Kilts and Cyclists

[cavscout]

[tulloch]

Ok, a poor idea multiplied many times becomes an institution. Wow. Hard to imagine.

[Tobus]

You know, I always wondered if the kilted regiments rode bicycles like many of the other British regiments. Now I know.

But what I still wonder is whether their cycles were different than the others. Meaning, did they have the low-cut frame like a girl's bike, in order to accommodate the kilt (I can't tell from the photo)? Were there any other differences to accommodate the kilt?

Lastly, I wonder how they rode the darn things! Did the pleats just hang down on either side of the seat, exposing their upper legs to the world? Enquiring minds want to know!

[drum bum]

......go together like a single malt and prune juice. Not a good idea.

[TheBrus]

[QUOTE=Tobus;1071966]You know, I always wondered if the kilted regiments rode bicycles like many of the other British regiments. Now I know.

But what I still wonder is whether their cycles were different than the others. Meaning, did they have the low-cut frame like a girl's bike, in order to accommodate the kilt (I can't tell from the photo)? Were there any other differences to accommodate the kilt?

QUOTE]

The second man to the left has his hand on what appears to be the crossbar, and the chap next to him appears to have the crossbar next to his leg. I'd say they were "boys" bikes.

[macwilkin]

Here's a decent web page on the Army Cyclist Corps:

http://bsamuseum.wordpress.com/cycli...ntry-need-you/

And a photo of the Highland Cyclist Battalion's cap badge:

http://www.helmetsandheadgear.co.uk/images/BM144.jpg

Essentially a RHR/Black Watch cap badge, with the words "HIGHLAND CYCLIST" in the upper scroll. The 8th (Cyclist) Battalion, (Highland) was a Territorial Battalion of the Black Watch.

It it ineresting to note that the US Army also experimented with a cyclist corps:

http://yellowstonebicyclecorps.blogspot.com/
http://nrhc.org/history/25thInfantry.html

Regards,

Todd

[Tobus]

That was a very cool web page, Todd.

Found this gem there:

[NeightRG]

But what I still wonder is whether their cycles were different than the others. Meaning, did they have the low-cut frame like a girl's bike, in order to accommodate the kilt (I can't tell from the photo)? Were there any other differences to accommodate the kilt?

Those are definitely men's frames - You can see the top bars for the second and third guys from the right, and the middle guy is leaning on his bike in a way that you just can't with a step-over frame.

With one of those full-wrap kilt covers the seem to be wearing, I wouldn't be worried about exposure in the least. That's a lot of fabric for the wind to grab. I I bike with a Sport kilt over cycling shorts in the summer... Might have to make a cover like that so I can ride in nicer kilts, too.

[cck]

Gentlemen, I can answer your question. A bike can be ridden in a kilt!

After reading the above thread, I decided to do a test ride. On the road in front of my home I made several laps. The kilt was a very light weight, microfiber, hiking model from Sport Kilt, slightly shorter than a regular kilt. The bike was a Kestrel Airfoil, with a center bar. I cycled up to 15 miles per hour with no problem. I was seated on the pleats and the apron stayed in place. The sides of the kilt did not fly up or out. The only time that might be questionable is mounting and dismounting when you have to swing your leg over the saddle. Be sure to wear a helmet and enjoy your ride.

[mookien]

My guess is that they doffed their kilts, folded them up, threw them over their shoulders like a plaid, and "Tally Ho!".

That would also explain the cashmere saddles that you can just barely see in the old photo if you squint your eyes and use your imagination.