Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - research paper on mesenger culture

hey guys. im doin an ethnography for english composition on bike messenger culture. and since i have no vehicle and the closest city is,well to far to ride to, i was wondering if any of you messenger types could give me some insight into the world of messengering. thanx a bundle austin

first rule of messenger club...

hahaha

The Immortal Class (http://archive.salon.com/books/review/2001/04/10/culley/) is a good read.

There's a messenger that goes by the handle horndude (http://forums.bicycling.com/bic/profile.jsp?user=176) at bicycling.com forums. He has a good perspective on things, but he's a busy guy you may have to be patient.

Other good info:
Rebecca (Lambchop) Reilly's "Nerves of Steel"

http://www.messengers.org
http://www.chicagomessengers.org/

and various other Messer sites (try using google.com)

first rule of messenger club...

make soap out of derailers and extra chain links

Mayo had a plan....

make soap out of derailers and extra chain links

Mayo had a plan....
that soap would suck...you'd scrape the **** out of your skin. Oh wait, that's the basic principle behind soap...

messengers have no culture.

neither do yuppies who ride their $1500 bikes only on the weekends.

Ooh, BUUUURRRNNN!!!

Ooh, BUUUURRRNNN!!!

Is there culture in joblessness and siting on the computer all day taking pot shots at the employed?

In case anyone wonders what I mean:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=40815&highlight=Dave+Stohler

sorry to interupt but does anyone have any info, stories, etc? if you are a mesanger can u briefly describe the courier community?

Hey Ectoplasm
What's wrong with what has been provided? Those books/URLs are a great place to start. Do a little research. Dig. Get your pen out and dig.

dang son i was just asking a question! and i have been doing research i was just asking for any couriers input to add to what i already have but thanx anyways for wut u have provided it was helpful. austin

sorry to interupt but does anyone have any info, stories, etc? if you are a mesanger can u briefly describe the courier community?

RTFM.

Ooh, BUUUURRRNNN!!!

i believe you mean:

"Ooh, <font size=8 color=red>BUUUUUURRRRRRRNNNN!!!!!</FONT>

EDIT: omfg!!! html NOT ENABLED!?!?!?! grrrrrr.

if you get a chance watch "Red Light Go". http://www.redlightgo.ws/ at least half the people in it ended up competing at worlds this year.

dang son
Yes. I am your son.

EDIT: omfg!!! html NOT ENABLED!?!?!?! grrrrrr.

Sorry, they only go up to 7. OTOH, my amp goes to 11....

spinal tap fan? thanx alexs fer the link to red light go looks like a tight movie.

dang son i was just asking a question! and i have been doing research i was just asking for any couriers input to add to what i already have but thanx anyways for wut u have provided it was helpful. austin

wel boy ill jus shizzle this by sayin don hate the rider hate the bike....

AIYDLIKMA

Yes. I am your son.

Evolution, defined.

does anyone know if they are goin to have copies of that mnovie available or are they just going to play it at festivals. i checked the site but didnt find anything but i will check again. austin

wouldn't a research paper based on movies and books really be about the movies and books, not about messenger culture?

if you want to ask bike messengers questions, go ahead and post some questions and someone might answer... but there are not that many messengers on this board.

wouldn't a research paper based on movies and books really be about the movies and books, not about messenger culture?

if you want to ask bike messengers questions, go ahead and post some questions and someone might answer... but there are not that many messengers on this board.
I deliver messages all day.

In fact, only two minutes ago, I delivered someone a message that they were a complete moron.

wouldn't a research paper based on movies and books really be about the movies and books, not about messenger culture?

if you want to ask bike messengers questions, go ahead and post some questions and someone might answer... but there are not that many messengers on this board.

*shrug* nerves of steel is a collection of interviews and stories written by messengers about their lives, edited by the (in)famous lambchop. it should probably be required reading for anyone doing any serious research on messengers.

parts of red light go are interviews with messengers, which would make good primary sources for a research paper.

165-48:17 suggested visiting www.messengers.org. they host the IFBMA mailing list, a bunch of messenger resources, etc. that would be the right place to ask questions. of course, you'll probably get flamed off the list, but...

if i can get a ride i might go to columbus this weekend and see if i can talk to anyone. the site that 165-48:17 suggested has a few of the local hangouts for messengers in that area. so we'll see what happens. austin

Ummm....Columbus? And on the weekend?

yah, columbus has a few messengers.

but dave's right that you probably won't find many messengers hanging out on weekends... those places sound like the package-swap, waiting on a run, hang out spots during the work day. however, you might get lucky and run into someone who can point you towards a bar or two.

aight cool. i could go to cinci too. im right in the middle of both

Let me know if you find any messengers in Cinci.

hafta see if i can get a ride first and even if i do i gotsta find them and like others said weekends arent the best i suppose but ill see if i can