Photo by Benjamin Parks

Even those riders who are lucky enough not to have any major accidents must work in the knowledge that their days are numbered. The messengers get sidetracked in a discussion about one 50-something veteran who’s still going strong, but the story has the aura of an urban legend—something that’s almost too fantastical to believe. Most people in the business won’t make it further than their mid-30s, if even that. Some go on to work at the offices of courier companies or remain connected with the industry through bicycle shops and the like, but for many the future is a lot less certain.
Matsudo, for one, isn’t too worried. Without a hint of embarrassment, he reveals that his post-retirement plans don’t involve spending his days tweaking brakes and fixing inner tubes. “Actually, I’m aiming to become a movie director by the time I’m 50,” he says. “I thought it’d be cool for someone to make a film about bike messengers. Maybe I’ll make it myself.”

A couple of weeks later, I bump into Matsudo again while on my way to work. It’s a sunny morning, and he’s sat on a street corner, basking in the rays.

“Hey man, how’s it going?” he asks, smile as broad as the last time I saw him. I’ve barely had time to reply before a bleeper interrupts us. “Ah, sorry, looks like another job just came in. Gotta go!” And with that, he’s off again.