My friend Emma sent me a few words and images:
In Syria we see bikes as a canvas for riders to adorn their journey. Maalula is a small town north of Damascus famous for its monasteries and spoken Aramaic. It is also home to a host of motorbikes for navigating the rocky hills. A lot of the bikes had pieces of rug or sheep hide as seat covers, but some went further with their flair; this was the fanciest motorbike on the road.
Back in the busy streets of Damascus there are more bicycles than motorbikes, though riders may dream of a burlier ride.
These mudflaps accompanied nearly every Damascene bike tire, front and back.
Trying to imagine what items would be put into this “saddle bag” and how it might affect the ride.
Another use for spoked wheels.
Thanks Emma!
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The Shanghai Phoenix ins the 2nd to last photo is almost ubiquitous in much of asia and Africa. Both the Indian and Chinese roadster makers have large export markets in developing nations.
-JS
http://www.flyingpigeonproject.org.