Photo: Paratrooper Folding Bike In Baghdad

Paratrooper folding bike admirers will enjoy this photo of a Montague Paratrooper folder in Baghdad. The photo is courtesy of RideTHISbike.com customer Jay Taylor (click photo to enlarge).

Regarding the photo, Jay wrote "this is my favorte of the Montague and its friends in Baghdad. This should answer any questions about bikes in the IZ."

"IZ" is US military jargon for the International Zone. Also known as the Green Zone and "Little America," this 2.7 square mile enclave formerly housed Saddam Hussein and his most trusted henchmen. Today, it's home to the International Coalition forces' HQ, thousands of Americans and select, top Iraqi officials.

Jay and I began corresponding in April when the mortar attacks on the IZ were still a regular occurrence. When I asked him in June whether things had improved to the point where it was safe to ride a bike there, Jay wrote this:

Iraq is a hard place, no question about it, but it is gradually turning around. There are lots of people, including military, using bikes in the green zone and beyond - but the bikes are are left outside and are coated with sand. I will keep mine folded up in my trailer.

Since I ship bikes, carry bags and other components to APO's & FPO's, I've had similar favorable reports from other US personnel in Iraq. Let's hope that a happy ending is in sight.