I delivered the Ann Arbor News from about 79 to-about Feb of 84.
rusty old junker the first year, after a bit my dad got me a Japanese Mixte (I think it was a miyata). That thing was awesome and fast and it was easier to maneuver my canvas bag on it.
cold, rain, snow, heat. Ah. Those were the days. It was a 4 mile ride from home to the beginning of my route, but my route was mostly pretty easy. Lots of duplexes and some apartment complexes.
those cement stairs were often just about lethal in the winter.
collecting was always miserable, but some people tipped or gave me snacks, and one guy gave me a baggie with some plant materials in it .
Sundays were hard work. I did not enjoy sitting in the parking lot inserting the color adds and special bits, and once stuffed they were so heavy.