ccc'09...

the cuttin'crew classic was this weekend. it was a 3 day event. it started off on friday with a short(ish) alley-cat. my wife and i worked a check point over at 510 west erie...

check more sloppy pics from my flickr...

we decided to make them bike or run around the tree on top of the mini-hill. i believe andrew nordyke took top honors on the night. congrats to him for making it happen. the main event came on saturday...unfortunately, i couldn't get around to many locations and with such a huge race and checkpoints all over town my strategy was to hit up a couple spots and see what we can...here's the manifest so you get an idea of what we were working with...

click on images to enlarge...

we made our way to the cargo portion of the race over by uic and just.max was able to get some good shots for all of us to enjoy...

check out just.max pics here...

the plan was to get a couple shots but watching everyone try to grab as much as they could was too much fun. that and drew was feeding us free beers...thanks. we only saw two people haul everthing...good job. the bucket was filled with cement and water...wtf?! then we made our way over to piece to see if rene was still around for the poker race portion of the manifest but had no luck finding parking...yes, we did drive...ha! sorry rene...i owe you a brew. we decided to head over on richmond to see the obstacle course that kyle had set up but the gates were closed. luckily he took some pics...

check out kyle's flickr set here...

we called it a day and headed home. the messenger prom was later that evening. i can only imagine the madness that went down. i couldn't make it but im sure pics will pop up sooner or later and the details of the winners of the ccc'09 will be revealed along with this years prom king and queen. today, sunday, was a team of 3 time trial. i'm sure that was equally amazing. again, i apologize for not being able to come out to everything but what i did manage to get to was pretty amazing. sh*t...there was even a crew from paris, france at the race. ccc is international...ha! good job to all the organizers and racers. im sure more good times will be had in the time to come...peace.

1.5 - 2 months...

i think summer lasted about 2 months around here but that might be a bit optimistic. remember the days when summer wouldn't end? those were nice. i can only imagine what the crew is feeling. raining all week long and the temps dropping by about 15 degrees...not good. this winter will be one for the books...ride safe out there kids.

oh yeah...don't forget...cuttin'crew classic is this weekend and it kicks off on a rainy friday...

Friday Night 8:00 PM - Alley Cat starting at CAL'S: 400 S Wells. Points for participation, primes at every checkpoint, and top three M/F. (Points carry across to Saturday)
After-party at the Clipper: 1002 N California, Come say farewell to Matt and Emily before they move to Vancouver!

Saturday 11 AM-1 PM Registration at The Blue Frog: 676 N. LaSalle (be on time or you'll miss the start)
1-5 PM Cuttin' Crew Classic including: three manifests, super checkpoints, photo hunt, poker race, cargo race, and Uptop Delivery Presents Trials 2K9.

7 PM-2AM Four Star Courier Presents Messenger Prom at the Cobra Lounge: 235 N. Ashland No pre-sale tickets, show up early and stay late!

Sunday 2-4 Team Time Trial to the Touhy Tower of Terror, meet at Humboldt Park near the lagoon. Three person teams, last wheel across the line sets the time. The route is to 6300 W. Touhy and back. (team photo must be taken before return trip)

Friday $5, Saturday $10 (discount for prom given to racers), Sunday $10 per team

OPEN TO ALL RIDERS-track/road, mess/non-mess, just come out for a damn good time.

h*ll no i ain't racing but most of you already knew that. i will, however, be in attendance for a few of the events. should be fun...btw, my wife and i will be working a checkpoint for tonights race. i promise not to make you do to much but there might be some running involved...dun!dun!dun!...peace.

random tale...

don't know why but i started thinking about back when i was messengering as i usually do. how, as the years passed, my work bike slowly adjusted to my needs. i started off on my sisters pink huffy. im sure many are tired of hearing that story so i won't say more than that...oh yeah, it was embarrasing. i got some loot together and got on a faster bike...a lotus road bike. that was nice but too much maintenance. Lord knows im no good at bikes. it was also the bike i experienced my first official accident...taco'd my front wheel. stories for a later date...

anyway...i kept seeing this cat that used to ride for "on the fly" all over town. he had this yellow bike...khs? i kept noticing the man had no brakes on his bullhorns. i thought for sure that was the way to go. i kept thinking it was a coaster brake. i, obviously, was wrong. well...i hadn't quite made the jump to buy a track bike just yet. i wasn't convinced it was the way to go until josh came around.



i believe he also worked for "on the fly" and might have made the jump to "service first" before leaving for california. anyway...i saw him blazzing south on michigan just after wacker. it's a nice downhill portion there and you can get alot of speed. anyway...there he was and me just seeing him flow like water through traffic. then he hits a quick left about to go up the hill towards 130 east randolph but off of lake...cats in chicago will understand how that works. he hits the left and i thought for sure he was toast. there was a sh*t ton of traffic headed north and there was no way he would be able to cut through it to get across and keep heading east up on the hill. ok...so he hits the left but i don't see him pop up on the other side...wtf?! "he was blazzing"...i thought to myself. where the hell did he go?! i ride up to the intersection and there he his...trackstanding waiting for his gap to open up and proceed with his delivery. i can still see him there...motionless.

