Mixed terrain cycle touring
By comparison, today's mixed terrain riders are generally adventure oriented, although many police departments rely on the bicycle's versatility.
In parts of the world with unreliable pavement, the utility bicycle has become a dominant form of mixed terrain transportation.
A new style of travel called adventure cycle-touring or expedition touring involves exploring these remote regions of the world on sturdy bicycles designed for the purpose.
Early white settlers in Australia used bicycles with bags strapped to the handlebars and frame and under the saddle to carry loads into the Australian outback.
Because of the relative obscurity of touring over adverse terrain, there is a large amount of experimentation and specialized, home-made equipment.
By 1886 the United States Army started experimenting with bicycle infantry as a replacement for horses in mixed terrain environments.
The Army's 25th Infantry Regiment unit (African American Buffalo Soldiers) stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana was chosen for the test.
By World War I, the Italian Army developed a folding bicycle that could be carried on a soldier's back for easy transport over difficult mixed terrain and alpine obstacles.
Mechanized transport during World War II was much more prevalent, but the bicycle was still used by Japanese, German and Italian troops to some extent.
These cops on bikes can quickly chase down a runner, maneuver through tight areas not available to cars and yet cruise down any paved road or path.
Cyclo-cross racing likely got its start when European road racers in the early 1900s began cutting through farm fields and over fences as a way to train and keep warm during the winter off season.
Club riding in early 1900s Europe often included mixed terrain (called rough stuff or pass storming) as an integral part of typical routes.
"Evidence of how much rough stuff was viewed as an integral part of the experience for the touring cyclist can be found in the format of the BCTC (British Cycle Tourist Competition).
Rough stuff riding was a key element and the organizers often went to great lengths to find awkward tracks, fords, etc.
In Great Britain, a club called Rough Stuff Fellowship was formed around mixed terrain and off-road touring.
Not content with cyclo-cross racing of the day, around twenty French cyclists modified their 650-b bikes for mixed and off-road travel.
These heavy single speed bikes sporting "balloon" tires could handle a variety of mixed terrain including moderately loose flat sandy beaches.
Wider tires on lighter frames, with multiple gears proved to be a wildly successful combination for mixed terrain and truly rugged single track.
[15] Early mountain bike designs still make good mixed terrain vehicles, with slight modification.
