A mysterious naked cyclist has been sighted riding around Derbyshire in recent days. However, after much speculation from local residents, the identity of the cyclist has been revealed as naturist, Stuart Gillmour.
Mr Gilmour was first seen riding through the Peak District village of Fenny Bentley on the morning of Easter Sunday. He was then caught on camera riding through Ashbourne on, Tuesday, April 19, much to the amusement of those driving behind him.
Ashbourne eyewitness Jade Meadows, 20, said: "It was about 2.30pm and I was surprised to see him but then again it is Ashbourne. Quite a few people have seen him in the town. We saw him opposite Shawcroft car park, near Ashbourne Fire Station. A pale, naked man on a bike."
Derbyshire police received one call to inform them of the fact a naked cyclist was riding around Ashbourne. However, most people seem to have been bemused, surprised and even possibly excited by the sight of Mr Gilmour cycling around, absolutely starkers.
There has been speculation that he was doing so for a bet, yet Mr Gilmour has said that truth is simpler as he simply enjoys being naked, and relishes cycling in the Derbyshire Peak District. As such, he has been combining his two passions.
Naked cyclist Mr Gilmour, from Manchester, told Derbyshire Live: "I’m a naturist who just loves to be able to experience everyday life without the restrictions of clothing, promoting body positivity, embracing the individuality that is our bodies, showing people it’s ok to be different whether that be size, shape or colour and the general wellbeing it can give you.
"But most of all it's meeting so many new people and making new friends while cycling. If I was clothed no one bothers you, you just ride past, but when in the buff people are just genuinely intrigued and want to know more.
"I was staying at a local campsite that was amazing, I might add the staff there are so nice. When the weather allows, I like to get out on my bike in the buff as much as possible, I’ve also been on a few walks in the past, I’ve never had a bad reaction, it’s always met with laughter or intrigue to know more.
"I had only just heard about the Tissington Trail, so I thought I would check it out for my wife and I to do at a later date. I ended up in the centre so with it being early I thought I’d just do a once-round to check out the nice shops but then I lost my bearings and got lost and ended going round more than planned, hence the video.
"I had no idea this would get so much attention - I’m genuinely shocked. I’m always cycling on Rochdale Canal or around Manchester and never had this kind of interest before. This wasn’t for charity this time but I am planning a naked bike ride from Manchester to Chester possibly on to North Wales in the summer to raise money for a cancer charity my wife Karen Gilmour works for.
"As a family we have lots of fun on our travels. It's all about fun, love, laughter. Get out there don’t let your body hang-ups stop you, for one day you won’t be able to do the things you once wanted and you will look back with regret. Get old with no regrets and lots of memories."
If you want to keep up with the activities of Mr Gilmour then he has a charity Facebook page you can follow.
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