i knew right then and there i had to get my hands on a track bike. i got my loot together and soon i had my hands on a bianchi pista. i had alot of good times on that bike. took me forever to get used to the fact that i didn't have a brake. sh*t...it took me forever to learn how to trackstand like josh. i thought for sure my bike was broken...it wouldn't trackstand. then brendt, who worked at standard with me and later cms(?), grabbed my bike and started doing backward circles on my sh*t. i never let on that i didn't know my bike could do that...ha! the man had this beautiful blue fort that i can still see like it was yesterday.

anyway...why did this story pop up? no reason...very random tale about my bikes and my silly as*. like i said...sometimes i get random images of cats i used to know...cat's i've crossed paths with...very skilled people...unsung heroes of sorts...peace.

in case you forget...

i know all the talk is what's about to go down in japan. Lord knows it should but please lets not lose site of whats ahead for next year. why? cause if you're bummed you missed out on this years worlds, like me, maybe it's a good time to start saving for next year - guatemala...don't forget, they're reviving the famous figure 8 track...

pics taken from jet fuel...check the set here...

i am well aware that many have already seen these pics but i figure why not refresh your memory a bit and focus on the awesomeness that guatemala brings...la ocho...



can't wait to hear all the stories from japan and, i definitely, can't wait to go to guatemala...peace.

let the countdown begin...one week...

don't forget to get your tickets to the messenger prom. it's first come, first serve and it gets filled quick. oh yeah, it's cheaper if you have a date so maybe you cats can use that angle when searching for a partner thats on the fence...ha! have a good weekend kids...peace.

one less messenger...

my sister always referred to me as a "once upon a time" messenger but this shirt will work just fine...


help cass, the lady who help put together the messenger forum - cyclecourier.org, get back to school and own a cool shirt...i guess this would work best with ol'school cats more than anything but don't be afraid to purchase one anyway. you never know...you might end up being an ex-messenger. if you don't plan on ever messengering...help one out...

Hey I made this shirts to celebrate my going back to school. If you want one they're 15$ including shipping anywhere you are. help My "back to school" fund.

Shirts are American Apparel unisex SM to XL will shrink when washed. White letters black shirts. Be patient though I'm in the middle of moving, so I might not get these out till next week!

Paypal with size and address to cassettetapes@hotmail.com

cass...i'll hit you up for one early next month...got bills late in the months...ha! cool idea...peace.

dutch national championships...

i know, i know...this blog is mainly chicago based but there's nothing wrong with shedding some light on cats from other regions...right? the more we share how things go down in other parts of the world the better off things can be around here? in any case...

check out the odcmc2009...

The competitors will transport different packages on a specially designed race site between different checkpoints. The daily working conditions of bike messengers are mimicked by one way streets, road break ups, stairs and more unexpected difficulties. Besides the sporting events there will be plenty of time for the Messenger-Lifstyle to be enjoyed.

if i were you cats i would check back with them after it's all said and done this weekend. we may or may not know the winners but im sure they'll have pics up from all the madness...Lord knows we all love pics. good luck to all participating and ride safe...peace.

bad news...

christopher dilts...the man responsible for bringing us great pictures was jumped last night. not sure on the details but i know he's at northwestern hospital at the moment. if you know him don't hesitate to visit him and say hello. im sure he would appreciate some love at the moment. if you don't know him...keep him in your thoughts and prayers and lets hope for a speedy recovery. hope you get better soon kid...peace.

interview...

you know...the plan was to do an interview once a month back when i first started this silly blog. i tried to keep the interviews coming but sometimes getting cats to submit some answers is harder than pulling teeth...ha! you know whats funny...now all of a sudden i get 3 in one month...i'll take it. i reached out to a good man and friend for this next interview...carey primeau. the man has moved on from being a "normal" courier to being a food delivery courier and i thought it would be cool to hear from his perspective. food delivery didn't used to get as much respect as the "normal" courier would but with times changing economically...well, that isn't the case anymore. primeau has the luxury of working for one of the best sandwich places in chicago...bari's. well...dispatch presents...carey primeau...

primeau's flickr...

1.why did you decide to messenger?

In 2002 I actually went to Arrow and Standard to try and get a job but they weren’t hiring part timers. That’s around the time when I really started to get involved with biking as a transportation alternative to CTA and thought it would be nice to get paid to work on a bike.

2.when did you start? has the time been on/off or straight?

I didn’t actually get a job as a messenger until spring 2005 though, and it was with Eden’s Express. I actually remember having the addresses of a bunch of different messenger companies and planning on hitting them all up but Eden’s hired me on the spot. I had no idea when they took me on, but it turned out that the owner’s son grew up with my cousin and was a pretty close friend. Fucking eh, Chicago is a small world.

I worked with Eden’s for almost 2 years and took about 6 months off before I got lucky as hell with the Bari gig. I remember getting doored by a cab at Washington and Wacker and my knee getting fucked up to hell. Fucked up, like I’ve never seen a baseball sized knot on the side of my leg before. That’s wasn’t the only reason, but it was definitely the icing on the cake for taking some time off.

