tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75530279457299968802024-03-19T05:31:31.189-07:00Valerie TopeteBike CourierAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-38053037678814576932016-10-13T01:00:00.001-07:002016-10-13T01:00:50.293-07:00How Valerie Topete has survived as a Bike Courier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete of all people understands that the job of being a bike
courier can be challenging, whether it is freelance or with a company.
The work hours can be long and physically exhausting, especially if one
is not familiar with the best routes or rush hours. On top of physical
exertion, time is of the essence, and a late or missed delivery can
spell disaster for a courier’s reputation. While all of this is much to
consider, there is even more to worry about. Simply surviving the job
can be a challenge in itself.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNVX5NETJtvCGkjA7GGuM8kutBnm0dGQwVUiSmm4f7mOMu40QGXFqjgmFD3LC9-K7T_gzcnltHc6vjMJRiM353ukCoHieMOcFCZMLuImgp1lmyqiMIEifNF9b8DSN5vRCF62vje-NdO9p/s1600/iStock_27787962_SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNVX5NETJtvCGkjA7GGuM8kutBnm0dGQwVUiSmm4f7mOMu40QGXFqjgmFD3LC9-K7T_gzcnltHc6vjMJRiM353ukCoHieMOcFCZMLuImgp1lmyqiMIEifNF9b8DSN5vRCF62vje-NdO9p/s320/iStock_27787962_SMALL.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
The dangers facing a bike courier
while they are on the job are numerous, and everywhere. People,
vehicles, and weather, all present constant dangers to be watched out
for. In order to avoid becoming involved in an accident, or at least
take precaution against one, a courier must be prepared.<br />
<br />
A basic
precaution is to simply wear a helmet. While this may seem simple, many
do not adhere to it. It could prevent serious injury in the event of a
collision. Another way to make the job easier and less hazardous is the
use of navigation. A better route can be mapped out based on external
factors, such as traffic or an event. Lastly, the signals on the bike
can prevent an accident, as this gives others notice of your intent.<br />
<br />
All
of these seem extremely simple, and they truly are. <a href="http://steepster.com/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> has
used these simple procedures to ensure her own safety and success.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-84606038620706345942016-10-03T22:49:00.002-07:002016-10-03T22:49:56.557-07:00Who is Valerie Topete?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes the hassle of getting a package or documents through the
city that never sleeps can be a real chore. When delivery is urgent,
often people look to bike couriers to carry out this difficult and
occasionally dangerous job. One such bike courier is Valerie Topete.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpznwK1ra_Ji71dr6LqhB4kUy75heVXnzLhDE8Un43lGEVZnPmo4VLO2p3vZjpvkhzn2dlphz4qQGrc6XRxXu07vjOKCyWsjBJWTtiAFCUOKEUndsp9KuaIgsbdxust8vSsJGKR8TB88_/s1600/iStock_66534689_SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpznwK1ra_Ji71dr6LqhB4kUy75heVXnzLhDE8Un43lGEVZnPmo4VLO2p3vZjpvkhzn2dlphz4qQGrc6XRxXu07vjOKCyWsjBJWTtiAFCUOKEUndsp9KuaIgsbdxust8vSsJGKR8TB88_/s320/iStock_66534689_SMALL.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a> She
has been a bike courier for seven years, and has not once been late or
missed a single delivery in this impressive span. The trick to really
succeeding as a bike courier is knowing the safest and fastest routes
through the maze of New York City, and she knows all of these like the
back of her hand. This has greatly contributed to her success and
reputation as reliable and dedicated to her work.<br />
<br />
While an
excellent record and work ethic are impressive alone, Topete is also a
loving and dedicated mother of two beautiful children. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/balancing-your-hectic-life_b_4115635" target="_blank">Balancing the hectic work</a> of a bike courier with the responsibilities of a mom,
requires extreme discipline and patience. Topete has these in abundance,
as she always strives to serve her clients, and provide for her family.<br />
<br />
Her
dedication is exemplified in her first few years in New York, where she
worked freelance as a bike courier to support her children. It takes
true love and dedication to take on the dual roles of mother and
freelance bike courier. After some time, Valerie Topete joined Mercury
Rises as a paid bike courier, and has been successfully serving her
clients ever since. Truly she has exemplified being dependable. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-32989751944994396082016-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:002016-09-25T22:51:23.996-07:00Valerie Topete - Photography Developer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Valerie Topete is a very skilled rider for a top New York City
courier company called Mercury Rises. She started as a freelance courier
and for three years she pushed herself to create a reputation that
suited her drive and dedication to the job. It was that dedication and
competitive nature that led her to Mercury Rises and top rider for her
new company. Topete credits her success with her ability to multi-task.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW96SYJQVPorlpwuBu7rh0YuAY5ZCpRQIUlogCRyyZdIoFnxwhXVXM6ovhpcMvMGD99-QE0IW8e-fhTrXWBhRaaU406E_u3-4CoTL_Hb87jLZEAefDMru4wtyBuQt3epIqEfLaW0PAinMo/s1600/Valerie+Topete+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW96SYJQVPorlpwuBu7rh0YuAY5ZCpRQIUlogCRyyZdIoFnxwhXVXM6ovhpcMvMGD99-QE0IW8e-fhTrXWBhRaaU406E_u3-4CoTL_Hb87jLZEAefDMru4wtyBuQt3epIqEfLaW0PAinMo/s320/Valerie+Topete+%252812%2529.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bicycling around the Big Apple everyday gives her the perfect
opportunity to search for new and unique viewpoints for her <a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/50-essential-photography-tips/" target="_blank">photography</a>.
