By Gail Gilchriest
Houston Post, June 26, 1988
Alan Oates, 26, bicycles professionally. He doesn't race, he delivers. One of two bicycle couriers for Roadrunner Couriers in downtown Houston, Oates spends as many as 10 hours a day on his Cannondale mountain bike.
"I spend eight hours riding at work, and two hours after work training on my bike. Work is mostly a series of sprints - many fast, short rides. I get my long rides - 25 miles and more - in after hours," he says.
Oates became the city's first pedal-powered courier four years ago. Today he's one of 20 or 25 pro cyclists who carry files, envelopes and small packages all over the downtown/medical center area. Trucks are used for most local delivery, but bicycles are perfect for light, quick runs.
"It's a pretty good living," Oates says of his chosen field. "I make a guaranteed base salary plus commission, and I get to wear shorts to work." That sounds great in the summer, but Oates and his fellow messengers pedal in rain and in the cold. Nothing keeps the bike brigade from their appointed rounds.
"We're all pretty good friends," Oates says of his cycling colleagues. They often gather after work at Lola's or Luther's to discuss the perils of professional pedaling.
| main | articles | laws | zines | report | 10-9 day |
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at messvilleto@yahoo.com