Quote:
Originally Posted by IanHighfield
IRONCLAD: Yours is my favorite post to read. Love the war zone photos not for the war but the sense of place. Can't imagine being in that kind of environment.
Couple of questions: Is the bike of Iraqi manufacture? or is it just a bike you picked up while in Iraqi? I guess I was wondering if the Iraqi's actually have a bike building industry of some nature.
You listed parts worn out. Are the chains wearing out because of the abrasive nature of the sand that must get into everything or are you just a mad rider putting in crazy hard miles?
Lastly, I'm a Brit but was wondering if there is anything me, or anyone else on this forum could do to help you with your situation? I'm not sure if it's a good idea for you to publicly post your contact information online or not. Maybe the mods could advise us or you could give us advice. Security and all. I just look at you and your young Iraqi chums and feel some common bond. Maybe we could mail you a set of tyres or cables or bits of some kind. Many of us have loads of bike parts laying around doing nothing. Perhaps you and the lads could use them. It's a thought. Just don't want to get you or anyone else in trouble of any kind. I'm not familiar with military protocol relative to mailings or even your feelings on the idea.
Keep sending photos when you have a moment and keep your head down. You seem like a lovely man.
P.S. Was wondering if you've ever fired a rifle or handgun while on the move with your mountain bike? Something about that appeals to me. Old western movies of cavalry charges I guess.
Just noticed you mention coming home soon. That's got to be better than any set of knobbies we could send you. Good luck.
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Thanks for the kind words.
The bike is made from "all places" China. I got the bike from a near by town. There are Iraqi teens who work here from that town. When I first arrived here, I asked for a bike; so the teens picked one up at their home town. It was a very used bike. I guess I was trying to bring it back to life.
There is no sand here in Iraq, just mud. This whole country, but the south part has nothing but dirt and when it rains....it's mud everywhere.
Oh, I'm putting in the miles with the bike, but I'm not a crazy rider. Can't, not around here. I just use the bike to take me to the Chow hall, my unit's office and anywhere I need to go.
Thanks for the thought of sending me some parts for the bike, but I'll be leaving here in a few weeks. All mail to us has stopped. We will be heading to Kuwait in a couple of weeks and then head back to Iraq for a couple of days, just to head back to Kuwait. Thanks for the thought though.
Nah, I've only shot my weapon at the range here at this base. I might have to just run by the range on my bike and shoot my weapon on the move. My luck, I'd fall off the bike and break something else on it.
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