Always quick with at least her smartphone, she is always ready to
capture the perfect image. Her fascination with everything New York City
inspired her to start taking pictures of the architecture and people
that she would see each day. As she became more versed in the layout of
the city and began exploring parks and gardens with her two boys, Topete
has more recently taken an interest in botanical images. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Topete
started off by just posting her favorite images to her personal social
media site. The albums that she would upload of her treks around the
city were so popular and the overwhelming support from her friends and
family encouraged her to go professional. After conferring with some
friends that already had online stores for their craft goods, Topete
took their advice and created her own website. After launching her
online business, Topete saw great sales and the demand for her work is
skyrocketing. She continues to produce new images and uses her time at
work and with the family to look for inspiration across the city. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Her
interest in photography has grown and she has recently taken an
interest in the process of developing her own photos. While Topete took
photography classes in high school, the actual development of film was
never something that was covered. After researching different local
options, she found a four-week class at her local junior college that
would introduce her to the process. Now educated in basic techniques,
Topete spends her evenings after the boys are in bed in her makeshift
darkroom in the basement. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The project of developing her own
photos has been a long endeavor, but one that has renewed <a href="https://about.me/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a>’s dedication to her art. She has been able to explore different
exposures and enjoys being able to develop her own photos. While the
process is time consuming and the chemicals can be expensive, she
believes that the fact she is processing her photos herself makes her
photography more of an art form. In addition, the new development styles
that she has been playing with have sold very well on her website in
addition to the traditional prints. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-42015175255783057132016-09-16T00:03:00.003-07:002016-09-16T00:03:37.175-07:00Valerie Topete - A Changing Photographer <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As a successful bike courier in New York, Valerie Topete has seen her fair share of the city. Working full time for one the most competitive courier businesses out there, Topete spends her days weaving through the city, racing to deliver her parcels, packages and letters. Her dedication to her job has led her to become the most well-known and successful couriers at her company. Working for Mercury Rises for the past four years, and as a freelance courier for three years before that, Topete knows her way around and excels at navigating the blocks between deliveries. <br /><br />For several years she had enjoyed the architecture and people that she observes every day so much that she took up photography as a way of capturing the sights. Her unique photos of the city, from angles and spots that most tourists never see, became so popular that she turned a hobby into another part-time career.<br /><br />Topete began as an amateur photographer snapping photos from her smartphone as she biked around for work. She stands by her advice to always be ready to take a photo, and while she uses her SLR camera as much as she can, more often than not, her smartphone is what she has available. Regardless of the type of device, the most important factors to Topete when it comes to photography are the lighting and subject matter.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYCNILY58MjLKoH7FbT9sVPdQe-iZVYnlui9jlLWqeR8KM31p7B8KYdSKkis1zm0QuMbxTBQJyHRxo9mawZQ5P9jGxDICvDVyY6K5Csnas1losqnRbqS49rGSaIDL2CGPtIeK7B2yPfvh/s1600/iStock_87801745_SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYCNILY58MjLKoH7FbT9sVPdQe-iZVYnlui9jlLWqeR8KM31p7B8KYdSKkis1zm0QuMbxTBQJyHRxo9mawZQ5P9jGxDICvDVyY6K5Csnas1losqnRbqS49rGSaIDL2CGPtIeK7B2yPfvh/s320/iStock_87801745_SMALL.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a>As each courier assignment takes her to a new part of the city she has never seen, Topete had the opportunity to observe the assortment of gardens and parks scattered about. Designed by some of the best in the business, the garden displays nestled between skyscrapers and the shadows of monuments always intrigued Topete. The more she traveled, the more she started to notice the varieties and intricacies of the plants that made up these gardens. Soon, Topete found herself planning her courier routes past these gardens or through Central Park. Now, as her eye for photography focused on the beauty of the gardens, Topete shifted her subject matter from architecture and people to high resolution, up-close botanical photography. <br /><br />With all of the hidden garden gems tucked away throughout the city, <a href="https://valerietopete.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> is never at a loss for subject matter and quite enjoys the hunt for new and interesting locations. During the workday, Topete scopes out previously unknown gardens, and during the evenings or weekends, her and her family picnic in the parks. The hobby really has turned into a family affair, as the children run around hunting for pretty flowers and plants, and Topete follows with the camera to capture their finds. Whether the shots are professional quality or just family memories doesn’t matter, but combining passion and family does. <br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127837 -74.00594130000001840.3275957 -74.651388300000022 41.0979717 -73.360494300000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-33267607704650340252016-08-08T04:29:00.001-07:002016-08-08T04:29:08.604-07:00Blog | Valerie Topete<a href="http://valerietopete.jigsy.com/#.V6hs_Di0htM.blogger">Blog | Valerie Topete</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-47056682626873969832016-08-08T02:44:00.001-07:002016-08-08T02:44:15.311-07:00Valerie Topete - Choosing The Right Bike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://disqus.com/by/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete </a>is a bike courier in New York. She delivers special documents and other items to various people and companies. Working as a bike courier means that she spends a lot of time on her bike. She carefully chose it and if you plan on riding your bike a lot you should use these tips to help you choose the bike that is right for you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGsk_0ZaiVBvbR2BWVmHSNMiyJcT3WR8gMFJGIlBzcR5YVLqv8BYqLdPZ8gKak8SnK18mZ45b9LukEqutal-PnefkLSd0Po0Fx7KaGTwBA9HU5WSFeyBzOcL0MAYa9K0a1_F2dSxPrtZe/s1600/iStock_73521093_SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGsk_0ZaiVBvbR2BWVmHSNMiyJcT3WR8gMFJGIlBzcR5YVLqv8BYqLdPZ8gKak8SnK18mZ45b9LukEqutal-PnefkLSd0Po0Fx7KaGTwBA9HU5WSFeyBzOcL0MAYa9K0a1_F2dSxPrtZe/s400/iStock_73521093_SMALL.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Size</b><br />You want your bike to be a good size. It should be easy for you to reach the pedals without stretching and should be easy to control and steer. If a bike is too big or too small, it may be harder to control and pedal and will make your job as a courier harder.<br /><br /><b>Equipment</b><br />There are certain things you may want to add to your bike to make your job easier or to carry on you. Think of backpacks, baskets, and attachments that can hold documents and packages while you transport them to their destinations.<br /><br /><b>Cost</b><br />When you buy a bike you have a lot of options but you likely have a budget as well. You want to choose a bike that is not necessarily the most expensive or the cheapest, but the best value. A bike that is designed for courier services may be more expensive than a traditional bike <br /><br />If you are going to be <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/getting-started-guides/Pages/getting-started-cycling.aspx" target="_blank">riding </a>your bike a lot like Valerie Topete, you need to make sure you choose a bike that is made for you. The above tips can help you choose a bike that you can enjoy riding.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-57729685136965869982016-07-28T23:16:00.001-07:002016-07-28T23:16:35.651-07:00Valerie Topete - Tips For Being Successful As A Bike Courier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete has been a bike courier for several years. She started
out as a freelancer but now works for a company called Mercury Rising.