3.what bike did you start on? what do you ride today?

I started on a black Windsor Road bike that I got for about $300 and now ride a built up fixed gear on a Mercier track frame.

4.you've seen a few come and go...any stick out in your mind?

I feel like everyday I see new cats on the street. But nowadays it’s harder to decipher the non messengers from the messengers so that might be part of the issue. But there’s definitely those guys who you know are dedicated to the game and stick out from the rest. Jerry, Frank, UV, Nico, Adam Clark, Max-a-million, Big Joe, Seth, Andrew Nordyke… And nobody can forget the love from Ryan or Drey.

5.if you weren't messengering what would you be doing?

I’m a biker and a photographer and until one takes over the other, I’m comfortable playing both roles until the day I die.

primeau on etsy...

6.since you started...what changes have you noticed for the industry? what changes would you like to see?

Security is getting worse, not better. Also, from what I hear, the courier industry is really going down the tubes.

The food industry in contrast though, is actually pretty healthy and other ways to make cash on a bike are starting to grow. Bike pedi-cabs, food delivery, and even Adams idea of traveling bike shops are a great fucking idea. And I don’t know if anyone has read about, but sex toy delivery is moving on up as well!! I read about some guys delivering sex toys on his bike! Now that’s some innovation.

If I was a messeng er I would like some consistency. There’s no reason why every building shouldn’t have the same policy. Some have messenger centers, some let you right in through the front door. But no matter what, especially if you’re a new cat, it’s hard to keep track with what building has what rules. We do the same work building after building, picking up deliveries and them dropping them off. There’s no reason why we have to be treated differently for every address.

7.greatest day messengering...worst?

The greatest day, though…. I can’t think of one in particular but I do feel fucking perfect about 75% of the time I’m on my bike. The days when its not to hot or humid in the summer; those days when it finally reaches above freezing in the winter; when the river isn’t frozen downtown is always a good feeling; those days in fall and spring when the temperature is about 50 or 60 degrees; when I don’t get honked at; the day that a car doesn’t pass me up with only inches to spare; when security is having a good day; when I see friends on the street; when people are tipping good; when the grids on the bridges aren’t too slick; when it’s not rush-hour;

When I’m making cash though, none of that matters.

When I’m making cash is when I transform into my idea of why I’m on the bike. When everything flows, when the deliveries are smooth, when clients pick up their phones… Those are the days when I feel like this is what I’m meant to do.

The worst day is the opposite of all of that.

8.how does food delivery compare to "normal" messengering?

Delivering Food is a bit different from delivering packages. #1 is respect. I get treated with so much more respect with building security than couriers, its fucking ridiculous. I’m doing the same shit essentially, but I just get to walk right in while the “normal” messenger has to spend 10 minutes going through the dock and freight. Fucked up right? This is something that boils my blood and wish I could change. There’s no reason for bullshit messenger centers, or signing in with security and leaving your bag. Couriers are in these buildings multiple times a day and they are still treated like fucking dirt. It’s discrimination and you know, that’s more than a little fucked up.

I have the luxury, though, of telling my clients to come down and meet me if security if too tight in a building. People perceive food delivery as a favor and they are much more susceptible to being told what to do, like, get off your ass and come meet me in the lobby. You can’t do that as a courier.

9.how much longer do you see yourself doing this?

See answer #5

primeau's flickr...

10.advice for rookie-rookies...

If you want to bike and make money, be dedicated. Yeah, it’s fun, but you gotta treat it with respect. Respect for the dudes that have been in the game their whole life, respect for the cats whose lives have been saved by it; understand that the industry is much, much deeper than you; understand that you will loose your temper and sanity at times; and most importantly, respect the game, don’t just play it for shits and giggles.

there you have it folks...everytime i interview someone i am amazed how much i don't know and how many great people there are in this industry. an industry that should show more love to these talented individuals that come in and out of the streets every year. thank you primeau for this great interview...you have a great talent and i hope you are able to continue doing both photography and messengering. the industry needs good people like you. if you want to see more of the man's talent head over to his site...careyprimeau.com or check out the man's flickr. oh yeah, don't be afraid to purchase some of his beautiful photography on etsy. thanks again primeau...peace.

silly lady...

we recently received a call to run as a credit order...you know, not an active account but someone who just needed something done quickly. no big deal...we ran the order and the work got done. after about 20 minutes of the job being done correctly we receive a phone call...

lady...i wanted to talk to you about job XX.

j.dot...sure, it was dropped off and signed by a smith at XX time.

lady...yes, i know it was delivered on time. what i don't understand is why the package had to make it's way through the entire office before the person it was for received it.

j.dot...umm, not sure...give me a second.

...i call up the messenger and was told that the signature he got was from the receptionist. i get back on the phone with the lady...

j.dot...well, not sure what happened. i spoke to the messenger and he did give the package to the receptionist.

lady...why didn't he tell her who the package was for?

j.dot...wait, what? was the name not on the package cause they did receive the package.

lady...no it wasn't but you knew who it was for. why would it make it's way all around the office.

