Going uphill bikers have more time to interact. They are slower. Bikers often have their heads down.
Getting out on the trail, we are supposed to get a sense of freedom, nature, away from restraints, and good exercise to put positive chemicals into the brain function. Bikers see others undressed, free, obviously not behaving in concern for the expectation of a bicyclist and smiling...they're okay with it.
I'm certain that there are many many more people out there that get in nature, and skinny-dip, get naked and at least think about it. That is just natural to eventually get that way spending time on trails. It would be great to have statistics to back up my theory, but my common sense tells me that. Of people who I have spoken with that spend time on trails, like avid hikers and forest service workers, most have done some of the unthinkable...they got naked. Even a forest service work crew together for days in New Mexico.
The Naturist Society polls are of people in mostly urban/suburban areas, maybe liquored up one night and less inhibited. Nature gets people in a sense, liquored up, or high on a certain something.
Can you imagine packing on a trail where there is less facility to be private? The circumstance makes privacy less valued because it means going to more extremes, work. You can't even discretely take a piss without wandering off. Sleeping and sound is closer. There has to be a discussion about where to place the latrine. Clothing changes are more difficult. There is a better camaraderie and bonding on a trail. Frequency of contact promotes the liking of people (that has at least been studied). You are cooped up in boots and clothing all day and taking off clothing feels super great and refreshing. When water is a miracle to savor, the social constrictions don't make much sense. This is common among guys, and it becomes the culture of backpacking. When in mixed groups, these barriers are also broken down. People are more apt to bond and get natural in a natural setting. They act as they innately are programed to. So, I think that yup, there are many and much potential and therefore naked people, maybe not all quite like us, but there ARE many more of us.
I think that there would be many more still, if there was discussion, people see others doing it. The more important thing than how many are doing it, is that it is seen as a normal, healthy and a legitimate choice. Our behavior of being naked in nature is normal, healthy and a legitimate choice. Therefore, nudity needs to be seen that way across society. Anything else is just goofy.
Jus' sayin' ma rambling thoughts, Too....
Jbee