If you enjoy riding bikes and want to make a living doing so, these tips
can show you how to <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/bicycle-courier-service" target="_blank">become a successful bike courier</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR29PhJAXLdQ59TRoAdsMMSWcVbp24dw3nvVzJxSl-hute9fB33f3OYISNWQ_9gX6fQQmkEIRRuNL3RqWzs1-CaJwVTyMB-KuGHUeXJoWyYEmLFO1MQm0fDUh77vJiH-VqoeExEkGRgvD/s1600/iStock_73521093_SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR29PhJAXLdQ59TRoAdsMMSWcVbp24dw3nvVzJxSl-hute9fB33f3OYISNWQ_9gX6fQQmkEIRRuNL3RqWzs1-CaJwVTyMB-KuGHUeXJoWyYEmLFO1MQm0fDUh77vJiH-VqoeExEkGRgvD/s320/iStock_73521093_SMALL.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a> <b>Be On Time</b><br />
<br />
You
won’t be able to keep a job if you can’t deliver packages on time. You
need to be fast and efficient at what you do and give the employers a
reason to choose you over other couriers or people offering similar
services.<br />
<br />
<b>Have A Good Bike</b><br />
<br />
Your bike can determine
how fast you are able to perform your duties and how comfortable you are
while doing them. You can’t use a regular bike for courier services you
need to choose one that is modified for the job. You may also choose to
modify your bike yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>Be Dedicated</b><br />
<br />
Being a bike
courier isn’t an easy job. You have to be able to deliver various
documents and packages and often have short deadlines to meet. You may
also have to go out and find the jobs you want. Many bike couriers are
freelancers and spend a lot of time hunting jobs.<br />
<br />
If you are or
want to be a bike courier, there are several things you can do to make
your business successful. Valerie Topete has been working as a bike
courier for several years and loves what she does. The tips above can
help you become successful as a bicycle courier too.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-81779078595930667692016-07-21T23:52:00.001-07:002016-07-21T23:52:18.636-07:00Valerie Topete - Tips For Freelance Bike Couriers <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Valerie Topete is a bike courier in New York. She currently works
with a company called Mercury Rising but worked as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freelancer" target="_blank">freelancer</a> for many
years. Being a freelancer means you have to find your own clients and
sometimes work harder at your job. If you are a freelance bike courier,
these tips can help make you more successful</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi918sAs6fr0I07l-dw2TBzMd0qbClhl09DauzOPW4i1diU9R4FbDGCyrilCI7CsMHtDJZvuA5SGFyyH7whGjbs7wYkPITh_TgKgpytJHVgL9auvUXOen_-1wHPlFFrvTYHviif52BxkBoI/s1600/Valerie+Topete+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi918sAs6fr0I07l-dw2TBzMd0qbClhl09DauzOPW4i1diU9R4FbDGCyrilCI7CsMHtDJZvuA5SGFyyH7whGjbs7wYkPITh_TgKgpytJHVgL9auvUXOen_-1wHPlFFrvTYHviif52BxkBoI/s320/Valerie+Topete+%252810%2529.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br /><b>Choose The Right Bike</b><br />When
you decide to become a bike courier, you should have a good bike that
can help you get the job done. Not every bike can be used for a courier
bike so you need to choose one that is durable and comfortable. You
should also keep in mind that you will be using your bike every day and
it will need repairs done regularly. There are certain bikes that are
designed to be used for courier services or you can have your own bike
modified.<br /><br /><b>Become Familiar With The Area</b><br />You need to be
able to deliver your packages and documents quickly and that means you
should know the delivery area well. You won’t be able to ride a bike and
look at a map so it is a good idea to study maps and become familiar
with the area before you start working. If you don’t make your
deliveries on time, you may not get paid for them.<br /><br /><b>Stay Safe</b><br />Being
a bicycle courier can be a dangerous job, especially if you are working
in a big city. You always need to be safe while doing your deliveries.
You should carry pepper spray with you in case you run into trouble and
be aware of your surroundings at all time. If you do not feel safe in a
certain area, you should avoid going there. Trust your gut instinct and
if you do not feel comfortable delivering to a certain area, speak up
and let the company you work for know how you feel.<br /><br /><b>Finding Jobs</b><br />It
can be hard to find a job as a bike carrier. Many businesses and
companies do not use bicycle couriers and it can be a competitive job
market. If you cannot find a job as a bicycle courier you can offer your
services to different companies. You never know who will take you up on
your offer and help you start your career as a courier. Many couriers
are freelancers who work on different projects and with different
clients throughout their careers.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.behance.net/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> knows that being
a freelance bike courier can be difficult, but it can also be a
successful career. If you want to be a freelance bike courier or already
are and want to be more successful, these tips can help.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-50428382616125231262016-07-13T00:53:00.001-07:002016-07-13T00:53:28.626-07:00Valerie Topete - Staying Safe In New York<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete has been working in New York City as a bike courier for several years. She enjoys the freedom it gives her and being able to meet new people and clients. Working in a big city like New York can have its risks, but if you know how to stay safe you don’t have to worry or feel nervous. These tips can help you stay safe while working or living in New York City.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsVDELfBe56CL87Eqepq7qRn9Au7mzxpnvxLtuUaJFk8SeXsyr5JfWHIcWMWLJ2dV5EdXdbgvPtri9n-o9XFBX9YmM4o-l2UB4-UPXfiDDcNiAPyTy729XOJLsb2ihWW53ilcy0-1dLBW/s1600/Valerie+Topete+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsVDELfBe56CL87Eqepq7qRn9Au7mzxpnvxLtuUaJFk8SeXsyr5JfWHIcWMWLJ2dV5EdXdbgvPtri9n-o9XFBX9YmM4o-l2UB4-UPXfiDDcNiAPyTy729XOJLsb2ihWW53ilcy0-1dLBW/s320/Valerie+Topete+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valerie Topete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Don’t Look Like A Tourist</b><br />Many criminals look for tourists because they are vulnerable. If you do not want to be the target of a crime, you need to avoid looking like a tourist. This means avoiding wearing souvenir t-shirts, looking at maps and wandering along slowly. Make sure you walk confidently and look comfortable.<br /><br /><b>Be Aware Of Your Surroundings</b><br />You should never let your guard down when you are in a big city and should always be aware y of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain area, quickly find your way out of it. Keep an eye on the people around you and avoid dangerous parts of the city<br /><b><br />Don’t Flaunt Your Belongings</b><br />Avoid wearing jewelry, carrying expensive phones, cameras or other objects or flaunting any other personal belongings you may have with you. These things can make you a target by showing criminals you have such items or the means to afford them. Dress modestly and leave your expensive jewelry at home.<br /><b><br />Take A Cab</b><br />If you aren’t sure if your destination is safe or how to get there, take a cab. A cab driver will be able to deliver you to your location safely and tell you if the location is safe or if you should go somewhere else instead. You can easily find a cab on almost any street and riding in a cab is much safer than walking on most occasions.<br /><b><br />Stick To The Main Streets</b><br />If you aren’t familiar with the streets of New York, make sure you stay on the main ones. It only takes one wrong turn to find yourself in the bad part of town and that can put you at risk to be the victim of a crime. If you will be visiting the city at night make sure you stay on streets that are well lit and not empty. When there are people nearby, you are less likely to be victimized.<br /><br />Not everyone has what it takes to live in a city as large as New York. <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> enjoys working in a fast-paced city that offers unique experiences and people. If you are worried about staying safe in New York City, the above tips can help.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-7937870865768781042016-06-09T01:13:00.000-07:002016-06-09T01:13:17.719-07:00Valerie Topete - Tips For Improving Your Singing Voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete is a talented <span id="goog_1899522362"></span>singer <span id="goog_1899522363"></span>who entertained
aspirations of becoming a pop star when she was studying at high school.
