I have been trying to remember why I became a courier. I was into cycling. I seem to remember that I was a prototype fakenger; I had a Timbuk and rode around in my cycling gear on my Raleigh Gran Sport just like a real messenger. But I can't remember how I made the move from that to actually doing it for a living. I think I had some odd ideas about what it would be like; maybe just like our contemporary imitators have now. All fun and excitement and, ahem, glamour. I didn't know any couriers, knew nothing about it at all really. I was vaguely qualified for other jobs. I'd never had another job - still haven't - so maybe I did it because I could, it was easy to give it a go.
What about you?

Sold my guitars and bought a bike. Needed a job. Got one.

Saw a courier swing into Shelton St from Endell St aged 15 when I was working in a shop down there. Looked better than spending your life inside. 13 years later.

Papa44, I worked at XL for a year and a bit 01/02 anyone still about? edmar, kirsten, phil, jiday, scott, julia, jerry, tony, rafael, zaid, hugo, martin, harry, kit

I was Kilo53 at the time. Ride in Sydney now.

and bought some trainers that didn't stink out the borough when i got paid.

cycled into what i later referred to as a job i use to have and was told i didn't have it any more.
sat in covent garden piazza opposite the Doctor Martin shop and watched two couriers sit and drink coffee outside.
thought 'i could do that', went to Churchill Express, failed their knowlege test, started that afternoon.

I was 18, got my motorbike license and became a motorbike courier in Australia. I lasted 2 weeks and ended up in hospital. I decided that motorbike courieriering wasn't for me but i had seen all the push-bike couriers around so my company hired me on a cyclebike. I had a rucksack, a helmet (compulsory in aus) and a kick-stand. I would freeze my water bottle and by 10 am it was hot. Working in 45 degree heat is like radiation.

was working in the postroom at mediacom. I cannot convey how shit it was. thought I'd do the hactual deliverin instead of making weapons out of office stationary and readin nuts.

hey swols, the only person i remember was a guy called jules. i seem to remember him wearing sandals and having long hair. it was when they just moved to their new office near wapping wall. i think it was 97 or maybe a bit earlier. it was definitely around the time that full sus mountain bikes were cool.

My god, I hate to admit it, but I thought couriers were cool. I guess you live and learn.

I broke my elbow in a drunk riding accident and was laid off from work two days later. I spent an un-hireable and broke month not being able to ride at all and decided that as soon as my arm could stretch far enough that I could reach the handle bars I would ride my bike for a living.

I actually think it's one of the better decisions I've ever made.

Headhunted from the paper shop.

thanks for all the responses, kudos to Josh for the best joke.
Also just remembered what one of those strange ideas I had was; I thought i'd make new friends. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

I actually hate bikes. I just thought it looked cool.

After ten years working as a bike spanner for all and sundry i eventually clawed my way out into the light. Faced with the realization that being able to drink 15 cups of tea in an hour isnt really high on potential employers "want" list i decided to ride my bike instead. Never in my life have i been so happy to be homeless and broke!!