Unsuspecting passers-by on Campus Drive got an eyeful yesterday afternoon when Terps Motorcycle Club members drove their bikes across the cold and rainy campus — in their underwear.
About 10 nearly naked students staged the stunt, which they called a “boxer run.” They cruised past Stamp Student Union and McKeldin Mall on sleek sport bikes from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. — to take advantage of the crowded changeover between classes — in nothing but boxers, boots and helmets, with painted letters on their backs spelling out “TERPS MC.”
Members plan to organize a second, bigger run in February to raise money for charity. This time, it was for fun. Riders said they wanted to test out the route and increase visibility and awareness of their one-year-old club, which boasts about 40 official members.
“There are a lot of bikes on campus, and we know a lot of people don’t know about us,” said Terps Motorcycle Club President Daniel Engel.
For the most part, the motorcyclists were met with success: Spectators laughed, cheered and honked their horns as the scantily clad students drove by.
Although most group members enthusiastically embraced the boxer run, Engel said he had no hard feelings toward members who didn’t “man up” — at least two rode fully clothed.
“We had to kind of force it on ourselves,” Engel said. “It’s a little daunting at first, but in the end we just showed up, got naked and rode our bikes around.”
Engel, a senior special education major, added that he hoped the next ride could garner a few dollars from each spectator. He said the group would like to donate the money they raise to another university student group that aids children in need, like many motorcycle clubs nationally that hold rallies to support children’s charities.
Many students who watched the group drive around the campus said the idea was creative, if a little over the top.
“I think it will definitely attract people’s attention, and that’s the most important thing,” sophomore biology major Adesuwa Okonedo said. “It’ll get them excited about the cause, and I think they’ll probably make a lot of money.”
Riders who shelved their pride and their pants got a taste of the kind of weather they’ll likely face in February.
“My body went numb at first, but after awhile you get used to it,” said member Devin Frazier, a junior architecture major. “The worst part was that I think I definitely burned my knee cap on my engine.”
Some picked up tricks they said they’ll try to use in the future to keep warm.
“We got stuck in a lot of traffic, which was good,” Engel said. “The high speeds were pretty painful, and when we’re stopped, everyone’s close to each others mufflers [which release warm air].”
Despite the lack of clothing, all participants wore helmets, and Engel emphasized that safety is always a top priority.
“People have this stereotype that motorcyclists go around popping wheelies everywhere,” he said. “But we all drive even safer than you would in a car, because the lack of protection on a motorcycle means you have to be extra careful.”
The club meets every other week in Stamp and organizes rides every Sunday. Although most members own bikes and many are long-time enthusiasts — Frazier, who donned light blue boxers for the event, said he first started riding dirt bikes at 6 years old — the club also welcomes those still working on getting their licenses or saving up for a motorcycle.
apino at umdbk dot com