She still has an excellent <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing" target="_blank">singing </a>voice and is always interested in
techniques that she can use to get better. These handy hints will help
anybody who is looking to improve their technical abilities or those who
just want to sound a little better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1atv_ig5rXMIeGhcIT92h88hi2A7wA2XAYkAnNIrNg-TBlHs_HHFHMwNmdgCXsi-syaWeouc5tgY3p-BC5WespfW5F7Pf-XUudXXAn70ElO0U9aEi9v4FmaR5OFqnGgcR2FCr5E_ocZC/s1600/Valerie+Topete+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1atv_ig5rXMIeGhcIT92h88hi2A7wA2XAYkAnNIrNg-TBlHs_HHFHMwNmdgCXsi-syaWeouc5tgY3p-BC5WespfW5F7Pf-XUudXXAn70ElO0U9aEi9v4FmaR5OFqnGgcR2FCr5E_ocZC/s400/Valerie+Topete+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="400" /></a><b>Sing Often</b><br />
Few
things in life come easily and those who are not blessed with natural
singing talent are going to find that they need to practice to make
improvements. Sing along to any of the songs that you love when they are
playing, but try to pay attention to pitch and tone while you do so.
This will allow you to match the efforts of the singer on the record,
improving your own voice in the process.<br />
<br />
<b>Practice Scales</b><br />
Your
voice is an instrument, much like a guitar or piano, so it is important
to practice the basics so that you can develop the technical skills
that you need to tackle difficult songs. By practicing scales for a few
minutes every day, you will be able to extend the range of notes that
you are able to hit and thus become able to sing more songs.<br />
<br />
<b>Record Yourself</b><br />
<a href="https://valerietopete.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> believes that hearing yourself sing can play a large role in
highlighting issues that you need to work on. By recording yourself
belting out a few tunes, you can play them back and make improvements.
Save multiple recordings over time so you can document your progression
and stay motivated.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-50774522622231203542016-05-31T04:42:00.000-07:002016-05-31T04:42:59.794-07:00Valerie Topete - Essential Tips For Road Cycling Safety<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As a bike courier for Mercury Rising, Valerie Topete has an exceptional safety record and has never been involved in any
traffic collisions, barring the occasional small scrape with taxis. To
maintain this record for safety, she makes sure to refresh her knowledge
of security while road cycling on a regular basis, which is
particularly important given that she works in New York. These pointers
will prove useful for anybody who is wary of cycling on the road,
particularly in built-up areas that are often congested with traffic.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IsWEX_V-GPVl4-OhV3J-4cnzD6LQpg3MBY_e0t-zX9wmlzTwE_IUh_n3ymxp44t4Isqy8O4M1vmYr822gNXMYAvD5fcu3VRkKEFk9IagLJQbp9652m7eGRmHcPGitVzUFGdeSTCf6j6I/s1600/Valerie+Topete6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IsWEX_V-GPVl4-OhV3J-4cnzD6LQpg3MBY_e0t-zX9wmlzTwE_IUh_n3ymxp44t4Isqy8O4M1vmYr822gNXMYAvD5fcu3VRkKEFk9IagLJQbp9652m7eGRmHcPGitVzUFGdeSTCf6j6I/s400/Valerie+Topete6.png" title="Valerie Topete" /></a> <b>Avoid The Sidewalk</b><br />
<br />
A
lot of new cyclists try to ride on the sidewalk, rather than the road,
in an effort to avoid collisions with vehicles. This is not only
dangerous to yourself and pedestrians, but may also lead to you breaking
the law in some states. Avoid the sidewalk whenever you can and make
sure to get off the bike if you have to use the it. Remember that trying
to weave in and out of groups of pedestrians is extremely difficult at
the best of times, but is much more so when doing it at high speed on a
bicycle.<br />
<br />
<b>Make Eye Contact</b><br />
<br />
One of the key challenges
that faces cyclists is ensuring that other road users recognize their
presence so that potential accidents can be avoided before they happen.
Though you may find it a little uncomfortable at first, by making eye
contact with drivers, especially when at stop signs or traffic lights,
you make sure that they are aware of your presence. You don’t need to
get into a staring match, as a look and a smile should be more than
enough to suffice and keep you in their minds as they pull away.<br />
<br />
<b>Always Wear A Helmet</b><br />
<br />
One
of the first safety tips that any cyclist will be given is to always
wear a helmet, even on the shortest rides. This is particularly
important for road users and may save your life if you are involved in a
collision. Hard concrete hurts and hitting it at speed can lead to
traumatic injuries that, in the worst case scenario, could have a
dramatic impact on the way that you live your life. Always be sure to
invest in a quality bike helmet and make sure that it fits before taking
it out on the road.<br />
<br />
<b>Wear Light Clothing</b><br />
<br />
Valerie
Topete points out that cycling at night presents a range of challenges
that you won’t face during the day, the biggest of which is <a href="http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1545275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D1545275" target="_blank">maintaining visibility</a>. Always make sure to wear light-colored clothing when you are
out on the road so that drivers can easily see where you are.
Reflective stripes and other high-visibility clothing will also be able
to offer additional protection.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-39737263706955044792016-05-23T04:40:00.000-07:002016-05-23T04:40:15.105-07:00Valerie Topete - Things To Consider Before Becoming a Bike Courier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Valerie
Topete became a bike courier after she moved to New York, following the
completion of her studies at UCLA. She started out as a freelancer,
taking jobs from Craigslist and online forums before she came to the
attention of Mercury Rising in 2011. She has since developed into one of
the top bike couriers in New York and was recognized as the Top Rider
for the company in 2015. There are a number of things that people need
to consider if they are interested in following in her footsteps and
becoming bike couriers themselves.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDrJhjXlUUgim0zyXuCnWHpNl3wdkGPWC4juQakt3C7woZ_9njS7OON6feFLwfrkbp3UkwLEEDbpgqvI2DnL03bX5i7Gcz0Daq-x8KR71AlQVMelAXlZBBlOz9eo7m1kwMompR6MM8tSt/s1600/BikeMessanger2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDrJhjXlUUgim0zyXuCnWHpNl3wdkGPWC4juQakt3C7woZ_9njS7OON6feFLwfrkbp3UkwLEEDbpgqvI2DnL03bX5i7Gcz0Daq-x8KR71AlQVMelAXlZBBlOz9eo7m1kwMompR6MM8tSt/s320/BikeMessanger2.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How Well Do You Know Your City?</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Before
you start making deliveries, it is important that you develop an
almost-<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedic_knowledge" target="_blank">encyclopedic knowledge</a> of the area where you will be operating
in. This can be a challenge, especially in built-up areas that can often
feel somewhat maze-like when you are out on the road, but it is going
to prove essential if you are to make fast deliveries and stay safe
while doing so. Pay special attention to designated cycling routes and
take full advantage of them, as they may allow you to cut out large
parts of journeys if used well.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Is Your Bike Up To Task?</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
As
surprising as it may seem, speed is not always going to be the top
priority when working as a bike courier, as it will often be the case
that you can’t get up to top-speed due to traffic or the winding nature
of a journey. Instead, you need to have a bike that is reliable and
capable of handling long distances without causing you any issues.
