Biking in IRAQ

[Torpedo]

Greeting to everyone~I haven't been able to get out to this site in about 8 months.

The PX now has bikes! This little $80 job as now just become one of the most common sites in the Greater BIAP billeting areas. It really is nice to have, nothing over here is within close walking distance. AND, since the XO(me) has made everyone walk to chow, no driving, this is a better option. The chow hall is just over a mile away.The motorpool is 1 1/2 miles. The old PX was over 2 miles. The TOC / Orderly room which I go to 5 times a day is about a half mile. And have I've even seen guys bike to our OP's just inside the wall about 112 km each way with all their gear.
I have the minimium amount of allowable gear worn in this shot (camel-back, 9mm with 15 rounds-other leg, and Kevlar helmet). We don't have to wear body armor during the day at Camp Victory or Camp Blackjack. Some of the guys are already starting to do custom work on their bikes, (desert camo paint work, M16 racks).
Fun stuff, just wanted you to see we get a little fun over here.

Temp. yesterday was 110 degrees.

[zerpy]

Temp. yesterday was 110 degrees.
Well, at least it's dry :crazy:

Looks cool (OK, no it looks blistering hot to be riding a bike with all that stuff on in 110 deg heat, hope it breathes really well), I need to put a M-16 rack on my bike as well. Could you bring me back one?:crazy2:

[TrailPatrol]

Shaun,

First, thank you for what you are doing. Regardless of the politics, my family supports you and your colleagues 1000%, and all of you are always in our prayers.

Second, Aberdeen/DARPA have been playing with mountain bikes for about five years now. They have (or had) a contract with a company called Montague to make a folding bike for paratroop use. Check out http://www.militarybikes.com/

Of course base MPs, at least stateside, have been using bikes for patrol for at least a decade.

Ride really safe,
:banana:
Hans

[gopherhockey]

Thanks for the pic Shaun! After riding with that much gear you should be in great shape for the trails when you return.

Stay safe over there!

[manual63]

Wow....now that's cool. We got riders in Iraq posting on this site!!

Stay safe man and hope you don't need use your 9mm.

[syntaxjunkie]

Thanks, Shaun. Hope you can be back stateside and riding as soon as possible. Keep your powder dry and your drivetrain clean.