Good afternoon,
Loverly to see the same bicycle terminology "Gas Pipe" being used on both sides of the pond. Not many of our terms are the same.
During and prior to the First World War the British Army had several cycling regiments and cycling battalions. One of the most famous was the Huntingdon Regiment (Hunts Cyclist's) or nicknamed the "Gas Pipe Cavalry". Charles Laughton the famous actor was an officer in this regiment during the First World War. Funny in the Hunchback of Notre Damn he says the famous line about "The Bells" he must of heard enough of them in the Hunts Cyclist's!
Anyway here is an intersting link for those interested. Many of the regiment members were racing cyclists prior to the war and would have raced on the famous " North Road" which passes through this county.
http://www.huntscycles.co.uk/
Oil up! Frank Ellingford London UK