Invest in a bike that has a strong frame and do your research before
committing to a purchase. Your reputation could end up being ruined by a
poor bike that breaks down at an inopportune moment.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Learn To Handle Stress</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Remember
that every single package or document that you carry is very important
to the person asking you to make the delivery and should be treated with
the utmost respect. This can become very stressful, especially if you
have taken on a number of jobs for the day that all require very speedy
deliveries. You need to be able to handle the often-frenetic nature of
life as a bike courier when riding, plus it is crucial that you take
advantage of your time away from the road to unwind.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>You Have To Love It</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.zotero.org/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> has been a successful bike courier because she has a passion for
cycling. If you don’t share this passion, it may be worth reconsidering
the career choice as you are going to end up spending long days on a
bike, every single week. A lack of passion leads to missed deliveries,
which often means that you don’t get paid for your work.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-59294701872917903972016-05-15T23:30:00.000-07:002016-05-15T23:30:47.003-07:00Valerie Topete - Bike Equipment That Every Cyclist Needs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So you have finally purchased a bike and you are looking to get out on the roads as soon as possible. However, before you do, it is important that you pick up all of the relevant equipment that you will need to make your journeys as comfortable as possible. As an experienced bike courier in New York City, Valerie Topete knows better than most just how important good equipment can be, particularly during long days of cycling. All of these are important for any new cyclist to have if they want to stay comfortable for longer.<br /><br /><b>A Helmet</b><br /><br />The very first thing that you should purchase before you head out on your bike is a good helmet. Make sure that you do some research and pick a helmet that has been made by a quality manufacturer, instead of trying to buy the cheapest option available. After all, your helmet may end up saving your life if you are involved in a collision or end up coming off the bike for any reason. It is also important to ensure that you purchase a helmet that properly fits your head, so that you can enjoy full protection.<br /><b><br />A Water Bottle</b><br /><br />Long rides can get very exhausting and the constant sweating may lead to you becoming dehydrated in fairly short order, especially if you are cycling in warm weather. This means that you should always have a water bottle available so that you can take a quick swig if the ride is starting to wear on you. Always refill it before you head out on the bike and make an effort to clean it properly when you return home. If you’re on a very long ride, it is also wise to take advantage of any opportunities that you have to get a refill by stopping off at water fountains that might be on your route.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K3qQK7-fynMxS0wVdXWjqKMnyGgUC97W3t5eCq3ZZtFtJLKCvGdPKQhfunbNwpPsEIQP9iLse26ft5BeZssPdsz7TKHxiEoMiNPIbqcyYGJEx_y7qq_RBwJGylNmBVtt_YCSdm4ARUTY/s1600/Valerie+Topete+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K3qQK7-fynMxS0wVdXWjqKMnyGgUC97W3t5eCq3ZZtFtJLKCvGdPKQhfunbNwpPsEIQP9iLse26ft5BeZssPdsz7TKHxiEoMiNPIbqcyYGJEx_y7qq_RBwJGylNmBVtt_YCSdm4ARUTY/s320/Valerie+Topete+6.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valerie Topete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>A Puncture Repair Kit</b><br /><br />Tire punctures are one of the biggest issues that a bike courier or long-distance cyclist is going to face, so you always want to be sure that you have what you need to make quick repairs so that you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road. Purchase a good puncture repair kit that leaves you able to repair multiple tires if needed. It is also a good idea to bring a bike pump along with you as well, so you can re-inflate a tire following the repair work.<br /><br /><b>Gloves</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/valerietopete" target="_blank"><b>Valerie Topete</b></a> finds that the friction that her hands experience from constant gripping of handlebars while she is working as a bike courier can be problematic. By investing in a good pair of cycling gloves, you completely eliminate this issue and will also be able to remedy any problems that could be caused due to vibrations while riding.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-37760582031931342232016-03-21T05:15:00.001-07:002016-03-21T05:15:03.572-07:00Valerie Topete - An Intro to Mercury Rises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete has been working as a bike messenger in the New York
City area for many years. As a freelancer, she overcame many challenges
to iron out a good living for herself, and her family. After working on
her own for three years, fate intervened, and she met John Tudebaker,
CEO of Mercury Rises, a hyper-competitive bike courier service operating
in New York City.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgww-Dx9lcHEnfOoUsqrdnk_4_iDyeFUFbrxpY-4jldV7515uBAoXPDzzmt6JlSp8dJIEdoQ2Q7AQd-A-U5Po0HTyulw2IEr_QaNmi2n7r0pQiN5ZcTp4JF0CDtTA0KxQwR5Ih_lPKcnwrD/s1600/iStock_000042019254_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgww-Dx9lcHEnfOoUsqrdnk_4_iDyeFUFbrxpY-4jldV7515uBAoXPDzzmt6JlSp8dJIEdoQ2Q7AQd-A-U5Po0HTyulw2IEr_QaNmi2n7r0pQiN5ZcTp4JF0CDtTA0KxQwR5Ih_lPKcnwrD/s320/iStock_000042019254_Small.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Topete had no idea what she was getting
into when she accepted a test interview from Mr. Tudebaker. Tudebaker
had found her based on her reputation as an excellent freelance courier
with no <a href="http://www.dotdata.ct.gov/etraffic/displayIncident.aspx" target="_blank">traffic incidents</a> on her record. It was based on that
information he thought Topete may have what it takes to compete in
Mercury Rises.<br />
<br />
One thing that became apparent for Topete when she
officially started at Mercury Rises, is their spirit of competition.
Tudebaker has every employee of his company in direct competition with
each other. The company is all about skill and precision, speed and
accuracy.<br />
<br />
Mercury Rises has a standard that does not compromise.
