Control Box - Moving Target Forum

Interview with the vam... er... Andrew Bernard.

Count Basie — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:01:49 +0000

Jesus! It's busy!
I was informed that my name was being taken in vain on another thread, so I popped in.
I may well be making a lengthy contribution to the other thread later, but I've been so rushed off my feet that I haven't had time to loaf in Internet Cafes composing it to my satisfaction. Anyone would think I was working for a top firm like City Sprint.
Anyhow, without further ado, I'm posting an article based on an interview with Mr. Andrew Bernard earlier this year. The interview never saw the light of day as Mr. Bernard requested some editorial alterations before publication.
It's 2,200 words long, so I'll be cutting and pasting it in bits.
I'm sure you'll all find it as interesting at Mr. Patton's offerings.

R.I.P Young Josh

overdrive — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 10:42:56 +0000

Young Josh,who used to ride for Clockwork, has taken his own life.He was 23.I don't know why he did it but I know he had some problems that he was quite open about.I first met him when I was organising an alleycat outside the Duke.Him and his mate came up to me and said,"We'd like to race but we're Fakengers!"I told them it didn't matter so they raced,enjoyed it and a few weeks later Josh became a bike courier.

Josh was likable though sometimes distant,he was a decent courier and the last time I spoke to him,quite recently, we had a good laugh swapping stories of incidents we'd had on the road.This is pretty hard to take at the moment,he was so young.

My sympathies to his family and friends.

R.I.P mate.

Silly commuting racing

chewy — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:23:19 +0000

Yo, does anyone know about this?.....now i know about this, no prisoners!

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12575770&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=silly+commuting+racing&start=0

How well do I need to know Central London before applying? Do they check?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:52:19 +0000

Hi! New here... Considering doing the job over the summer. Do you think it's reasonable to try to do it for only the three months I'll be London for over the summer? How well do I need to know central London? Any areas I should concentrate on learning? Would some form of GPS system be of any use? I know central London vaguely well. I know roughly where everything is, but I don't know many road names, or things like which bridge is where etc. Any tips/ideas?

How much do you really make? (Be Honest)

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:51:51 +0000

Ok, its my first post, I'm a virgin.
I have tried to set up a forum just to talk about real shit and not the last alley cat in Japan or the new bx23-zzbullshit titanium frame.
But even with the help of some kind souls (Thanks to the nice French bloke and my beloved computer wizard girlfriend) nothing is happening, so I want to bring the discussion here.

SO... HOW MUCH DO YOU EARN (or how hard have you been fucked lately)?
lets break it down like this.

- How much for minimum?
- How much for special?
- Any Bonuses?
- Do you have a Weekly minimum guarantee?
- How much do you pay for Equipment rental?
- How many hours (ie. I do 9am/18pm 45h per week / Lunch Break?/Pause?).
(dont forget, sometimes you finish 30mn/ 1h after your finishing time)

- Most Important, How much do you get per week (Average / Bad Week / Good Week)

- What is your Company?
- Did your company change your rates (Increase or Decrease)? When?
Any comment ?

The earning might differ a lot even in the same company for a lots of reason (you are real good or real lame, your controller love or hate you, etc).

COME ON, HAVE SOME (CHOCOLATE SALTY) BALLS, WE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A REAL JOB NOT A HOBBY, SO LETS TALK ABOUT THE REAL ISSUE.
ANYONE ?

Alleycat 31st May!

overdrive — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:06:51 +0000

Yes,London couriers still race alleycats!There hasn't been one for while,think this is the first one this year,this will be a very special fundraiser.It'll be old school,point to point with an awesome prize fund,sponsored by Condor,Oak frames,Kinoko,House of Pistard,Fullcity and the LCEF.There will be flyers given out to every rider we see working over the next couple of weeks.
See you on the road man!

