Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I'd like to mess for a summer in DC

Really, how does one go about doing so? I'm thinking about spending my summer messing in DC before I start college in the fall. I've spent enough time in DC (and not just as a "tourist" either) that I'm fairly confident in my knowledge of the streets to start, and I'm very good at committing a map to memory. I've got a place I could probably stay (family friend), and I've got plenty of experience in traffic. Messing is just something I've always wanted to try out, and between high school and college, I'll have the least commitments. Does anyone have any experience in doing something like this?

Sorry SSFG, but I don't plan on riding fixed. I like being able to coast in traffic.:o

i think you just have to show up

Really, how does one go about doing so? I'm thinking about spending my summer messing in DC before I start college in the fall. I've spent enough time in DC (and not just as a "tourist" either) that I'm fairly confident in my knowledge of the streets to start, and I'm very good at committing a map to memory. I've got a place I could probably stay (family friend), and I've got plenty of experience in traffic. Messing is just something I've always wanted to try out, and between high school and college, I'll have the least commitments. Does anyone have any experience in doing something like this?

Sorry SSFG, but I don't plan on riding fixed. I like being able to coast in traffic.:o

Maybe contact one of the courier companies that employ bicycle messengers in the DC area. Then, maybe ask them "What do I have to do to start "messing" for you in DC?"

They will probably lol with you.

i think you just have to show up

No resumes, riding tests, anything? Just show up and say "I wanna work for you guys and I can ride a bike pretty well"?

you're going to have to fill out an application. then you're probably going to have to wait in some sort of a list, unless they are short handed or just want a lot of riders. usually the first week is your riding test. they will understand how well you know the city, how well you can handle the work, ect ect.

be prepared to take a written test if you go to one of the better companies. questions will be like where is DOJ? name the 3 house buildings? Name the 3 senate buildings. Where does the packages to the white house get dropped off at? whats the quickest route from 38th and T NW to the Capitol? etc.
Summer months in DC are SSlllooowwww. Be prepared to not get much work because the good jobs will go the vets who have been around for years. Be prepared to catch flack from security guards, bus drivers that don't pay attention, cabs that WILL cut you off and try to nudge you off the road.
Bonus points if you have a clean record. If so get a pass issued from the Capitol Hill Police so that you can make deliveries inside the house/senate/capitol buildings, otherwise they go to the main trailer. Do you know how to do to court filings? get stuff certified at the State dept? Notary Dept? Theres a lot to consider......its not just in and out office buildings all day.

Sign up for dcfixed.com and ask them.

http://dcbca.org/

theres a forum there. ask away.

I'm with DCFIXED. messed in DC for 6 years straight from '90-'96. On/off again since then. Currently I mess and manage at a company.