Tudebaker simply wanted the best couriers that New York City had to
offer, and Valerie Topete found herself on that list.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/106766805958608012153/about" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> has now found herself immersed in the competitive culture of the
company. Though at first glance the competitiveness may seem strange to
outsiders, Topete has developed a kind of bond and comradery with her
fellow couriers based upon mutual respect. Topete continue to perform at
her best, as working for Mercury Rises offers little alternative. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-30861584100065696452016-03-15T01:22:00.000-07:002016-03-15T01:22:57.266-07:00Valerie Topete - A Freelance life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete did not always enjoy the comfort and security of being
employed full-time by a company. In fact, before she became a bike
courier for the company Mercury Rises in New York City, she worked as a
freelancer. Though her duties of delivering packages all around the city
has not changed, her experience is much different working for a company
than it was being a freelancer.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5na1POyFBDF8j167xcoUimWm-Y80BXktAhV2LpQ1DCa8TTnbpYAu2PxV99lBnNlIyul-WqTHgjOKozb2cnUh5X3SJyiuXXEyQ3p1j0iJClEEhrwxTcR8fZE9GBNa2pUxUjRdQzwO-iJm/s1600/iStock_000047292820_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5na1POyFBDF8j167xcoUimWm-Y80BXktAhV2LpQ1DCa8TTnbpYAu2PxV99lBnNlIyul-WqTHgjOKozb2cnUh5X3SJyiuXXEyQ3p1j0iJClEEhrwxTcR8fZE9GBNa2pUxUjRdQzwO-iJm/s320/iStock_000047292820_Small.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a><br />
There are pros and cons to
freelance living, as with any occupation. While having a reliable
full-time position at a company ensures a steady pay rate and often
comes with good benefits, it also comes with a rigid, set schedule and
rules. Also, many jobs have a steady pay rate, which means it won’t go
down, but also is likely not to go up.<br />
<br />
Freelancers on the other
hand have the freedom to set their own schedule. A freelancer is his or
her own boss. While this means more personal freedom, freelancers also
tend to have a far less reliable income, as job opportunities often
change or disappear all-together. So while a freelancer has more
freedom, they also take substantially higher risks. Freelancers are also
not entitled to things like <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/10-health-care-benefits-covered-in-the-health-insurance-marketplace/" target="_blank">health insurance benefits</a>.<br />
<br />
Though
freelancers’ income is not always certain, one upside is that they have
the potential to make more, faster, based on how hard they want to work.<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete enjoyed her time as a freelancer, but prefers working at a steady job where she can rely upon a stable income. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-44956828215159177552016-03-08T04:23:00.001-08:002016-03-08T04:23:53.706-08:00Valerie Topete - Bike Messenger Equipment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete is a mother, wife, and bike courier that has been
working in the profession for over seven years now. Being a bike courier
has been a unique experience for her, one that has made her a part of a
sub-culture all its own. The job comes with its own set of rules,
practices, accepted beliefs, and even some special equipment.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Valerie Topete" class=" wp-image-8 aligncenter" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete5.jpg?w=680" data-wpmedia-src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete5.jpg" height="250" src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete5.jpg?w=680" width="375" /></div>
<br />
<br />
While
the most obvious bit of equipment needed for a bike courier is a
bicycle, there are many other pieces of equipment that are necessary for
the occupation. Even the kind of bike one gets matters, as most
couriers tend to favor fixed-gear bikes, as they require little
maintenance and are simple. There is also little need for multiple
gears, as most bike courier services are done in urban areas with
relatively flat, level terrain.<br />
<br />
Another important bit of gear for a
bike courier is a lock. A lock is an important safety measure to deter
theft while making deliveries. Simple chain and padlocks are often used,
though specialized U-locks are also popular. Bike couriers also usually
carry basic tools for quick repairs, weather-proof clothing, a
backpack, and a street map. Sometimes basket mounts are used as well,
depending on the kind of packages the courier regularly delivers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/person/valerie-topete#/entity" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> has had some interesting experiences as a bike courier. She has
learned that it is important to have the right tools for the job. That
is why Topete is always fully-equipped with a multitude of items to make
sure that she is safe, well provisioned, and on the right track.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-42969401356426855322016-02-26T04:02:00.002-08:002016-03-04T22:16:16.319-08:00Valerie Topete - History of The Bike Courier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete has spent the last seven years of her professional
career working as a bike courier in New York City. The experience has
certainly left a strong impression on her, as it is a unique lifestyle.
There is an entire sub-culture that revolves around bike couriers, one
that dates back to the late eighteen-hundreds.<br />
In fact, after the
bicycle was developed, delivery systems and messengers followed shortly
afterwards. There was once even a group of bike couriers that were
employed exclusively by the Paris Stock Exchange in 1870. Only twenty
years later, the US experienced what was called a “bicycle boom”, in
which companies like Western Union employed a number of bicycle couriers
in order to deliver mail and packages across urban areas. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0RIkm4h8GnS6bzHA88jq34QP75XuJYw5FgNAR2tr3KH_MUJuWBMMajFwxvJjilHMiuYhDaGDND5ef68kLzYwAdm7MWr0CqxQ3Y-F1T9OBqlgXknUogRQ30EByh_ugl_Bk0GSuhHSZ2Hf/s1600/Valerie+Topete2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0RIkm4h8GnS6bzHA88jq34QP75XuJYw5FgNAR2tr3KH_MUJuWBMMajFwxvJjilHMiuYhDaGDND5ef68kLzYwAdm7MWr0CqxQ3Y-F1T9OBqlgXknUogRQ30EByh_ugl_Bk0GSuhHSZ2Hf/s320/Valerie+Topete2.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valerie Topete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Entire
companies were being developed around the concept of a bicycle
messenger as early as 1945. By the time the 1970s rolled around, there
were many well-established bicycle courier service companies across
every large city in the United States. <br />
<br />
In Europe, bike courier
services lost momentum, but experienced a resurgence in 1983 as a new,
more environmentally conscientious Europe used the service as a way to
cut down on fossil fuel usage and atmosphere pollution. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/valerietopete01"><i><b>Valerie Topete</b></i></a>
is proud to be a part of a long tradition of bike couriers. She has
become inaugurated into a special sub-culture full of individuals that
pride themselves on speed, accuracy, and even style. The need for bike
couriers will likely stay steady in the future, as it still remains one
of the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly methods for
delivery available. <br />
<br />
Source(s):<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_messenger"><i><b>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_messenger</b></i></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-53148928306817029382016-02-19T23:13:00.000-08:002016-02-19T23:13:58.198-08:00Valerie Topete - The Competitiveness of the Bike Messaging Industry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete is a dedicated individual who is always looking for a
way to advance the success of her future. Although she moved to New York
City more than seven years ago in order to pursue her dreams of
becoming an artist, she realized she had a love for riding her bike
through the city. She now works for Mercury Rises, which is a local bike
messaging company that delivers time sensitive materials all over the
area.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIJq2tuMcK__2_3twULxxJ4Vw0kWh6IbjdPSMgt_InwCKWQb8WFvMEghP3NUUsdMdCC9cmTAx0uH7x2meEoXAhBUOuhtv2AmRFX4d_RVugc0RbEu09q-AWMCcO8vsk1m-nO0G_05FmkVo/s1600/iStock_000053506930_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIJq2tuMcK__2_3twULxxJ4Vw0kWh6IbjdPSMgt_InwCKWQb8WFvMEghP3NUUsdMdCC9cmTAx0uH7x2meEoXAhBUOuhtv2AmRFX4d_RVugc0RbEu09q-AWMCcO8vsk1m-nO0G_05FmkVo/s320/iStock_000053506930_Small.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="213" /></a>Riding a bike around New York City is often the fastest
mode of <a href="http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/the-dark-side-of-being-a-millennial-student-debt.html" target="_blank">transportation</a> because bikes are not bound to the same laws as
motor vehicles. This means that they don’t have to constantly use
gridlocked and traffic-jammed streets in order to get around. However,
this makes the industry extremely competitive as it becomes like one big