...are you serious? wait, we got the job done right and delivered the package to the right office and she's mad cause it took a while for the receptionist to find who the package was for cause she didn't put the name on the package? is that what the argument was? the person who the package was for got the damn package!! not our fault she doesn't know how to put names on packages...how the h*ll was the receptionist supposed to know who it was for. ofcourse she'll sign for the package cause the name of the company is on it but not the name of the recipient.

lady...this is ridiculous. i demand an explanation. if i would have known that this was going to happen i would have never used you guys.

j.dot...mam, no matter who you use from now on...do yourself a favor and place the name of the recipient on the package...give me a second, i'll transfer you to customer service.

...the lady ends up hanging up. what was i supposed to say and/or do?! she lost her mind. eh...every once in a while it's nice to get crazy people...it's been getting harder and harder to laugh at work...peace.

lack of ladies...

listen...i know there aren't many ladies out there anymore. i know there's only a handful. i know that once there is a lady out there the messenger men pounce on her like it's the last meal they will ever have. i've seen it many times. what am i getting at...well, christina, the winner of this years naccc's, is one of the handful of ladies out there. why bring her name up? well...cause cats are starting to get out of hand with trying to woo her...

exhibit a

exhibit b

listen...im all for giving her respect. she did her thing and became the first female to win the naccc's...congratulations. im also all for coming up with tickets to send her to the worlds. she deserves them. i don't think i could get on this wagon of sending her all over the world every year. listen...she's very cute and very fast...i'll give you that much...but so am i. well, im not fast but i do have a blog...ha! you cats do whatever you want but this sh*t, imo, is getting a bit out of hand. much respect to christina for getting the chicago boys to hook her up with flights around the world...peace.

congratulations to jerry...6721...

the wedding was amazing with a view of chicago that was unforgettable. not only that...the guest list consisted of some of my favorite people in the industry. congratulations to the married couple...i wish them the best of luck...peace.

cognition.cognition.cognition...

i can't say enough about kelly and lyle over at cognition caps. i tell them what i want and a few later...i have exactly what i ordered...




not only that...they send it with stickers and buttons. there's nothing like coming home to a package with your name all over it from cognition. thank you so much for getting me ready for the playoffs...sure the cubbies aren't looking so hot right now but i have hope like any true cub fan has. eh...either way lyle and kelly have me prepared for bear season...



don't sleep on their caps and don't be afraid to ask for some custom caps...they come through beautifully...peace.

blockbuster blast...

...peace.

moment of silence...

let's take a minute from the day to remember our fallen friends...



we miss you ryan ...peace.

interview...

he hasn't been out there long but already the man is making a name for himself. i've had the pleasure of meeting the man a couple of times. can't say i shared many words with him beyond hello but im glad i was able to get him to submit an interview. only a year into the industry but the man has a level head and great insight to share. fresh off his win at this years naccc's in boston...nico!

pic by tyler at indyfab...

1.why did you decide to messenger?

i've been a musician for as long as i've been alive. i had been playing in a band called the rebel angels (r.i.p.) since i was 17 years old. it was everything i lived for. in july of 2008 we played our last show after 7 years. it was a strange time for me. everything that was going on in my life was always secondary to that band. i had been working as a carpenters apprentice for about a year and a half, and before that i was an auto mechanic. my work was always just something i was doing until the angels took off. well that didn't happen, per usual, and suddenly i was just this laborer. i had been playing with the same cats for so long, its like losing a lover. you don't just go right out and find a new lover. so i just decided it was time to pursue my other passion: cycling. i've been obsessing over bikes since i lost my license back in '03. and i guess like most people, i started messengering because i thought it would be amazing to just get paid to ride all day. i was right. it is amazing. its the best thing i've ever done.

2.when did you start? has the time been on/off or straight?

i started aug 19 2008 at apex courier. its been straight through. called in sick only once, heh heh. more recently i started helping out with runs for up top. if you ain't heard of them, you should check them out. its food delivery run like a messenger company; multiple restaurants as clients with bikers dispatched accordingly.

3.what bike did you start on? what do you ride today?

i had just finished building a bareknuckle track bike about two months before i started. it was purple. everyone was wondering who that silly fool was riding around on a purple bike, with a purple bag. it was sweet though. it was retired in february when i got stopped cold by a van busting an illegal u-turn on my way home from work. it got totaled out... only thing salvageable was the headset, barely. the settlement ended up paying quick and well though. now i ride a '06 fuji track pro, a '83 ochsner road bike, and a '97 specialized m2 road bike.

4.you haven't been out there too long but any stick out in your mind?

big joe. our bands used to play together way back in the day... like 5 or 6 years ago. we actually did gigs out at his place in dekalb. it was a trip running into him downtown working for the same company. the cats from the cuttin' crew have really helped me get excited about racing; particularly molly, al, and ben feitz. swampy taught me how to build wheels. its tough to single out any one person just because i feel like i've been accepted into this large family... they are all my brothers and sisters.

pic by pedalstrike...

