Continuing its faithful support of the bicycle messenger community worldwide, Timbuk2 Designs, Inc. was a proud sponsor of the 11th annual Cycle Messenger World Championships, September 12 -14, in Seattle, WA, and the 6th annual North American Cycle Courier Championships, August 1-3, in Washington DC.
“Our continued support of both these championships is an expression of our gratitude to the bicycle messengers who have helped establish Timbuk2 as the leading manufacturer of authentic messenger bags”, said Timbuk2 CEO, Mark Dwight.
Timbuk2 contributed financial support and custom-embroidered messenger bags manufactured in its San Francisco factory for sponsor gifts and competitor prizes. The World Championships are held in a major city in a different country each year, and the North American Championships travel to various cities in Canada and the United Sates. Both events attract hundreds of bicycle couriers from around the world, all vying for bragging rights as the fastest messenger in the world.
Various cycling events test each bicycle courier's cycling, navigational, and organizational skills. The agenda also includes panel discussions on occupational safety and labor issues in the bicycle courier industry.
The bicycle messenger industry gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s in response to growing motor vehicle congestion in major cities. Over the years, bicycle messengers became a regular part of the urban landscape, and a definable sub-culture, while their attire was adopted by fashion trendsetters. Long pants cut-off just above the knee, messenger bags embellished with patches and buttons, and fixed-gear minimalist bicycles help define the distinctive bike messenger look. Today, “messenger style” bags are increasingly popular as functional fashion accessories for men and women alike — further proof that the bicycle industry influences mainstream fashion.