bike race. Even within Mercury Rises, the managers are constantly
pitting their employees against each other in order to increase numbers.<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete has become one of the best messengers in the
company because of her unrelenting desire to be the best. Although she
wasn’t as competitive when she initially started, she became intrigued
by the idea of discovering the fastest routes to and from frequent
delivery locations. Now she regularly competes with the other riders in
Mercury Rises and competing businesses in the field. Although it sounds
challenging, it is really a friend environment that is designed to bring
more success to the business overall.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.behance.net/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> is dedicated to her career in the bike-messaging world, and will stop at nothing to bring success to her company.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-84544151976080206462016-02-12T01:46:00.000-08:002016-03-04T22:11:04.569-08:00Valerie Topete - How to Be a Professional Bike Messenger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete is young professional and artist currently living in
New York City. She moved almost a decade ago in order to pursue a career
in photography or singing, but decided that she needed a more stable
means to support her lifestyle in such an expensive city. She is
currently working for a local company called Mercury Rises, which is
based in the bike messaging industry.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Valerie Topete" class=" size-medium wp-image-8 aligncenter" data-mce-selected="1" height="200" src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete5.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete has become
the most successful bike messenger for her company, and is determined to
continue her success in order to operate her own business in the
industry in the near future. She is even taking businesses classes at a
local college in order to support her professional dreams. She is always
willing to help out her fellow colleagues in order to make Mercury
Rises even more successful.<br />
<br />
One of the tips she gives other
messengers in the field is always know your route. As you continue to
work in the field, you will begin to learn the ins and outs of the city,
as well as shortcuts to particular areas or frequent delivery
locations. However, it is always important to submerse yourself in your
surroundings and find the best route before you set out.<br />
<br />
Another
tip she gives is to keep your bike in proper condition. Every morning
before a day of work, she checks all aspects of her bike in order to
ensure that she can ride as efficiently as possible, without hitting any
snags along the way.<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete hopes to use her<a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/4165612" target="_blank"> skills to enhance the success</a> of her future business, and she is determined to be
successful in the industry. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-38651141431847699622016-02-03T21:31:00.000-08:002016-02-03T21:31:50.093-08:00Valerie Topete - How to Manage Your Own Business <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://storify.com/valerietopete" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> is a dedicated individual who has the determination to
succeed in her professional future. She is currently living and working
in one of the biggest cities in the world, New York. When she moved to
the area seven years ago, the constant traffic and immense density of
the city caused her some light anxiety. However, now that she has been
working as a professional bike messenger, her attitude toward the city
has changed drastically.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-f8S-4-mdu4cKHb2P-KCdQvqByfFgmZqOCKR2vWF2xFAwMZs6L-3ZzpBfH9H6mxPsv8LwjtCJoU0WHByS9sXRVKzziOKgtdtrkfCWPOgfEyahePs1_xrTmRUhr2zusFlsmR2lgTAIDjs/s1600/Valerie+Topete5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-f8S-4-mdu4cKHb2P-KCdQvqByfFgmZqOCKR2vWF2xFAwMZs6L-3ZzpBfH9H6mxPsv8LwjtCJoU0WHByS9sXRVKzziOKgtdtrkfCWPOgfEyahePs1_xrTmRUhr2zusFlsmR2lgTAIDjs/s320/Valerie+Topete5.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><br />
Valerie Topete has worked her way to
the top to become the top messenger for Mercury Rises. She hopes to use
her continued success to one day operate her own bike messaging company
in the near future. She is even attending local college business
classes in order to expand her knowledge in the area. <br />She has
learned that in order to successful run your own business, you have to
have a solid plan with realistic goals. Starting your own business is
extremely taxing in the beginning, and most businesses are unable to
make a profit within the first year.<br />
<br />
In addition, you have to
hire people you know and trust to help your run it. Solid managers with
quality <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/#3e7345df3564" target="_blank">leadership skills</a> are a must so that you don’t have to directly
manage each and every employee, as well as run the business from behind
the scenes.<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete is determined to operate her own
business in the world of bike messaging within New York City. Riding a
bike is the best way to get around, and there are a lot of companies
that are willing to pay good money for a quick delivery service. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-55303878434680912702016-01-31T23:40:00.000-08:002016-02-04T20:36:10.256-08:00Valerie Topete - Equipment for the Professional Bike Messenger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete is currently serving as a professional bike messenger for a company in New York City called Mercury Rises. The company has become one of the leaders in the business, and a great deal of that success is due to her success. She has become the top messenger for Mercury Rises, and is always ready for the next important delivery.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M2DY95KMTG1XHR-zyKwQq4i4NuJkCPGoynS2A_ZYENmFp2_B7_iFL5RBV729wNYhLADHKtugmEXCatCIkIxuUS9f7N_IZ5yIjLKZ5Sm74ak7_UBb3O2OePkIM9_8NjXz5lvS9f-SWbG-/s1600/Valerie+Topete+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M2DY95KMTG1XHR-zyKwQq4i4NuJkCPGoynS2A_ZYENmFp2_B7_iFL5RBV729wNYhLADHKtugmEXCatCIkIxuUS9f7N_IZ5yIjLKZ5Sm74ak7_UBb3O2OePkIM9_8NjXz5lvS9f-SWbG-/s320/Valerie+Topete+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Valerie Topete</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
New York City is huge. Valerie Topete used to suffer from anxiety when she moved to the area seven years ago to begin a career. However, her job has taught her the best way to navigate the dense traffic, and now she never leaves home without her bike. Through out her time as a messenger, she has learned what equipment has become essential to her success. <br />
<br />
The first piece of equipment you’ll want to have is a helmet. They are essential for quickly delivering important messages around the city. However, no message is more important than your brain. <br />
<br />
The next piece of equipment you’ll want to have is a pair of gloves. When you’re delivering messages fast and frequently, your hands get sweaty, which makes them slip on your bike grips causing blisters. <br />
<br />
One other essential piece of equipment for the bike messenger is a small, bike computer. A sensor attaches to the front wheel spokes, and a small screen, slightly larger than a watch, connects to the handle bars. They track your speed, distance, and time during a ride. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://re.vu/valerietopete" target="_blank"><i><b>Valerie Topete </b></i></a>always has her equipment ready to go for the next job, and she has learned how essential it is through out her career. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-39202210663799627862016-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:002016-02-04T20:36:29.216-08:00Valerie Topete - Amateur Photographer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete sees herself as a witness to the everyday lives of the
millions of people who live in New York City. That’s a tall order, and
there’s no way she can accurately capture the sheer volume of life that
happens in New York every day—even in her own borough. Topete works as a
bicycle courier in New York, a job that allows her access to the public
outside that many other professionals don’t have. She hopes to start
selling her best photographs as a second career someday. Here are a few
tips to taking pictures in the city:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Valerie Topete" class=" size-full wp-image-7 aligncenter" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete4.jpg" height="175" src="https://valerietopete.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/valerie-topete4.jpg" width="288" /></div>
<br />
Be mindful of your
surroundings. Many people don’t want their picture taken in public by a
stranger. If you feel that you’re making the people around you with your
camera, ask them if they would like to be in a photograph and make
concessions as necessary. <br />
<br />
Subjects and framing. Pay attention to
how the eye will be attracted to different elements of your photograph.