5.since you started...what changes have you noticed for the industry? what changes would you like to see?

i came into this job while things in chicago were already pretty bad, i guess. security downtown is ridiculous. i get stories from some of the veterans like swampy or bobcat about how great it was being able to walk into the front door of a building and using the passenger elevator and actually having to route yourself inside a building you had multiple clients in. i can't even imagine. even since i've started security has gotten worse. 541 n fairbanks anyone?? buildings keep making it more and more difficult for us to do our jobs; clients who want you to perform a miracle don't always understand this. you'll wait 15 minutes just to get inside 135 s lasalle, and from what i hear it used to be even worse! it'd be nice to see the city of chicago enforce the uniform building entry section of the 2015 plan. its the part of it that makes the most sense to me.

6.greatest day messengering...worst?

the worst by far was halloween of last year. it was a friday. beautiful outside. i was killing it all morning; it was busy and i was well caffeinated. i was headed to 333 w wacker to clean up, and i was coming from the apparel center. i crossed wacker at franklin/orleans going the wrong way and the light changed as i was headed south and east/west traffic got the green. i didn't get hit by the cab, so much as i hit the cab. it was a gnarly crash. no injuries, but i broke the guy's side view and some glass and bent the fork on my bareknuckle. when the cops showed up and ran our info, a handful of outstanding warrants popped up from dupage and champaign counties. i ended up having to spend the weekend locked up at 1st district down on 18th and state. these warrants were from an era of my life i had tried really hard to forget. however, because of the whole ordeal i was able to face all that negativity i had been hiding from and was finally able to close that chapter. warrants extinguished! no more worries. the best day? the first day after coming home from boston... worrrrd.

7.you recently got back from winning at this years naccc's in boston...how was that experience? don't be afraid to brag...ha!

boston was downright amazing. the city is beautiful. the streets are chaos. the people are incredible. i did the nacccs last year here in chicago and that was great. i was so new to this though. i didn't really know anyone, and didn't have enough experience to really appreciate what was going on around me. this time around, i'd been working for a year. i had a better grip on what it is we do everyday. i felt more comfortable in my skin, as a rider. as long as i've been working, i've kind of felt perfect for this job... like i'm wired just right for it. and that feeling is what makes me love my job. that right there is good enough to keep me getting on my bike everyday. but to be able to go to another city, ride like i always ride, and come out taking 1st place men's and 2nd place overall (much respect to christina!) is an indescribable feeling. to be acknowledged as a professional in that matter is incredible. to not just feel like, but to know that i am damn good at what i love to do is the greatest thing in the world. the race was close... at least between chas (sf) and i. i could've very well taken 2nd on a different day. regardless, i came out with it. the cuttin' crew cleaning up at velo city the weekend before made me all the more ready to keep chicago's streak going. we've got some fast people here. the rest of the world is finding that out.

8.how much longer do you see yourself doing this?

honestly? as long as there is an industry to pay me, i'll be out there on my bike. for the first time in my life, i feel really proud of what i do. i've never been able to consider myself a professional at anything. but i feel like i can say that now. this has become so much more to me than just a job, its who i am. i can't escape it. i was made for this. in ten years i'll be here. as fast as i am today.

pic by chriiistina...

9.favorite beverage?

coffee. i drink ten thousand cups a day. there is no greater joy than riding with a cup of coffee in hand and a belly full of boston cremes. thats how i knock out my first five everyday.

10.advice for rookie-rookies...ha!

its always important to stay humble. there's always going to be somebody with some tall talk, and most of the time talk is all it is. and besides, when you are putting your body in danger day in and day out, you have to stay humble or you can get yourself into serious trouble.

there you have it folks...a rookie who finds himself hooked. happens to the best of us. "in ten years i'll be here. as fast as i am today"...i have a feeling you'll be getting faster kid. congratulations on winning the naccc's this year. as some of you know...it has become somewhat customary to give winners tickets to the worlds for the following year...this year was a bit different. that being said...some cats have set up a fundraiser to send nico along with christina to the worlds in guatemala...don't hesitate to donate what you can. messengers don't make much and the industry is hurting big...any help would be greatly appreciated. congrats again nico...see you around...peace.

they do it big across the way...

this past weekend was the the triCMC'09. from the looks of things...everything went great. our brothers and sisters across the way know how to put on an event. check it...

pics by dom...check the set here...

pic by gianfett2...check the polo set here...

pic by obst&gemüse...check the set here...

polo, sprints, main race, and the usual along with some crazy naked check points...ha! if you're interested...check the results here. don't skip on the pics and the press video...



i can't understand a word they say but the course looks awesome. tunnels, tracks, stairs, parking structures...these kids did it right. sh*t...im impressed as h*ll with the whole event and i wasn't even there. i can only imagine...do yourself a favor and download the brochure of the event on their main page. these cats were beyond organized. kudos to the organizers and congratulations to the winners...peace.

it was that kind of day...

first i hear about a wheel being stolen with someone on camera. then i get a text around 1030pm about a friend of a friends pedi-cab got stolen. then i wake up to find out my fellow bike dispatcher, scott, had his front wheel stolen also. damn!! what the h*ll was going on yesterday?! they were out in full force.

in any case, i got some info to share...



i got a flyer from the pedi-cab incident...

