Messenger Profile #7-Andrew Weyland!

We call Andrew the Super Rookie, whether it's banging out a medical delivery in under a half an hour, or handling a complicated filing, Andrew brings next level performance to his job because he cares about what he does and always wants to improve. It's a joy having you on Crew Andrew. Keep up the good work!-RG
Yo,
I consider myself lucky to be able to say that I live and work in beautiful Santa Cruz as a professional bicycle messenger. There aren't as many of us in this town as there are in bigger cities like New York and San Francisco, but we are working to change that every day. From day one I have been impressed with my fellow messengers' work ethic and positive attitude in even the most stressful situations. I would like to give a big shout out to my boy Brandon for helping me get my foot in the door when I was just a broke kid living in San Francisco struggling to get by; and to Rick for being a teacher and helping guide me along the path to becoming a good messenger. He doesn't accept anything but the best and that has made me better day in and day out.

I was born in Castro Valley, California; my family moved to Arizona when I was about one. My parents decided to move back to California in 2000 and we settled into Aptos. I attended Aptos High School and played varsity soccer for three years. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in August of 2008. I had always hoped to play soccer in college and since I could walk I wanted to play professionally. But my life didn't turn out like that. After graduating high school in 2008 and not being accepted at any colleges with a soccer scholarship, I began to take classes full-time at Cabrillo College.

I just didn't fit in and I moved to San Francisco to get a change of scenery and experience city life. In SF I worked at the Freewheel Bike Shop as a mechanic. It was in San Francisco that I was first exposed to the messenger culture. Messengers would come into the shop during down time and I was so envious of their freedom of movement and autonomy. My boss was right in the other room, ready to crack the whip at any time, while these messengers were seemingly free with only a radio to answer to. I would see them gliding through traffic or hanging out at the statue and while the weather wasn't always perfect or the cars respectful, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I tried to get a messenger job in the city for a couple months, but no one was hiring, especially not a rookie with zero experience. In a phone conversation with Brandon, I told him I wanted to be a messenger and he told me that Clutch might need another rider. I jumped at the opportunity.

I have learned, since beginning work for Clutch Couriers, not only how to ride my bicycle farther and faster than I thought possible, but other life skills that have made me a better person. Learning to anticipate that door that someone in a parked car is going to open on to you has taught me to be aware, and then being able to stay calm and collected after it happens for the sixth time in a day has taught me patience. Accidents do happen, but most can be avoided through anticipation and careful positioning. I am happy to say that I have not had a serious accident as a courier, and I defy anyone to call this a dangerous job for idiots. Do you want your legal filing being executed by some brainless idiot with a death wish?

In my free time I love to play bicycle polo, a mix between horse polo and hockey played in all major cities and elsewhere around the world. I also love to play electric and acoustic guitar as well as my bluegrass mandolin. I like coffee, books, beer, music, friends, long rides, laughter, findings gaps in between cars that you wouldn't think existed, and wiggling my ears. Before I wrap up here I want to say a big thank you to my wonderful girlfriend Carrie. Without her love and support I wouldn't have made it through some of my tougher rookie days.

Thanks for reading. Yall keep yer noses clean and the rubber side down!