London – On a chilly Sunday afternoon, hundreds of Londoners gathered at the entrance of Chinatown, stripped down to their underwear and headed down to the Underground. It was the Official No Trousers Tube Ride, an annual event that has become a tradition for many Londoners. The goal? To inject a little bit of silliness and fun into the bleak midwinter.
The brainchild of local comedian Charlie Todd, the first no trousers ride took place in New York in 2002. Todd’s idea was simple – to walk onto a subway train in the middle of winter wearing everything but pants. And at the next stop, have more people join in, acting as if they had forgotten their trousers as well. The idea caught on and no pants days have been held all over the world, including in London since 2009.
Ringleader Dave Selkirk, a 40-year-old personal trainer, explained the motive behind the event, “There’s so much negativity and seriousness in the world, it’s nice to do something just for the sake of it.” And that’s exactly what the participants did – they shed their trousers and embraced the spirit of fun and laughter.
As the group made their way through the icy streets to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station, tourists looked on with puzzled expressions. But for the participants, it was all about having a good time. Selfies were taken, grins were exchanged, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.
The no trousers ride has become a global phenomenon, with cities like Berlin, Prague, Jerusalem, Warsaw, and Washington, D.C. hosting their own versions. But for Londoners, it has become a much-awaited event, a chance to let loose and be a little bit silly.
Charlie Todd, the man behind the idea, believes that the goal of the event is to amuse others and give them a good laugh. “It’s not about being provocative or causing a stir,” he said. “It’s about spreading joy and positivity.”
Basil Long, a lawyer, showed up at the meeting point in a down coat and hat, but after his journey on the warm Tube, he emerged wearing only a white shirt with bold rainbow stripes, pink underwear, and Underground-themed socks. When asked why he decided to participate, he simply replied, “Why not? It’s always a question, isn’t it? When someone is asked why they climbed Everest, they just say, why not?”
For Miriam Correa, a 43-year-old chef, the no trousers ride had a deeper meaning. She had seen pictures of previous events that featured thin, scantily clad women and wanted to challenge the idea that only certain body types are acceptable. “I am a real woman,” she said proudly. “All bodies are perfect and there’s no reason to be ashamed of our shape.”
The no trousers ride may seem like a silly and pointless event to some, but for those who participate, it’s a chance to break free from the seriousness of everyday life and embrace the joy of being alive. It’s a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to find happiness in the simplest of things.
As the group made their way through the Underground, some people couldn’t shed their trousers due to the crowded trains. But that didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants. They continued to spread laughter and joy, even if it meant keeping their trousers on.
In a world filled with chaos and negativity, events like the no trousers ride serve as a reminder to find joy and laughter in the little things. It’s a celebration of life and a chance to spread positivity. So next year, when the no trousers ride takes place again, don’t be afraid to join in and let your inner child run free. After all, as Basil Long said, “Why not?”