Valerie Topete loves to frame her subjects in creative ways, giving her
viewers a chance to focus on her subject in a different way. Framing
can also be used to create a space within a picture. <br />
Shadow and
light. Especially in black and white photography, which Valerie Topete
is fond of, the interplay of shadows and light can create a beautiful
and interesting conflict in a picture. Valerie Topete has played with
different light settings on her camera and with different subjects in
and out of shadow. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://valerietopete.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> works throughout the five boroughs but lives in Brooklyn with her family. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-5941419981566319962016-01-08T03:37:00.000-08:002016-01-08T03:37:41.821-08:00Valerie Topete - Rising to the Top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete became a high-ranked bike courier at the highly competitive bike courier company Mercury Rises in only two years. Employees often don’t make it through their first month at Mercury Rises because of the fierce competition for the best-paying routes and the most opportune clients. But Topete rose fast because she had the skills to compete against anyone at the company and she wasn’t afraid to provide herself with opportunities to show her skills.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD4Cre2c7MqbrhvnmORjEWswAkH60BcJLZXh3eSqo0eKdea5Vutu5cDzL0oCQCU31fr8K4CuI4S_DJMJ__lo2dsUA6l5S1RWwSGw-FMq5ZIP3mBOmo4AyijvcTxqxxT8akoAahfwcDY3_/s1600/Valerie+Topete.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD4Cre2c7MqbrhvnmORjEWswAkH60BcJLZXh3eSqo0eKdea5Vutu5cDzL0oCQCU31fr8K4CuI4S_DJMJ__lo2dsUA6l5S1RWwSGw-FMq5ZIP3mBOmo4AyijvcTxqxxT8akoAahfwcDY3_/s320/Valerie+Topete.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
Valerie Topete learned how important opportunity was in a corporate setting during her early weeks with Mercury Rises. In an environment in which employees are encouraged to directly challenge each other, she quickly found herself taking some of the best routes available and moving up in the company. Valerie Topete had the advantage of learning the city and how to stay safe on almost any route by working as a freelance bike courier for three years before. She still took routes that she wasn’t familiar with and challenged some of the most skilled riders at Mercury Rises. She didn’t win all of her challenges, but she showed that she wasn’t afraid to take on the most responsibility and take risks. Sometimes risks are the only opportunities you get in a highly competitive job environment like Mercury Rises. <br />
<br />
Valerie Topete has worked for Mercury Rises now for four years. As a high-ranking bike courier, she is entrusted with some of the company’s highest-profile clients and their very sensitive jobs. She lives in <a href="http://www.brooklynohio.gov/" target="_blank">Brooklyn </a>with her husband and two children. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-30677797005552362102016-01-01T01:37:00.000-08:002016-02-04T20:36:44.646-08:00Valerie Topete - Courier for Mercury Rises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://twitter.com/valerietopete01" target="_blank">Valerie Topete</a> is a skilled professional bike courier working
full-time for Mercury Rises, widely recognized as one of the top courier
agencies in New York City. Topete worked as a freelance bike courier
for three years after she moved to New York in 2008. For the past four
years, she has worked for Mercury Rises. Topete has always loved to ride
her bike and she feels that her position with Mercury Rises is the
perfect fit for her and her dream of making a living by doing what she
loves. <br />
<br />
Working for<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Rising" target="_blank"> Mercury Rises </a>is not easy. The company’s
owner, John Tudebaker, purposefully made his work environment at the
clubhouse a den of competition. Employees have the opportunity to pick
up more routes and work more if they can prove that they are more
effective than other employees. This kind of direct competition put
Valerie Topete on her heels at first, but before long she came to
understand this practice. While many couriers only worked part-time,
Valerie Topete worked a full week every week and found herself earning
more work. Tudebaker, above all, tries to maintain a high standard of
excellence for his company and his employees. He fosters this vision by
creating direct competition between employees to keep them fresh and on
their toes. <br />
<br />
Valerie Topete came to relish the opportunity that
Tudebaker gave her and made a career out of delivering materials for
clients throughout New York City, her dream job. She is now married with
two kids. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7553027945729996880.post-57801924496529699382015-12-22T02:53:00.000-08:002016-03-04T22:17:19.140-08:00Valerie Topete - Three Tips for Working as a Bike Messenger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Valerie Topete took an unusual career path after she moved to New York City in 2008. She decided that she wanted to be a bike courier, zooming through the congestion of New York’s foot and vehicle traffic every day to deliver important legal documents, projects, and other materials to clients throughout the city.<br />
<br />
Topete worked on a freelance basis for a while, delivering regular materials for a few steady clients until she was picked up by a local bike courier company, Mercury Rises. Working for this company is very competitive, and many who apply are turned away. Many more who make the cut are then fired when another bike courier comes along able to do the job faster and safer. Topete has stayed with Mercury Rises for four years and is in no danger of losing her spot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1zaKTGWeQ1mI8FzsqFoeDlU0fHoOGKBT6NH6XaT3PoJsSo0knQ6PUHjV6VOtF1q3Q5-FO7rVxwLnQCeup3GycGq6EDr72yVzSESSTycCq-sUsUF6Ql6dLPzZnWZ7kh6sBSmtaHF0cR1F/s1600/Valerie+Topete7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valerie Topete" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1zaKTGWeQ1mI8FzsqFoeDlU0fHoOGKBT6NH6XaT3PoJsSo0knQ6PUHjV6VOtF1q3Q5-FO7rVxwLnQCeup3GycGq6EDr72yVzSESSTycCq-sUsUF6Ql6dLPzZnWZ7kh6sBSmtaHF0cR1F/s1600/Valerie+Topete7.jpg" title="Valerie Topete" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://valerie-topete.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><i><b>Valerie Topete</b></i></a> takes great pains to stay safe and always deliver her loads on time to the precise place and person she is assigned to. When she started working as a bike courier, she poured over maps of the city to get the best routes to certain boroughs and tested them out on the street with her bike whenever possible.<br />
<br />
She took training runs throughout the city to understand the best ways to ride when she needed to make an especially quick delivery. Valerie Topete was able to carve out a niche for herself as a bike courier because of her dedication to the occupation that many people think is too dangerous.<br />
<br />
Valerie Topete still lives in New York with her husband and two children.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14456972102343752313noreply@blogger.com