer some 20 men and women, aged up to 70, expose themselves to the elements - and onlookers - on cross-country cycling tours around Bavaria. A feeling of freedom: the emphasis on being active sets 'Naktivists' in Germany apart from traditional nudists. Founded three years ago in the wake of World Naked Bike Ride Day, the Nacktradler simply enjoy being at one with nature. It's something local organiser, Alex von der Tour, is eager to point out, when asked about the point of the whole exercise. "It gives you the feeling of freedom," he says. Yet is cycling nude in public not illegal? The German authorities, von der Tour tells me, prosecute only if members of the public complain. "Some of our group have been fined," he admits, "but only when out alone." Extract from Expat Life in Germany, published in the Telegraph. © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2008