Does anyone ever get a feeling like a lot more people are noticing them, recognizing them, like they're not invisible and it's kind of an uncomfortable feeling? I feel like I get "the nod" a little too much lately from other roadies. What did I do? Did I do something wrong? Do I have to nod back to specific cyclists now? What if I forget to nod at someone who nods at me? My bike is not too distinctive, in fact I'd say it's rather boring, and intentionally so. I try to nod at non-roadies to show I'm just a regular guy but they just stare. But the other roadies know me, I hope not for the wrong reasons. I wonder if my bike handling skills make others perceive me as dangerous or inconsiderate.

My favorite cafe gave me a "favored customer" discount or something, the payment screen flashed something weird and it disabled the tip option and the price went down by 20%. And although it was nice of them because it means they know who I am, it also feels like I'm a person that now has to live up to other people's expectations and that's a lot of pressure that I didn't sign up for. Maybe I need to update my jersey and sunglasses to blend in. It's all like 3-4 seasons out of date now. Who the hell wears Oakleys now anyway? It's Scicons if you want to fit in, I think. God maybe that's why. Keeping up with the current style is so much work, but I want to ride and be invisible and that is the price I'll have to pay.