Photo courtesy of Classy Bikini Bicyclist Fan Club
If those of you outside of Florida’s borders haven’t heard about Tallahassee’s bikini-clad bicyclist, you may soon.
The curiosity-inspiring rider is 55-year-old Richard Irby, who sports a thong , a good-luck charm necklace and not much else while riding his bike around the state capitol.
His enthusiasm for his riding, popularity with camera-phones and unconventional dress code are turning him into a bit of a local celeb, say residents.
Irby now has a Facebook group with more than 1,000 members. His fans showed up at a recent gathering at Helen’s Silver Bullet Diner to meet this colorful character who has overcome some obstacles in his life and found joy in his riding, the St. Petersburg Times reported yesterday.
Irby suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was hit by a car while in high school. He said he still has difficulty walking and speaking, but bicycling is what makes him feel free.
Almost forty years later, his gait and speech are still difficult. He has issues with concentration and a tendency to behave oddly, which prevent him from working. Government disability checks help him make ends meet.
Though he is known to communicate while cycling only by flashing the peace sign at supporters and hecklers alike, Irby’s statement to fans that "I just love to ride my bike," speaks mountains about the simple joys of exercise. His passion echoes what everyone can feel by discovering which activities motivate us to stay active and inspire our happiness, despite what life throws at us.
As for his choice of workout attire, Irby travels the minimalist route for a reason. "I ride in a bikini because it's comfortable,'' Irby told his friends at the diner.
His riding uniform garners a mixed bag of reactions from passing motorists, from smiles to jeers to shouts of “keep on truckin’!”.
As the Bikini Bicyclist's fans found out more about the story behind the man, they wanted to help him. They raised enough money to buy a new bike for the unique Mr. Irby.
For more info: St. Petersburg Times' full story on the Bikini Bicyclist, Classy Bikini Bicyclist's Facebook Fan Page
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