Thursday, May 23, 2013

I am really beginning to HATE the new normal.

Dad and I did our usual help with radio for the bike part of the Triathlon again this year.  Same spot, same recording of who went out, and came back, same same...  

Except.

It was not so long after the Boston Bombings.  Normally, we are invisible.  Or nearly so.  Once in a while, a power biker might grumble about the mirror being in the bike lane, (we park off the road in the  truck so we can use the more powerful mobile rig), or a more energetic biker might wave on the way back.  

Probably better than half noticed us.  Waved, said hi, and thanked us.

At first, I couldn't figure out why.  I mean, we'd been there every year, a lot of the participants were the same folks that had been there in years before...  Nothing had changed.  

Then I realized, yes, it had.  Where we were invisible, of a sort, before, we were an idea of safety for the people riding.  

I still can't decide if I liked it or not.  I don't mind being noticed, but not for that reason... But we were out there.  The bikers were out there.  And we all will continue to be out there, normal or not.

Life goes on.


8 comments:

messymimi said...

The new normal can be scary. You are being noticed because you are making a difference, and now they realize it.

stephen Hayes said...

I'd take their reaction to your presence as a compliment, as I'm sure you do.

Lisa said...

Radio as in ham radio? I do this, too!
My favorite event so far was a 5K walk / run last fall and my post was the last before the finish line, so I was there with my handheld with 3 ladies who apparently were the cheering squad. I couldn't help but join them! It was so nice to see little kids and people who obviously were not in shape, but still out there doing the walk / run, do that little exhausted smile at us as we clapped & yelled for them.

Sharon said...

I agree, about the new normal. I liked the old one myself, we all have to adjust.

Cat said...

I suppose. I just wish it weren't so, but I will adjust. Willingly or not...

Cat

Cat said...

I do. I just suppose I wish it weren't for THAT reason...

Cat

Cat said...

Excellent! I should email you, or you to me, and trade info... We always cheer the ones that are not the speed demons, in fact, we were clapping and cheering on a 12 year old that was in the race this year!

Cat

Cat said...

Yes, there are times I can be quite the curmudgeon...

"Get off my lawn" Cat. ;)