Daily Record, October 11, 2001

By Marjorie Calder

HOW many jobs can boast that they give you callouses on your bottom, a daily calorie burn and well defined calf muscles?

Bike couriering is the best job in the world, according to those fit enough to do it. And there's plenty of them around, according to courier rider Brian Dunsmore of Glasgow- based TimbukII.

Bike couriers deliver small packages within urban areas and can nip in and out of traffic faster than any other mode of delivery, he says.

They serve clients such as designers, architects and solicitors, delivering urgent artwork and other documents which don't transmit well electronically.

There are currently around 30 bike couriers in Glasgow, but more than 200 in Dublin and 800 in London.

Fast and efficient deliveries are a matter of personal pride, regardless of wind, rain, snow, or a few steep hills. Each year world courier championships are held. Last year's event in Hungary attracted 1500 Lycra- clad bikers.

TO understand what drives them, Brian says you have to be the kind of person who enjoys a challenge, but is not interested in the whole corporate structure thing.

He says: "Bike couriers have a great community spirit and hang out together during the day. We also put out short bursts of energy all day, keeping us on a permanent adrenalin high.

"It's an alternative lifestyle, but you meet great people and get to know regular clients and their businesses really well. And once you know the business, you can work anywhere in the world."

TimbukII currently runs as a co-operative of nine riders, but they are working on a training scheme.

Brian says: "Rookies who don't know what they are doing can get hurt. They can also get all cyclists a bad name.

"We have the experience to teach them the tricks of the trade."

It's not for the faint-hearted, but if you could manage cycling 50 miles on a typical day and 100 miles on a busy one, TimbukII are offering one or two day's training. For details, call them direct on 07071 781827.