300.oo reward
call: ken 512.584.9233 or matt 720.318.9899
the pedicab wass taken from the alley behind quenchers saloon on the corner of fullerton and westrn between 1115am and 1230pm. monday, august 10th.
no questions will be asked.

there was a witness for the pedicab...supposedly it was a white guy with a beard about 6 foot or so. if you see him...run! cause that dude sounds huge...ha! as far as scott's front wheel...it was just some stock wheel that came with his bike. black on black...deep v rim. stolen at the streetside cafe on armitage and kedzie last night. i doubt we'll get that back so this is just a warning about that area...watch and lock up tight in that area.

now...i don't want this blog to turn into a stolen bikes blog. that being said...i will post for friends every now and then. hopefully this trend will slow down and stop. if it doesn't stop...i really hope it slows up...peace.

no harm, no foul?

news spreads around fast through the courier industry. unfortunately, im stuck behind a desk so i didn't get word of this till late in the day...in any case, a wheel was stolen and the person was caught on tape...

i see a wheel...im gonna go get a wheel...i got a wheel...boom!

the wheel stolen was not from another courier. it was from one of the cats responsible for setting up the bff in chicago this year. im not saying no harm, no foul...all im saying is that the proper info was provided to the person who's wheel was stolen and it's up to him what happens next. messengers in chicago are a strong community with a few rotten apples just like any other community. what messengers want people to take away from this is that couriers will stand up against those who make us/them look bad. we don't want any bad blood and want to feel welcomed at all events in chicago. no need for stigma's or generalizations...sh*t happens. just know...we're family. not all messengers are bad we just have a few uncle's we rather not talk about...peace.

i love this city...

chicago just has some great people. i can't get over how much i love this city. as some of you know...winners of the naccc's have been given the prize of attending the worlds in the past. the winners of this year would have received tickets to go to guatemala in 2010. unfortunately, boston could not make that happen. they made the race free which prevented them from raising enough loot to purchase tickets for the winners...christina and nico of chicago. it wasn't written in stone that this should happen but...well, some people believe it should have.

whats the point im getting at? a fundraiser has been set up...

It's a quasi-tradition that the winners of the North American Cycle Courier Championships get tickets to the Cycle Messenger World Championships. In 2009, Boston's NACCCs didn't charge an entry fee, thus having no funds available to furnish tickets. In 2010, the CMWCs will be in Panajachel, Guatemala. We'd like to send the winners of the 2009 NACCCs, Christina and Nico (both from Chicago) to Panajachel, Guatemala via Guatemala City. We're hoping that there are enough people out there impressed enough by their results to chip in.

Currently, tickets are approximately $350-450 roundtrip. The $1600 goal represents tickets, possible fluctuation, baggage fees and probably some bribery money for the local federales.

don't be afraid to donate. christina is the first female to win the naccc's overall and nico is a rookie who came in 1st male, 2nd overall. thats pretty impressive if you ask me. thank you to chris from half-acre for setting this up. it is greatly appreciated. not only from christina and nico but from the messenger community...peace.

joyride...

during the week for chicago's turn at the bff there will be an art show...joyride.

click on image(s) to enlarge...

at this event christopher dilts will be displaying images of his cycling related photos. the man has been good to messengers over the years so there is no doubt in my mind that he will be showing many messenger pics. i know he doesn't need this plug but i figured i would throw some love his way for helping the industry/culture have a voice through pictures. check chris out along with other artists at joyride...peace.

forgive my personal moments...

can you see him? look at him acting a fool...upside down and sh*t. the minute the doctor lady put the machine on my wife's stomach i saw him. there he was, moving all over the place..."your baby is really active". he would open and close his mouth...kick the sh*t out of my wife as if to say..."stop taking pics of me". i was left there speechless...his heart beating a million miles per minute..."everything seems fine", the doctor says. i could have sat there all day long watching him. btw...have i mentioned it's a boy!! i never thought i would be one of those people that posts about his personal life but all i want to do is yell at the top of my lungs how much i LOVE MY WIFE and how much i can't wait till i hold "wolf granville saravia". God i hope im half the father my pops was/is but that's a whole other personal moment...peace.

interview...

im very happy to present to you cats adam clark. he's an ex-messenger and i thought it would be nice perspective to have. you know...someone who has done the work and has moved on. he's got alot of great info and knowledge...presenting...

pic by christopher dilts...

1.why did you decide to messenger?

