Hey everyone. I'm new to the boards and this seemed like a good spot to jump right in.

I have not read Hurst's novel on urban cycling but judging by the responses, I think I might have an idea of what he's selling. I've been a messenger in Chicago for a few years now and in this time, I have naturally implemented an aggressive style of riding because yes, I am virtually invisible... I am the one that is vulnerable so I must always be on the look out for something that is going to impeded on my "line". Wether my line is in the street, the side walk, the streeet to the sidewalk, the alley to the sidewalk then to the street...you get it. It's a constant mental checklist of possible scenarios. Fortunate(?) for me, I get to practice everyday. And maybe that's another point I'm trying to make, if that's even what I am doing, I don't think "urban cycling" is something you can learn by opening a book. With everything, practice will serve you best. Better yet, chat/barter up a messenger next time you see one and ask them for an hour run-through over the weekend.


There was a comment made, excuse my ignorance on the author, about, "messenger...hanging on to cars..."...um ya, I guess we all get a bit of an adrenaline rush from things that just really push us to our limits mentally and physically. I have bus wiped and trolly-totted. It is thrilling. What you will never find me doing is downhill mtbiking! Now that * is crazy! Can we swear on here?