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accessori 4x4 e allestimento fuoristrada a firenze

Avventura, qualità e passione definiscono AF4x4, non solo un negozio di accessori 4×4 a Firenze . Dall’ offroad estremo , agli accessori per i viaggi , dalla consulenza personalizzata all’ omologazione dei 4×4, vivi l’off-road come mai prima d’ora. Unisciti a questa straordinaria avventura!

Via del Ponte alle Mosse, 157/r 50144 Firenze (FI)

Lunedì – Venerdì 09.00 – 13:00 / 15.00 – 19.00

Perchè scegliere AF4x4

Scegliere noi significa optare per qualità, esperienza e un approccio incentrato sul cliente. Il nostro team non vende semplicemente accessori e ricambi per 4×4 ma fornisce soluzioni complete per le vostre avventure offroad come consulenza nell’allestimento, allestimenti “chiavi in mano” e assistenza per l’omologazione dei fuoristrada.

Veri appassionati di 4x4

Siamo amanti del mondo 4×4, partecipiamo attivamente a eventi e raduni. Questo ci permette di capire veramente cosa serve per rendere la vostra esperienza fuoristrada indimenticabile.

Il mondo 4×4 secondo AF 4×4

Sincerità e fiducia

Per noi, la sincerità è fondamentale. Vogliamo che abbiate fiducia nelle nostre raccomandazioni e vi sentiate sicuri nelle vostre scelte, offrendo solo prodotti di alta qualità e servizi di consulenza affidabili.

Prodotti di alta qualità testati sul campo

La nostra esperienza diretta in raduni, viaggi ed eventi 4×4 ci permette di conoscere a fondo i prodotti che offriamo. Potete contare sulla loro affidabilità e funzionalità in ogni situazione.

Accessori e ricambi 4×4

Consulenza completa e personalizzata

Non siamo solo venditori, siamo consulenti. La nostra missione è aiutarvi a trovare il prodotto giusto per le vostre specifiche esigenze, perché sappiamo che ogni avventura è unica.

I servizi di AF4x4

Pronti per la prossima avventura? Facciamola insieme!

Non è solo un acquisto, è l’inizio di una storia. Da anni, il nostro negozio storico è il punto di riferimento per gli appassionati del 4×4 come te. Con un team esperto e appassionato al vostro fianco, otterrete non solo i migliori prodotti, ma anche una consulenza su misura per l’allestimento del vostro veicolo. Prendete la strada meno percorsa, ma fatelo con la sicurezza che solo noi di AF4x4 possiamo offrire.

Scopri la nostra gamma di ricambi e accessori 4×4: per ogni avventura, la soluzione giusta

Nel cuore del nostro negozio, troverai una selezione accurata di accessori per ogni tipo di esigenza. Che tu sia un avventuriero estremo, un viaggiatore instancabile o semplicemente un amante dello stile, abbiamo ciò che fa per te.

Accessori 4x4 Estremo

Per gli appassionati di fuoristrada, la qualità degli accessori 4×4 è cruciale. I nostri prodotti sono progettati per resistere a terreni impegnativi e sollecitazioni estreme, garantendo prestazioni e sicurezza in ogni avventura off-road.

Accessori per Viaggi 4x4

Nel nostro negozio troverai accessori pensati per migliorare ogni aspetto della tua avventura, dalla vettura al campeggio. Esplora la nostra gamma di portapacchi, tende, luci, sistemi energetici e molto altro ancora.

Accessori 4x4 Estetici

Se un fuoristrada unico è il tuo obiettivo, la nostra selezione di accessori estetici 4×4 è ciò che ti serve. Offriamo una gamma di Bull Bars, Roll Bars, fari, e altro, tutti progettati per unire stile e funzionalità, specialmente per i pick-up.

Nel nostro negozio potrai trovare accessori e ricambi 4×4 dei migliori marchi

Servizi 4×4: dalla consulenza per l’allestimento all’avventura. Tutto ciò che serve per il tuo fuoristrada.

Scopri i nostri servizi all’avanguardia pensati per i veri amanti del fuoristrada. Oltre a offrire accessori di qualità, forniamo consulenze esperte per l’allestimento 4×4 chiavi in mano, assistenza nell’omologazione e corsi di guida specializzati. Non è tutto: organizziamo anche emozionanti viaggi 4×4 per mettere alla prova le tue abilità e il tuo veicolo. Venite a vivere l’avventura 4×4 in tutta la sua essenza.

Consulenza per allestimento 4x4

Il nostro team di esperti è a tua disposizione per consigliarti sull’ allestimento ottimale del tuo veicolo 4×4 . Conosciamo ogni aspetto dell’off-road e possiamo aiutarti a selezionare e installare  accessori ,  attrezzature  e  modifiche  che renderanno il tuo viaggio più sicuro, confortevole ed emozionante.

Scopri il nostri servizio di consulenza

Allestimento 4x4 "chiavi in mano"

Offriamo un servizio di allestimento 4×4 “chiavi in mano” per risparmiarti tempo e stress. Dopo una consulenza iniziale sulle tue esigenze, ci occupiamo di tutto, dall’ installazione degli accessori al montaggio finale . Ti aggiorniamo costantemente via WhatsApp e alla fine il tuo veicolo sarà pronto per l’avventura.

Allestimento 4×4 “chiavi in mano”

Gestione omologazione 4x4

Ci assicuriamo che i materiali siano conformi agli standard e collaboriamo con le case produttrici per garantire che le modifiche siano in regola. Alla fine, il veicolo passa un collaudo rigoroso per confermare la sua totale conformità.

Scopri il servizio di omologazione

Corsi di guida offroad

Immergiti nel mondo della guida 4×4 con i nostri corsi certificati e approfonditi. Dalla teoria alla pratica , ti trasformiamo in un esperto del fuoristrada, pronto ad affrontare qualsiasi terreno con competenza e sicurezza.

Scopri di più

Organizzazione viaggi 4x4

Esplora il mondo in 4×4 con viaggi autentici e memorabili . Offriamo avventure sicure, rispettose delle culture locali, arricchite da esperienze culinarie a cinque stelle anche nei luoghi più remoti.

Parti all’avventura

+(39) 055 29 34 61

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Prossimi tour

Hai qualche dubbi sui tour 4x4 organizzati.

Dipende molto dal tipo di viaggio e dal luogo, dove si svolge. Noi eseguiamo sempre una preventiva selezione in caso di viaggio impegnativo. Nel caso in cui si tratti di un normale viaggio fuoristrada, è necessario che la vettura sia dotata di riduttore. Occupandoci anche di formazione e di erogazione di corsi di guida 4×4, amiamo insegnare come si guida in fuoristrada. Preferiamo che un cliente venga in viaggio e scopra durante lo stesso cosa serve davvero o meno, senza obbligare nessuno ad effettuare delle spese prima ancora di capire se il tipo di viaggio potrà piacere o meno.

Prima di partire, non è necessario eseguire grossi interventi di controllo sulla vettura. Tuttavia, è consigliabile fare un tagliando completo, sostituire oli, filtri e cinghie. Inoltre, è importante verificare la presenza di eventuali perdite o trafilamenti di olio e controllare i giochi e i rumori nelle trasmissioni, nello sterzo e nelle sospensioni.

Durante i viaggi 4×4 potremmo dormire in tenda. Esistono diversi tipi di tende, dalle portatili leggere e facili da montare, alle gonfiabili e a quelle montate sul tetto dell’auto. Ognuna ha le sue peculiarità. Avremo bisogno di un sacco a pelo con imbottitura adatta alla stagione, un tavolino leggero e facile da montare, sedie pieghevoli, posate facili da portare, tazze in alluminio con moschettone e piatti in alluminio o plastica rigida per evitare l’uso di piatti usa e getta inquinanti.

L’abbigliamento da portare dipende molto dalla stagione e dal luogo del viaggio. In Tunisia, Marocco e Algeria durante l’inverno fa freddo, quindi sarà necessario portare un abbigliamento adeguato alle basse temperature. In Islanda potrebbe piovere spesso, quindi occorre un abbigliamento antivento e antiacqua. Durante i mesi estivi, in Nord Africa, fa molto caldo, per cui è consigliabile un abbigliamento leggero e traspirante, facile da lavare.

Pagamento e Cancellazione

Nel caso in cui vogliate recedere dalla prenotazione, avete diritto alla cancellazione, alla restituzione di quanto pagato o alla scelta di un pacchetto viaggio alternativo, solo nel caso in cui:

• siano state applicate modifiche sostanziali al viaggio prenotato
• si verifichi un aumento del prezzo superiore al 10% rispetto a quanto pattuito in fase di prenotazione.

Nel caso in cui si chieda di annullare la prenotazione senza che si siano verificate le ipotesi sopra citate, saranno addebitati dei costi e delle penali.

È anche possibile farsi sostituire in caso di impossibilità a partecipare al viaggio purché siano rispettate alcune condizioni.

Vedi il documento di Termini e Condizioni per tutte le informazioni.

Nel caso in cui un viaggio venga annullato per

• non raggiungimento del numero minimo di partecipanti
• cause di forza maggiore e fortuite

si potrà richiedere la restituzione della somma versata o un pacchetto turistico sostitutivo.

HAPPY OFFROAD

Estate 2023, resta aggiornato sui prossimi viaggi 4x4.

Iscriviti se vuoi essere informato sulle nuove avventure offroad di AF Travel o se non vuoi perderti consigli e novità sul mondo del 4×4

Supporto e informazioni

Contattaci per avere supporto sulle tue prenotazioni o informazioni sui tour 4×4 o sulla nostra attività

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15 of the Best Fall Half Marathons for 2024

I f you’re going to run a half marathon , there’s really no better time to do it than the fall. The crisp cool breezes, crunch of leaves under foot, and let us not forget the joys of a celebratory slice of pumpkin pie after you cross the finish line. Most half marathons in the United States are organized for either the spring or the fall, and while you might have to do some training runs in warm weather, it sure beats trying to pound out 10 miles during a blizzard.

Hundreds of half marathons are run in the United States every year, and that gives runners plenty of options. To help you narrow down your choices a bit and select a half marathon you know will be spectacular, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best fall half marathons in the United States. From California to Maine, these halves represent some of the most beloved and highly rated races across the country— all happening throughout September, October, and November. Take a look, find your perfect fall half, and start your training — let’s do this!

1. Bozeman Half Marathon

Date: September 8, 2024 Location: Bozeman, Montana

Register Here

While perhaps not the most convenient location of the races on this list (although if you’ve got a trip to Yellowstone planned or live in Montana, that’s not the case), Bozeman’s half is one of the most beautiful. The fall point-to-point course starts in the foothills that surround Bozeman, descends into the city with an almost entirely downhill course. You’ll get views of the mountains and the changing leaves as you speed towards what is hopefully a new PR. Bozeman has been called “the most liveable place” and that means there’s plenty to do (from hiking and biking to farmers markets, coffee shops, and plenty of breweries) once you’ve crossed the finish line.

2. Air Force Half Marathon

Date: September 21, 2024

Location: Dayton, Ohio

For those not in the military, Dayton, Ohio, happens to be on the hubs of the U.S. Air Force. In addition to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, it’s also the home of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The latter serves as the starting point for one of Ohio’s largest races that winds its way around the base and past various aviation landmarks. With a number of hills on the course, this may not be your fastest half, but it could be the most moving. Members of the military award medals at the end, and a Blue Mile on the course honors fallen soldiers. This is also a part of the Armed Forces Series of races. If you run all five, you’ll get a special medal!

3. Alamo Beer Series Half Marathon

Date: September 13, 2024 Location: San Antonio, Texas

Start your weekend off right with a little half marathon and then a Friday night drinking some craft beer with your buddies. The ScallyWompus Running Club in San Antonio hosts a number of brewery runs every fall as an opportunity to get in shape for longer races and drink beer. The Battle of Salado Creek in September has a fun Friday evening start time meaning that you’ll get to drink under the stars once you finish your 13.1. No early wakeup times and you can really brag about our accomplishments at Saturday brunch.

4. Hamptons Half Marathon

Date: September 28, 2024

Location: Southampton, New York

While technically September 25 is off season in the Hamptons (SO TACKY!), we promise that heading out in early fall still has its perks. While the beaches may be a little chillier than they are in summer , the breezy weather is ideal for running and you can still spend the weekend by the ocean (just maybe with a sweatshirt on). The half runs through the scenic neighborhood of Southampton so you’ll get to ogle plenty of mansions and you can celebrate with some seafood and a glass or two of rose.

5. Maine Half Marathon

Date: October 6, 2024

Location: Portland, Maine

With plenty of rolling hills , the course is a bit challenging, but it will also provide you with oceanfront views, fall foliage, and a final few miles facing the Portland skyline on the out-and-back course. When you finish, you can try beers from eight craft breweries at Beer Fest and snag food from local food trucks. Maine supplies 90 percent of the nation’s lobster supply, and is America’s largest blueberry producer in the country, so be sure to enjoy a lobsta’ sandwich and some blueberry jam post-race, but probably not at the same time.

6. Portland Half Marathon

Location: Portland, Oregon

You can run a different half marathon in a different city that’s also called Portland. Portland touts itself as the “birthplace of modern distance running,” and it certainly knows how to throw a race. The amenities for Portland are incredible. Free photos to all runners, a free poncho if it’s raining, a shirt, a medal, and a banging after party.

7. Long Beach Half Marathon

Location: Long Beach, California

If you’re looking for a half marathon that’s flat and speedy, it’s hard to beat the Long Beach Half Marathon, which has an elevation high of 45 feet. The race, located conveniently outside of Los Angeles, lets runners see the ocean for 90 percent of the out-and-back course. Entrants get a complimentary tote bag, which is a fun extra bit of swag, and you’re likely to leave with a PR as well. Afterwards you can head to In ’n’ Out or take a quick jump into the ocean to cool off.

8. Breckenridge Road Half Marathon

Date : October 12, 2024 Location: Breckenridge, Colorado

While Breckenridge, Colorado is primarily known for its skiing, the season for hitting the slopes hasn’t really started yet in early October. The course begins in the mountains surrounding the ski village and then descends into an out-and-back in the city without forcing you to run too many hills. You’ll get views of the peaks and the fall foliage before enjoying an apres marathon (if that’s a thing). After all, the ski lodges are still all there and you can drink any month of the year!

9. Detroit International Half Marathon

Date: October 20, 2024 Location: Detroit, Michigan

While the Detroit Marathon comes with two accompanying halves, if you are legally able, opt to run in the international half rather than the one that stays stateside. The international version, which mostly follows the first half of the marathon course, sends runners from Detroit over the Ambassador Bridge and into Canada. You’ll then run through Windsor, Canada, and back through the tunnel under the Detroit River toward downtown. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the best races that the fall has to offer.

10. Des Moines Half Marathon

Date: October 20, 2024

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa is a famously flat state and the half marathon through the capitol does not buck that trend. In fact the elevation changes from 242 meters above sea level at the lowest point to 248 meters at the highest. The loop course gives runners a scenic view of the city, but one exciting addition is the Fitness Sports Speed Zone, a one and half mile-long loop about halfway through the course. The fastest time for the loop in each age group wins a prize, so saving your energy for this section could be key. If you’ve run several halves before, this race could be a fun new addition.

11. Niagara Falls Half Marathon

Date: October 27, 2024 Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario

While technically not a United States race, you can see the states from most of the Niagara Falls Half Marathon course. Our neighbors to the north host plenty of great halves every year, but none passes a natural beauty quite like Niagara Falls (and we’re talking about the Canadian version). While you will need a passport for this race, if you can cross the border, you’ll get plenty of incredible views of the falls. Let the mist cool you down and grab some poutine to celebrate when you’re done. Just don’t at any point try to use a barrel to get to the finish line quicker.

12. Raleigh City of Oaks Half Marathon

Date: November 3, 2024

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

While heat isn’t always an issue by the time you get to November races, it can certainly still play a factor in your enjoyment of a half marathon (and your time). Luckily when your city is nicknamed “City of Oaks” you can rest assured that the course will include plenty of shade. Raleigh’s course is a loop with some out and back segments that give runners a tour of the city, including some Oak-lined streets. While the course does have some smaller hills, its enthusiastic small town energy makes it great for beginners.

13. Monterey Bay Half Marathon

Date: November 10, 2024 Location: Monterey, California

Nestled between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the California coast is Monterey, and while the Big Sur Marathon gets most of the racing attention in this area, you shouldn’t sleep on this stunning out-and-back course. Starting in downtown Monterey, runners will pass Fisherman’s Wharf and run along the coast through Pacific Grove, around the scenic golf course and to Asilomar State Beach before looping back around. The course is stunning and mostly flat, and the half marathon is a great excuse to explore a beautiful part of California, a bit off the beaten path.

14. Philadelphia Half Marathon

Date: November 24, 2024

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to turn that Thanksgiving time off into a nice little runcation, the Philadelphia Half Marathon presents a fun option to start off your week with. This half is the ideal city road race with a loop course that hits all of Philadelphia’s most well known sites. You’ll start and end by the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the same one that Rocky Balboa charged toward) with trips to Old City, Center City, the Schuylkill River, and Fairmont Park along the way. The course has the right amount of hills to be challenging without anything too difficult, and you can celebrate with a Rocky-inspired photo shoot and a Philly cheesesteak.

15. Tulsa Route 66 Half Marathon

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

On the same day as the Philly Half, thousands of miles away you can run a race that pays homage to the ultimate vacation: the Route 66 road trip. Tulsa, which is having quite the moment as one of America’s coolest cities, is conveniently located on Route 66 and lets runners race on a portion of the historic highway. The rest of the half is a tour of downtown Tulsa, with views of the river and shady runs through the parks. And if you’re taking off the week of Thanksgiving, there’s no better place to start your great American road trip.

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Russian president Putin to make a state visit to China this week

FILE - Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photo prior to their talks on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. President Putin will make a two-day state visit to China this week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, May 14, 2024.(Sergei Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

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BEIJING (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day state visit to China this week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, in the latest show of unity between the two authoritarian allies against the U.S.-led Western liberal global order.

Putin will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his visit starting on Thurday, the ministry said, saying the two leaders would discuss “cooperation in various fields of bilateral relations ... as well as international and regional issues of common concern.” No details were mentioned.

The Kremlin in a statement confirmed the trip and said Putin was going on Xi’s invitation. It said that this will be Putin’s first foreign trip since he was sworn in as president and began his fifth term in office.

China has backed Russia politically in the conflict in Ukraine and has continued to export machine tools, electronics and other items seen as contributing to the Russian war effort, without actually exporting weaponry.

China is also a major export market for energy supplies that keep the Kremlin’s coffers full.

China has sought to project itself as a neutral party in the conflict, but has declared a “no limits” relationship with Russia in opposition to the West. The sides have also held a series of joint military drills and China has consistently opposed economic sanctions against Russia in response to its now two-year-old campaign of conquest against Ukraine.

The two continent-sized authoritarian states are increasingly in dispute with democracies and NATO while seeking to gain influence in Africa, the Middle East and South America.

Putin’s visit comes just days ahead of Monday’s inauguration of William Lai Ching-te as the next president of Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that China claims as its own territory and threatens to annex by force if necessary.

Xi returned last week from a five-day visit to Europe, including stops in Hungary and Serbia, countries viewed as close to Russia. The trip, Xi’s first to the continent in five years, was seen as an attempt to increase China’s influence and drive a wedge between the EU and NATO on one side, and a yet-to-be-defined bloc of authoritarian nations on the other underpinned by Chinese economic influence that has been wavering amid a housing crisis and dramatically slower domestic economic growth.

Russia Has Resorted to Using Golf Carts—Yes, Golf Carts—in Combat

Is it a tactical evolution, or a sign of material scarcity?

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

You might think that sounds like darkly satirical dystopian science fiction, but videos circulating on both Ukrainian and Russian social media reveal that this is yet another horrifying reality of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The frontline in Ukraine has become a war of tree lines held by entrenched infantry. Crossing the open fields between the tree lines is too often suicidal, so vehicles that can transport assault infantry most of the way are of premium value to both Russia and Ukraine.

But as Russia’s huge pre-war back inventory of retired Soviet armored vehicles grows thinner and thinner, second-line Russian units are increasingly making do with improvised transports for assaulting enemy positions—particularly, a 4x4 golf-cart style All Terrain Vehicle called the Desertcross 1000-3, built by Chinese company Aodo.

There are, to be fair, sensible military applications for ATVs—they can help move equipment, supplies, and personnel in off-road contexts behind the frontline. There’s also higher-risk concepts, such as using these vehicles as mobile shoot-and-scoot platforms for long-range heavy weapons, or to patrol rear areas against infiltration.

Ukrainian special forces have been recorded using ‘dune buggy’ Ranger 4x4 ATVs and larger ‘Razor’ MRZR vehicles (built by American company Polaris) in reconnaissance roles and for the insertion of special operations forces.

But head-on assaults on entrenched enemies is another matter. The carts are open-topped and unarmored, so both the vehicles and passengers can be destroyed as quickly and brutally as you’d expect by kamikaze drones , mines, or heavy weapons fire.

Yet, for months, Russia has been hurling small-scale (i.e. mostly squad or platoon-sized) attacks at Ukrainian lines mounted in these vehicle. And through sheer numbers, they have occasionally succeeded in finding weak spots in Ukrainian defenses.

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally inspected the Chinese ATVs on November 10, 2023, giving the near-suicidal assault vehicle his personal stamp of approval. By that time, Russia had received 537 of the total 2100 vehicles, bought at a unit price of 1.58 million rubles ($17,141 in USD) for each Desertcross, or 2.1 million rubles ($22,782 USD) for upgraded variants. Desertcrosses sold in the U.S. range slightly higher, at up to $20,000.

Less than a month later, on December 3, the first two Desertcrosses were destroyed near Krynky by Ukrainian quadcopter heavy bomber drones of the Magyar Birds unit. The drones apparently dropped rocket propelled grenades from above.

The 2022-era Desertcross models purchased by Russia weigh over 3,500 pounds, have a max payload capacity exceeding 1,200 pounds, and have seating for three passengers in addition to the driver. Alternately, they can tow a one-ton payload. An 85-horsepower engine propels the cart to a maximum road speed of 50 miles per hour, while its 12.7 gallon fuel tanks allows for 155 miles of travel.

Features enhancing all-terrain performance include electrically powered steering and hydraulic disc-type brakes. Special equipment includes straps to tie down two patients in stretchers for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions. There’s also a winch for towing trailers.

Desertcrosses have also been seen mounting PKM 7.62-millimeter medium machine guns on its hood, and have been spotted installing NSV or Kord 12.7-millimeter heavy machine guns and AGS-17 30-millimete automatic grenade launchers on the flatbed.

So many of these vehicles are getting picked off by drones that there are several different modifications featuring anti-drone nets or cages. Russia’s specialized RKhBZ troops (specialized in defense against chemical, nuclear, and biological warfare) also use Desertcrosses with smoke dispensers to lay smoke screens.

The ATVs are, in a sense, emblematic of the kind help Russia is receiving from China (which, in theory, has friendly relations with Russia). Had China opened the floodgates for sales of artillery shells, missiles , and armored vehicles, Russia’s situation would be drastically improved. But President Xi Jinping is wary of the repercussions of more openly supporting Russia’s war, and has mostly prevented overt military exports.

Instead, China—along with India— have helped keep Russia’s economy afloat by buying Russian oil (albeit at very advantageous prices). And Russian volunteers knock on the doors of Chinese drone manufacturers to acquire ostensibly civilian equipment like the Desertcrosses and thousands of consumer drones (which Ukraine has also found means to acquire), which are then adopted for military use.

The bikers of Bakhmut

Another cheap civilian vehicle Russia has turned to is the motorcycle, using both motorbikes (sometimes with sidecars) and quadbikes (which typically carry three personnel each) to carry infantry.

Motorcycles have long had their military uses for personnel transport and communication, and even light combat reconnaissance roles flooding road networks in advance of mobile forces. In World War II, both Germany and the U.K. fielded entire motorcycle battalions in combat scouting roles, including some side-car motorcycles carrying heavy weapons such as machine guns, anti-tank rifles, and light mortars.

Russia now appears to have mounted Strela anti-aircraft teams on motorcycles.

But just like for its ATVs, Russia isn’t using motorcycle infantry as modern light cavalry. Some are assaulting Ukrainian trenches as if reenacting the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava.

Bike-mounted troops are even more exposed to drones and small arms than those in golf carts. However, bikes are fast and maneuverable enough that they’re hard to hit with indirect artillery fire (which usually takes minutes to summon even under ideal circumstances.)

Still, Russia’s bike assaults typically go about as well as one would expect, with motorcycle units defeated near Bakhmut on April 15 and at Novomykhailivka on May 7 by Ukraine’s 92 nd Mechanized and 79 Airborne brigades , respectively.

Ukrainian troops claim that captured Russian bike assault troops are saying they were given drugs prior to the assault which removed their desire to eat or sleep for a day.

Why is Russia sending men to battle in vulnerable civilian vehicles?

In the reverse of its situation early in the war, Russia’s military doesn’t want for personnel in 2024, but faces shortages in a wide variety of munitions and armored vehicles. Russia’s military wanted to press on all fronts, but can’t afford to continue losing armored vehicles at the current rate. Using Desertcrosses in an assault role alleviates attrition of valuable armored vehicles , even at the cost of higher personnel losses, which Russia can more easily replace.

The cart/bike assaults also reflect a numbers game strategy, testing Ukrainian forces broadly across the frontline with small scale assaults that zoom in toward Ukrainian trenches after they were hit by artillery and powerful (if not especially accurate) UMPK glide bombs .

Most of these small-scale attacks fail, but the raids sometimes ferret out unoccupied gaps in the defenses or positions which have been abandoned or badly compromised by the preparatory bombardment. In such cases, the speed of the carts/bikes may be sufficient to quickly get infantry to seize the position before drones and artillery fires can be vectored in.

A Ukrainian military analyst and former officer going by the nom de guerre Tatarigami wrote on social media that while Russia “remains a serious battlefield threat, their ability to replace lost armored vehicles is limited.”

They continued:

“Overall, implementing light vehicles for quick delivery or evacuation [of troops] is a valid tactic. Since their current vehicle fleet does not meet battlefield needs, motorcycles are used instead...larger vehicles like BMPs are less maneuverable and more visible, especially with FPV [drone] cages. Meanwhile, small ATVs or motorcycles can quickly transport a small group or evacuate the wounded, while keeping much lower profile.”

Likewise, in a social media post , military analyst Rob Lee explained the logic in Russia’s ATV and bike tactics:

“Both sides always have Mavic [civilian drones] or similar UAVs scanning the horizon. They will notice dust clouds first. That means they are more likely to identify a tracked armored vehicle on the move sooner.

Using a motorcycle or ATV means you can get to the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) faster before FPV kamikaze drones or artillery can be called in, which could compensate for the lack of protection. It doesn't mean these are safe options, just that they may be comparatively less risky than the alternatives. In other words, while ATVs and motorcycles may be vulnerable, so have proven troops packed into slower moving armored personnel carriers.”

But while golf carts and bikes might be stealthier, there remain a lot of battlefield threats that can tear up a golf cart (or the unprotected people inside it) with relative ease— rifles , machine guns, grenades, and shrapnel from artillery—even if they struggle to harm armored vehicles.

Here, however, Russia may be exploiting the fact that Ukraine has suffered a crippling shortfall of artillery ammunition since Republicans in congress halted deliveries of U.S. military aid last Fall. This has compelled Ukraine to rely on precision-attacks by kamikaze drones as a substitute for barrages from heavy 155-millimeter artillery shells.

As U.S. military aid resumed in April, Russia’s golf-cart and motorbike infantry are now racing against time as Russia seeks to press its advantage before the full bulk of shipments from the U.S. make their way to Ukraine’s frontline forces.

Sébastien Roblin has written on the technical, historical, and political aspects of international security and conflict for publications including 19FortyFive, The National Interest, MSNBC, Forbes.com, Inside Unmanned Systems and War is Boring. He holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and served with the Peace Corps in China. You can follow his articles on Twitter . 

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