September 6, 1998
(This is an unedited, uncorrected transcript.)
AARON BROWN, HOST Finally from us this morning, people who love their jobs so much, they’ve turned it into a sport. Now, we’re not talking metaphorically here about the blood sports played out in board rooms, not at all. This is about speed, speed pure and simple, and workers who make their living on two wheels. You may be relaxing on this long Labor Day weekend, but these folks aren’t. Here’s ABC’s Jack Smith.
JACK SMITH, ABCNEWS (VO) And they’re off, the sixth annual Cycle Messenger World Championship, with a cargo race to carry the most packages without dropping them, a contest to see which bike stays balanced upright the longest—this man lasted eight minutes—and a competition to see how long a skid could be sustained, without going over the handlebars. It’s a chance to meet old friends, a urban rodeo celebrating the culture of the bicycle courier with its tattoos, pierced skin, and distinctive hairdos, sort of road warrior meets the X—games. (on camera) What happens if you kill a pedestrian, do you lose the race?
JONAS, LOS ANGELES—BASED COURIER Oh, lose 30 points, I think.
JACK SMITH But you don’t lose the race.
JONAS No, I’m taking ‘em all out.
JACK SMITH Oh, you are? You’re taking all the pedestrians out?
JONAS Yes.
MARLEE, TORONTO—BASED COURIER I’ve seen a lot of regular cyclists who just commute to their work running over pedestrians as well, you know? It’s just that crews do that, (?) (inaudible).
JACK SMITH (VO) At a faster rate, and pedestrians were very careful. The main event is half an hour through downtown Washington, DC, at speeds of 30 to 40 miles an hour. Just like the job, dropping off and picking up letters at checkpoints, even locking up the bike. (on camera) This is just like a day at work, isn’t it?
1ST BICYCLE COURIER Just a little faster.
JACK SMITH What’s with the mask? Can we ask?
2ND BICYCLE COURIER Why not?
JACK SMITH (VO) Most people didn’t wear masks. This man didn’t wear clothes. He competed anyway. (on camera) The racing goes on till Monday, when the winners will be announced, the world’s fastest male and female bicycle couriers. But there is no money prize here. They’re competing just for bragging rights. (VO) And for fun.
JOHN, LONDON—BASED COURIER It’s fast, really smooth tarmac, it’s a beautiful surface for riding on. There’s people coming from everywhere, so that you’re really on your edge, like you are at work.
JACK SMITH (VO) There were a few spills but no one got hurt. No guts, no glory. It goes for couriers too. This is Jack Smith in Washington for Good Morning America Sunday.
AARON BROWN That British guy was so serious, wasn’t he?
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