Oh boy, bear with me here, as I explain the events leading to that decision. Before I moved to Chicago, I was living in Madison, WI working at Whole Foods Market, a bike shop and a bar on the east side. I broke up a relationship that was just not going right. It was an interesting chapter in my life. I was definately busy. I read a lot, biked everywhere, felt kind of like a buddhist or something. My head was completely shaved. I don't know what that has anything to do with anything, but... anyway, my friend started messengering in Chicago about the time of 9/11 and told me some stories about his days on his Spaulding Blade. A bit later, I read Travis Culley's book, the Immortal Class. So, my friend and that book planted the seeds of thought in becoming one myself. I had met Chicago-based friends during my time at the Whole Foods in Madison. A close friend and co-worker at the time, moved back to Chicago and offered me his Leadership job in the Produce dept. So, I started working harder, longer hours here. I visited Chicago a lot during the next year- the place was really growing on me. Soon, I moved to the great land myself, packed up everything, mostly being bike crap in the uhaul and moved to Humbolt Park. I transfered from my Madison store to the Gold Coast store downtown. I was a slave working for Whole Foods. I actually took a demotion to work the close shift at the store. One day, they decided they were going to punish me, by writing me up for not stacking lemons high enough. That kind of made it easy to say, " Fuck You!" It was like jumping on the other train going another way. My friend was messengering, and it seemed sweet to get paid for riding your bike. I researched messenger companies on line and found a bundle of information on being a messenger in Chicago. Mmm...I don't think I answered this question yet. Well, all I can say that deciding to start messengering was a very wise decision, as it opened up all kinds of avenues for adventures learned from for sure.


2.when did you start? has the time been on/off or straight?

I saddled up Dec. of 2003. at Apex courier. quit there summer of '04, went to On The Fly, worked almost a year there, then went down the street to Dynamex for another year. I quit couriering, went out to bicycle mechanic school out in Oregon to polish up some skills to help my friend and mentor, UV resurrect blackstone in Hyde Park. This didn't pan out, so I was asked to deliver subs for Bari, a great Italian sandwich place on Grand Ave. I Delivered there for two years, then quit and went on over to courier again in the summer of of '07 for Service First, which was definitely my favorite spot.

3.what bike did you start on? what do you ride today?

I started out riding my fixed Surly Steamroller with a front canti brake set up and bull horns. I miss the days flying around on that bike. Felt real solid on the streets. Currently, I mainly ride a inexpensive, steel Giant mountain bike that I painted safety green. I got a rack and panniers on this baby, with XT thumbies and super plush XT v's!

4.you've seen a few come and go...any stick out in your mind?

Oh yeah. Slow Jim! I met him at the Thompson Center cause I needed to fix my flat, and I didn't even have a 15 in my bag. He had this crazy little multi-tool that saved the day. I always loved talking with this dude. He was very nice and cursed a shit ton, but he helped me out. Oh,, and Anthony "T-bone" He was a bad-ass and looked like he could flip a bus over if he got pissed. He was just so smooth. I really miss George Alvarez. We would talk at the can all the time. Manny from OTF and...205 the driver, Man, I remember You! and your crazy low front end lurking through the snow...Ha! There's so many though. you know... 86 Tony and the whole OTF crew a few summers ago. Blunt man, Deathmetal Pete, and Bobcat. I can't just name one, we're all family!

pic from the cuttin'crew...

5.since you started...what changes have you noticed for the industry? what changes would you like to see?

Obviously respect. Seems like it just keeps going down and down, but I've been out of the loop a bit and don't know what's happening currently with things. It's a crazy machine, downtown, I wish everyone got along, just worked more smoothly. I guess it's always up and down. Some days you're a super hero, then the next you're scum. Messengers are such unique people, the times we would talk in elevators, through the days are golden moments, you know. Those are the times I'll never forget. I may be the wrong person to ask this question, because I can't think of another concrete specific thing that I want to see change, other than the respect thing, but one could say this about all kinds of jobs. Definitely higher wages too. FourStar did the only thing possible to make it better, I believe. They started doing it themselves, running it, that way there's only your clients to listen to. I would love to keep seeing companies like this start up. It's hard work, but it wouldn't be honest if it wasn't hard, you know.

6.greatest day messengering...worst?

Well, you had to ask. The worst day was when I saw someone stabbed to death. It was nuts, I witnessed the whole thing, right there on Dearborn, just south of Chicago Ave at a bus stop. I called 911 and watched Tony, who was 24 years old drop in front of me, and died right there. I don't know why I had to see this. It was a split second decision to drop at the law firm at 745 N. dearborn instead of going to my 833 N. Dearborn drop first. I was holding a lot of packages and the way I would do things would be to hit stuff on the way, I hated back-tracking. On a more positive note, the greatest day was when the whole OTF came to my rescue after a run in with a cab. Open channel is sweet, it connects everyone, it's the best way to communicate between your family. I had a 50lber on the handlebars, going from 200 W. Adams to 300 south wacker. It paid me almost 70 bucks or something. I was cruising west on Adams when I got smooshed between two cabs, and lost my momentum. I knocked a side mirror back, and caused the driver to get out and grab my arm. He was saying crazy things to me about sparing my life and other nonsense. Well, I couldn't move. The guy wouldn't let me go, I was making it seem bad and started screaming, and no one stopped to wonder what the hell was going on, so I just hit the button and told everyone and they came riding to the rescue! It was such an uplifting feeling to see everyone drop what they were doing to help out the situation. Remember Roosevelt? This guy looked like the predator. A real nice person, that would listen to you. The cabby took one look at him and let me and my package go. It brought goose bumps to my arms and made me feel like I was part of something awesome.

