In a message dated 6/9/02 9:58:20 AM Pacific Daylight Time, gpit@ix.netcom.com writes:
<< The troops were provided with clothing to
allow them to blend in with the locals. >>
The bikes were made by BSA, and probably a few others as well. I doubt the
troops parachuted in wearing anything other than uniforms. Any soldier caught
in civilian clothes was immediately shot as a spy. The pedals on the bikes
were like a rubber pedal, without the rubber, just the steel sleeve over the
spindle. The idea was that it was easier to pedal with pack and gear if you
just hooked the spindle in front of your boot heel. These guys weren't
racing, the bike allowed them to either reassemble at a given place more
quickly, or give them better mobility to proceed to an objective after
reassembly. Parachute drops were notorious for spreading troops over large
geographical area.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA