Instead of asking thousands of naked (and semi-naked) people to pedal in a mass group with a fixed start time, this year's annual protest against oil dependency has been converted into "Ride Naked" day. Bicyclists are encouraged to pedal around town naked at all times, anywhere (not just in Portland, where the event originated). Just not in groups. "This is the best thing that could happen to the world naked bike ride," says Meghan Sinnott, one of the rides organizers and Pedalpalooza's lead organizer. "If anything, our reach will be farther and more diverse if everyone just pedals off from their homes naked at varying times. Chances are going to be high that you'll see someone biking around naked. BOBBY ROBERTS