Just zis Guy, you know? <
[email protected]> wrote:
: On Mon, 20 Jan 2003 21:59:44 GMT, "Pete" <
[email protected]> wrote:
:>images.google.com for wwii bicycle turns up a lot of hits
: The last WWII bike I saw was being ridden by Sir David Money-Coutts, formerly bank manager to HM
: the Queen Mother, on a sponsored cycle ride. It was, as far as I could tell, solid rust from front
: to back - and he managed an incredible distance on it.
I was looking around for info on the Swiss Army Bike. There have been attempts to brand it for
consumers like the Swiss Army knife. Also I found sites that advertise a Swiss Army knife with
tools for a cyclist,
http://www.cleardeals.com/products/swiss_army_bike.html http://www.4abnet.com/mountainbike.html
And sites about the SA Bike.
http://www.63xc.com/stefs/sabike.htm http://www.sportingagencies.com.au/sa/swissbike/
Sadly though the Swiss Army has abandoned the bike:
http://archive.nandotimes.com/noframes/story/0,2107,500471979-500723240-504055292-0,00.html
'ROMONT, Switzerland (April 9, 2001 4:02 p.m. EDT) - A proud and unique part of the Alpine nation's
sturdy defenses, the Swiss army bicycle brigade is set to follow the mounted cavalry and carrier
pigeon service into history.
The abolition of the world's last remaining combat cyclist regiment - along with a 2,800-strong
transport horse unit - is part of sweeping Defense Ministry reforms to modernize and rationalize
Switzerland's militia army.' [...] 'The cyclists were introduced in 1891 against considerable
opposition from the cavalry. They eventually became a backbone of the Swiss defense force because
they were swifter and more discreet than infantry and motorized units.
The Swiss army bike - just like the knife - also became the stuff of legend, with the single-gear
model used from 1905 until 1993 now a collectors' item.'
[the following sounds ideal for the urban cyclist]
'The current seven-gear model has attachments for machine guns, bazookas, grenade launchers and
basic army kits, and can carry up to 330 pounds, including the rider. The bike weighs 48 pounds. It
can travel 37 mph downhill, as demonstrated by the recruits who whiz through the central Swiss
countryside, oblivious to slippery roads.
Leuenberger spent two decades with the bike brigade and now heads a training school that provides
15 weeks of basic drilling for about 250 recruits each year.
"They come in as civilians and they leave as real cyclists," Leuenberger declared with
satisfaction.
Many Swiss resent military conscription, but the cyclists show a special spirit. The regiment is
oversubscribed because it is perfect training for potential world class athletes: 1996 Olympic road
race champion Pascal Richard passed through the ranks.' [...] 'Reform plans are still in draft
form, and must be debated by parliament later this year. If adopted, they will become law in 2003.
Few within the army hope for a reprieve.
"We ask ourselves why the cyclists should go," said Julian Wolffray, a chemistry laboratory
assistant. "We are quick and silent. And we don't need gas."'
--
'People think I'm insane because I am frowning all the time All day long I think of things
but nothing seems to satisfy' 'Make a joke and I will sigh And you will laugh and I will
cry' -Black Sabbath
