New Apprentice
Hello all, I'm here to introduce myself, Lauren, as the lucky new apprentice for Pedalers Express. I am more than a little excited at the opportunity to participate in this unique and indispensable Santa Cruz business. As an apprentice, I'm here to work my way up to the incredible physical and intellectual examples of current members Kelly, Darren, and Erin, and offer my cheap labor and newbie excitement for tackling any project they throw my way. I see so much potential for PedX to expand and serve the greater Santa Cruz and Watsonville communities with our unique brand of people-powered, community-conscious services. I've lived and biked in Santa Cruz for 6 years now and it's been my dream to give something back to this community that has given me so much. I think with the people and policies of Pedalers Express, that dream may very well come true.
PedX Seeks Apprentice
It has come to our attention that Pedalers Express' tallest, most handsome member, Darren, has transformed into a talented, budding bicycle-frame builder. In order to support Darren's endeavors bending steel into bicycles, Pedalers Express is seeking a new apprentice to allow Darren more time to focus his efforts in supplying the world with beautiful, hand-made bikes. We at PedX are looking to pull in more business these days in order to pay ourselves a more livable wage and are seeking an apprentice with particular vigor for marketing. In addition to marketing interest, all applicants must have a working bike with low gears and good brakes, a willingness to commit to operating PedX as a worker/owner for at least one year after becoming a member, the ability to ride 50 miles a day (rain or shine), and 4 hours a week available for volunteer office training. We offer our apprentice a minimum of 15 hours a week riding-time at $11/hour, full membership after three months (including health insurance benefits), and the chance to cooperatively run a bicycle courier business. If you are interested, please e-mail erin@pedalexpress.com for an application. Applications are due October 1st, 2009.
Goodbye Michael, Hello Erin, and Biking to Watsonville
A lot has changed since our last entry. Michael, beloved PedX member since 2004 broke his foot performing spectacular stunts not related to bikes and then transitioned out of PedX. We took on Erin as a new apprentice in the fall of '08. She has matured from fuzzy feathered duckling to a full member. Elaina, who has been a member since 2005, quit her jobs and left the country with a 1-way ticket to Barcelona. She has been bike touring and traveling around Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East and will continue to do so for many more months. This means PedX is being run by Erin, Darren, and Kelly.We have been biking to Watsonville 5 days a week for a handfull of months now, a new thing for PedX. This exciting change has made us stronger, more connected to this part of the county, AND more able to offer affordable rates for this trek. We are looking for more regular clients to add to this route so please spread the word about bike-powered cooperatively organized deliveries to Watsonville!
All Woman Courier Company?!?
Well, this week anyway! With Darren on vacation and Michael injured, it's just Kelly and I (Elaina) running the show this week. The courier industry tends to have a low concentration of women in general. PedX recently became half female last month when, after Sam and Jesse retired, Kelly decided to pick up more hours and work here full-time. Little did we know we'd be all on our own for a while. Good news is that, despite being understaffed this week, things are going smoothly. And the boys should be back soon.
Cyclist Killed in Santa Cruz
Lucian Gregg, an 18-year-old Santa Cruz local was killed an accident involving a delivery truck on January 2, 2008. Over 50 community members participated in a memorial bike ride for Lucian on January 12th. This was the second death of a cyclist in Santa Cruz in the past 6 months. Both accidents occurred when trucks made "right hooks", a sudden right turn either without signaling or signaling too late. In Lucian's case, in is unknown whether he and the truck collided or if he lost control trying to avoid a collision. All of us at PedX are deeply concerned about the safety of cyclists on the road. We found a great video for cyclists and drivers, produced by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. Check it out at this link!