7.what kind of projects keep you busy nowadays? what kind of work do you do currently?

I just launched my business called Pedal To The People. It is a full service, mobile bike shop. I made this trailer to haul two bikes and all my tools behind that green bike I mentioned earlier. I've really enjoyed learning how to weld. I've got some fabricating projects I'm working on now, including a tandem-trike for burning man, and some custom computer brackets for a hospital. I've been busy making the website for my business too. I picked up the trumpet for the first time since marching band days in middle school, a little over a year ago too. Music has been a whole other trip in it's self. I've really fallen in love with it again. I play with some really amazing people. We are called Environmental Encroachment. Check us out sometime. We'll be in Wrigleyville at the end of this week, playing on the streets. Dos Equis hired us to play for an event. Hopefully, we inspire you! Also, I hope this business works...Did you say you needed a brake adjust??? Basically, Chicago has been good to me, blessing me with so many opportunities I couldn't turn down. I've met the most amazing people here too. I've taken a bit of a break from the Cuttin' Crew race team to start Pedal To The People. I have this dream of making metal sculptures of bike messengers in the loop, crazy uh...

don't sleep on pedal to the people...

8.do you think you'll come back?

I don't plan on it. I've learned so much from being a courier. No disrepect, but my life is leading me away from that type of work right now. I feel like I need to contribute to life in different ways. For me, I need to continue learning and discovering, starting Pedal To The People is about that discovery.

9.advice for rookie-rookies...

Just listen to your heart and do the right thing. Never stop learning and stay positive. Realize how free your spirit is on the bike and love everybody out there. You're all in it together. Something I never did and still look up to people that do, are to keep the culture alive! You're doing it yourself, man! and godbless you.

thanks for the good words...i realized after the interview that i only provided adam with 9 questions and not my usual 10...f*ck! i owe you a question adam...my apologies. great interview. i can't believe you f*cking witnessed someone getting stabbed dead in front of you!! asking you what changes need to get done was a right choice...respect! it sounds so simple but all this industry needs is some respect...from all sides. i love hearing the stories of messengers coming to the aid of other messengers. t-bone used to say..."even if i don't like the guy and he's a messenger in trouble...im helping him out". thanks for the interview adam...it is much appreciated. good luck in your new adventure. pedal to the people sounds like a great project. do you make trips to the burbs? i might have to hit you up sometime soon...peace.

who's next?

as some of you may know...this years naccc's went down in boston. it was on an open course as opposed to a closed course. the ifbma was pressured by many to take charge and take a stance...would it be considered a championship?



now...because it is not sanctioned by the ifbma what does that mean? i have no idea. was it really a championship? i have no idea. what i do know is that boston had over 300 registered, no one was arrested, and no one was injured. since it went without a hitch does that mean that we, as a community, can acknowledge it as a championship? eh...it is what it is. what is known is that christina and nico from chicago got 1st and 2nd. well...christina came from the west but after a winter here she becomes chicago all day...ha! good job to nico for coming in 2nd...

check out more pics here...

now...to other matters. apparently the open forum did not have a high attendance. no one really bid for next year and the two year bid'n system is not really in place yet. all that being said...i hear through the grapevine that atlanta wants to take a stab at hosting the naccc's. georgia holds a special spot in my heart and i, personally, hope this does happen...peace.



EDIT: apparently indianapolis and austin are in the mix to host. while i would love for indi to host cause it's close to home and austin cause i know they got some crazy as* messengers...i still hope atlanta gets the final bid...peace.

i don't think you kids understand...

the results are in...your overall winner...



christina peck of the chicago cuttin'crew simply dominated. she destroyed the field. whether you consider this years naccc's a championship or not you cannot take away from what christina has done. not only that, she killed it on the r1 fun ride presented by squid and friends...

Day 1: 104 Miles

Stephen/Yatika Road 6hr 33min
Chas/Liam Fixed 7hr 23 min
Christina Fixed w/brake 7hr 40 min

Day 2: 74 Miles

Stephen/Chas 3hr 45 min
Christina 4hr 44min

Day 3: 42 Miles

Stephen/Yatika/Chas 2hr 17min
Christina 2hr 42min

TOTAL: 220 Miles

Stephen 12hr 35min Average Speed: 17.8mph

Chas 13hr 25min Average Speed: 16.6mph

Christina 15hr 06min Average Speed: 14.6mph

holy hot sh*t!! this lady is no joke. alot of drama went down before the naccc's even happened but it sounds like boston came through in the end? eh...we'll discuss that at a later date...for now it's all about christina...CONGRATULATIONS!!



...peace.

bff...chicago...'09...

click on image to enlarge...

don't miss out kids. this year chicago has been hard at work and have supplied us with a great way to spend the weekend. thank you to andrew and friends for creating such a great event...

click on image to enlarge...

these posters will be screen printed so don't skip out on trying to get your hands on these limited editions. get your tickets for all the madness here. see you all around town...peace.