A hundred light-rail riders peel off their pants

They were counting stops — not for their final destination but when to take their pants off.

Sunday marked the second time Seattle participated in the annual No Pants! Light Rail Ride. New York's Improv Everywhere troupe started the international tradition in 2002, in which participants in various cities strip on a given winter day. A couple hundred came out last year in Seattle, and this year about a hundred peeled their pants off on the Link light rail, from the Westlake stop to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

"It's obviously a prank, but we don't want people to know it's one on the train," said event coordinator and director of Emerald City Improv Kelsey Wildstone, in black undies and a heavy red jacket.

News of the ride spread through Facebook and e-mail lists. There were a few rules, like keeping a straight face and wearing non-offensive underwear. And while the bulk of the group, mostly in their 20s, stuck to the more conservative boxers and boy shorts, a few broke the rules. For example, on top of his red briefs, Christopher Chance Campbell wore a thong with a black rooster affixed on top.

Among those not in on the gag, Alhassan Baldeh couldn't help but giggle as he saw Brittany Demott in black lace, complete with garters.

"If people did this in New York, they would be beat up or arrested," said Baldeh, a 24-year-old businessman visiting from New York.

Maine resident Paul Perkins was in disbelief — "It's a little awkward to be riding with this group to the Seattle airport."

Participants also couldn't keep a straight face, laughing as they stripped and even breaking out in song.

Overall, the group kept in good spirits. Once the pants came off, Campbell said, they all became family.

"This is the best light-rail trip I've ever had," said Benjudah Feinen, 29, in blue boxers. "We should do this everyday."

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com