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Today In History

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Survive and advance: Tumultuous 7th inning propels RailRiders to Governors’ Cup finals

<p>PHILADELPHIA &#8212; And they&#8217;re off &#8212; the bicyclists and their clothes.</p><p>Thousands of nude cyclists set off on a trek around Philadelphia on Saturday for the annual Philly Naked Bike Ride.</p><p>About 3,000 riders in various stages of undress pedaled a 10-mile (16-kilometer) course taking in sights including Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Sylvester Stallone sprinted up the steps while training as Rocky.</p><p>Participants in the ride can go as bare as they dare. Some were in their birthday suits while others sported underwear or body paint and glitter.</p><p>Olivia Neely, who was topless, was riding for the first time, inspired by the recent end of a romantic relationship.</p><p>&#8220;I just broke up with my boyfriend and wanted to have a sense of freedom,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I did it for me, not for anyone else.&#8221;</p><p>The ride is to protest dependence on fossil fuels, advocate for the safety of cyclists and promote positive body image.</p><p>Friends Lindsay Meehan and Michelle Astringer rode together and helped each other get painted. Meehan is a first-timer at the PNBR while Astringer is a regular.</p><p>Meehan said she decided to take part because eating disorder recovery and body positivity are &#8220;a big part of my life.&#8221;</p><p>&#8212; The Associated Press</p><style>
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Thousands of cyclists take it off for annual ride in Philadelphia