I don't need no Speed

signor — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:28:51 +0000

It made me lolz

Move to Manchester=find another job?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:32:47 +0000

Family commitments force me into leaving the capital for Manchester. I was hoping to carry on couriering there and on my odd visits I have seen a few pushies flying around but a search for Manchester on these forums suggests the tiny circuit is well guarded by a couple of dedicated indies and a couple of companies who are never looking for new riders.

I am thinking of doing some off work for some friends of friends who work for businesses in the Prestwich/Cheetham area who need some stuff shifted into town and back and build from that. I can use this time to try and build a client base or settle in and start looking for another job. Anyway I'll have a few weeks to ride my bike around the city regardless of what I end up doing.

I left Manchester as a teenager and have only occasionally gone back to meet friends so I'll be learning all the streets anew.
So, a question for Manchester couriers; obviously postcodes are useless for navigating so how would you break down the M60 bounded area when learning the streets? I take it key areas are Salford Quays/Mediacity, Spinningfields, Trafford and Fallowfield? I am just assuming as these are the most recognisable business/creative districts and the DX depot is in Trafford Park?

I'm bracing myself for the "don't even thing about it/give it up/is this a pisstake?" responses but a few helpful pointers from anyone that managed to work in this city would be much appreciated.

cheers

Bicycle Beats - Fundraising Party for Urban Birds (short doc about Stephanie, Apryl and Ale )

Marigold — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:11:37 +0000

Just a little shout out about our event BICYCLE BEATS on Thursday 25th April at Passing Clouds. Beats from Globoloco Sounds and live performance installation with Ishbel and I will be upstairs, downstairs - the beautiful tones of Saharan singer Aziza Brahim and the musical magic of Tumbaito Latin Jim sessions will be filling the air, while outside, your wheels can be re-filled with air as the brilliant Nik from Look Mum No Hands - weaves some bike maintenance-based magic. Tenuous that. £5 advance tickets now available - https://www.facebook.com/events/492092977506572/ . Do come along if you can. Marigold and Gemma x

Human-powered

MickMack — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:59:56 +0000

Hi all,

my name is Mick. I'm a sole trader involved in Cycle Logistics in Bristol - see more here: http://federation.cyclelogistics.eu/ - and I'd like to start a campaign amongst the cycling fraternity to STOP! using the term 'pedal-powered'. Pedals are a piece of metal located at the end of the crank that the rider places their feet on to turn the drive chain/belt to push the cycle forward - or in reverse if you're one of those fancy fixie stunt riders - pedals do not, I repeat not, power the cycle at any point in the process.
Humans are the only source of power on cycles - unless one has some kind of power assist - and are fuelled by... use your imagination, just don't listen to Lance Armstrong. It's important in a reasonable, pedantic sort of way because it gives the impression that the cycle machine is in charge and doing the work and the rider is merely a passive interloper. Here's where I do agree with LA, It's not about the bike. We all love our bikes, I hope, regardless of where we are with them, Road, Track, Off-road, whether racing, leisure, commuting or like me and many others working - hello all the cycle courier massive - with our bikes. We put the energy in and get more than the functionality of the bike out. Let's celebrate our cycling and ourselves as the source of power that allows the symbiosis - poetical license if strictly unscientific here - to make this relationship more than a piece of metal/carbon/wood etc and rubber.
Let's try using Human-powered at all times and remember who and what we are. Thanks.

Wanted: Interesting looking cycle couriers for photography project

steveru1974 — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:44:18 +0000

Hi,

I'd like to hear from any cycle couriers who would be interested in a free photo portrait session. I'm planning a personal project where I pull together a selection of portraits of cycle couriers.

If you could send a photo of yourself and let me know when you're available then that would be great. I'll then arrange an informal portrait session with you and afterwards I'll send you a selection of full resolution photos that you can use as you please.

Take care,
Steve.

steverutherford@gmail.com
www.steverutherford.co.uk

want to start work as a bike messenger in Liverpool, but where to start?????

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:35:10 +0000

i've been searching for work in Liverpool for a while now with no luck! i've contacted companies and so on but theirs not much there... I've also thought about going independent but have no clue where to start D:
anybody give me some advice or a push in the right direction.

all appreciated :)

a question for geared riders

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 22:51:23 +0000

How often do you change your cogs/chain?

I started this job on my touring bike back in September and quickly realised I was fucking up the components (it survived 1 month roundtrip to spain but less than a month in London almost destroyed it!). I bought a cheapo fixed but lent that t someone who destroyed it in a collision so now I'm on my backup hybrid.

I bought a new chain/cassette setup and after a month it's starting to skip/grind and looks like it's on its way out.

I've read/heard from others that if you're working every day on a geared setup you're looking at replacing the cassette and chain every 2 months? That's effectively a tax of 60 quid every 2 months?

Would it be worth getting one of those singlespeed conversion jobbies? What is the most durable singlespeed kit/tensioner? Or would the use of a 9 speed thin chain still be the weak link in this setup?

cheers!

First week work

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:23:18 +0000

Hello.

So I started working over at ADL this monday, and I think they offer a pretty average commission (about £3.00 a run), but I've noticed that I'm waiting on empty about half of the time. I know as the new guy that I'm not exactly going to be their go-to guy for quick runs, but I spent about 3-4 hours empty today, and probably about the same yesterday.

My question is: I know ADL are a small outfit with only about 3 couriers (4 including me now), so is it likely that they just don't have the business to send to me? And am I more likely to get more at one of the bigger groups (CitySprit for example).

Like I said, I know I'm the new guy, and I actually appreciate the opportunity to work anywhere really. But I still have to eat sometimes.

Elite pushbike fleet at 3D couriers

overdrive — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:43:29 +0000

Bumped into 3D's latest new rider today.Seems like they finally have a crew of decent riders on their circuit.Kieran and Spoony are there too.I should've stayed there really,they're one the very few decent firms that don't go out of their way to treat their riders like shit.Ride on guys!

Creative Couriers looking for cargo bike rider, once again

Buffalo_Bill — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:22:05 +0000

If you're interested, call Rego 020 7612 4040, or pop in to 9/11 Northburgh Street EC1.

Experienced cycle courier needed for short film!

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 07:55:49 +0000

Hi guys and girls,

I'm an assistant producer working with an independent director based in London, and we're shooting a short film in February.

I'm looking for an experienced, enthusiastic cycle courier who loves the job, for what will be approximately one weeks shooting throughout London (possibly less). The role is pro bono, however I wouldn't expect any of you to forgo your regular paid work to contribute for a film for someone you've never heard of! That's why we've engineered this so that the vast majority of shooting will simply involve following you going about your daily routes and responsibilities, without disrupting your routine.

The concept is essentially a 'slice of life'/expose on life as a cycle courier, beautifully shot, to be posted on Vimeo. We will get some really nice shots of you going about your deliveries, riding alongside in a car where we can, and add a human element by shooting an interview at the start and end of the week, where we find out a little bit about why you do what you do, and what you enjoy, as well as showcasing just how hard you guys work and how far you have to cycle! We're not looking to send any profound hollywood message here, just a cool insight into your profession, with a bit of human edge.

So if anyone is keen to find out more, please contact Dan at daniel@connectedpictures.com, or you can reach my mobile on 07867417550.

It should be good fun, hope to hear from some of you soon.

All the best,

Dan Garcia

Shitty Skint make a boo boo

pornomike — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:20:09 +0000

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/courts-in-chaos-as-delivery-of-legal-papers-is-privatised-7854601.html
:cheer:

Any tips on preventing a sore ass?

ZeroEmissionsEdition — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:18:13 +0000

Now I'm not kidding.... I'm sure some of the veteran couriers have got some tips on how to prevent a sore ass, aside from the obvious; wash every day, cotton boxers, stop taking it up the ass from shitty companies.

Today I made the mistake of wearing a pair of padded shorts without underwear. At about four o clock my ass cheeks started to burn. By 7 I could no longer sit in the saddle OR walk.

Seeking Bike Messengers for Music Video

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:54:45 +0000

Hello Bike Messengers!

I am an independent film producer/director who is currently developing a Music Video. The story aspect of the video will consist of a fast passed scene following a single bike messenger through tight London streets.

The video essentially has no budget, but we're able to get all the crew, and equipment we need for free, so all we need is a couple of really talented, experienced, bike messengers to feature in the film, and help us shoot it.

I am afraid we are unable to pay, but it should be a lot of fun, and you'll feature in some great looking footage and a fantastic music video.

If you're interested in getting involved or hearing more please get in touch!

All the best,

Alasdair Mitchell

Executive Producer
Breaking Ground Films

Cycleguard insurance: Avoid them

Bread Pedaler — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:24:11 +0000

Apex cycles on clapham high street (just a bit further on from Brixton). i get all my repairs done for free cos the guys there are legends, especially rick. + i think i've spent around three grand there as i've been going there since i was a wee lad.

Cycle courier-friendly accountants

burningbobble — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 11:37:21 +0000

It's coming to that time of year where HMRC greases up a rusty pipe to stick it up my backside, so I was wondering if anyone knows of any accountants that know their way around the courier business in London or the interweb? I winged my way through a tax return last year, but looking back on an old discussion here about listing mileage as a cost I'm pretty sure HMRC are having more out of me than they have to.

Alternatively, if people want to throw in their two penneth and educate me on this, I might just wing it again. How much do they even cost? Worth it?

erectile dysfunction.. saddle induced limp dick

mididoctors — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:10:46 +0000

Ok has anyone suffered from saddle induced erectile dysfunction.... or even numbness in your nads and /or cock.

there is a buzz on the internet that riding a bike knackers your dick

true or false?

anyone

Boris
London

Spare/Unwanted tickets for Line of Sight at BFF Friday?

Marigold — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:51:21 +0000

Stupidly i have left buying tickets for Line of Sight at the BFF very late and I have only managed to be one (the last available one) out of the four that I wanted to get. Just wondered if anyone has any unwanted/spare tickets that I could buy?! Would be super grateful. Thanks :-)

Air Call - is it a decent company?

princeofnw10 — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:15:30 +0000

I haven't found anything about Air Call in the forum. I'm supposed to have an interview with Greg or Eddie at Air Call in Fulham. Do you have any info/comments regarding this?

I just don't want to waste time attending the interview if it's scam or they treat people bad or they're not serious. It's not like a NEED a courier job, I WANT one, with a decent company. I'm leaving a dead end 40k banking job I can't deal with shit companies.
Oh, they told me to bring passport, national insurance number, proof of address and a PEN.
Dude........

I thought I had reired?

Kirk-from-Alaska — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:19:46 +0000

And this shows up in my in box for flick.

You are now an administrator of Messenger Town

The last administrator of Messenger Town has left the group and you have been made into an administrator. This is because you are the longest serving member of the group. Well done :)

Can't imbed this but that's what I was playing when the message came in.http://youtu.be/xSHYlSxQyJM

Superkid's stag night alleycat 21st Sept

overdrive — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:53:14 +0000

Robin Watts AKA Superkid is tying the knot on 29th September and to celebrate this we are gonna
race and then get twazzled at some poor buggers drinking establishment.We have no idea how this will happen but make a note of it,it's a friday and it involves beer,bikes and Superkid.I ask ya,what more could you want?
We will have a short alleycat then a street keirin in a square somewhere north but not too far north.
Meet to be confirmed but definitely happening this Friday!

Rider Down-Buffalo Bill

overdrive — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:15:40 +0000

Saw him shoving a pensioner out the way as he hobbled onto a bus this morning.He has broken his foot and using crutches,not sure how he did it but rumour has it he kicked some poor fucker in the head.