We Are Marshalls: A True Story
Contrary to popular opinion, marshalling is not just a necessary evil. In fact, it’s our lifeblood. Ensconced in our entitlement-rich society, we may think that early-morning bike racing in our collective backyard is a right, not a privilege. Well, it’s not. It’s really, really not. Its grip on life is tenuous. We racers are the bane of many park users, who’d just as soon have us banned completely. CRCA’s excellent safety record helps keep our permit alive. And the only way we can maintain that safety record is to take marshalling seriously – to recognize it as the incredibly important job that it is.
Does your marshalling style typically involve any of the following (and you know who you are):
• A newspaper;
• A camera;
• An iPod;
• A saliva-free whistle;
• A total lack of interest in the race since you’re not in it;
• A hired hand who knows less about bike racing than Al Trautwig?
Well, you’re not alone. But we implore you: Please re-think your strategy. Remember that you’re depending on someone JUST LIKE YOU for your safety the next time YOU race. Dogs, rollerbladers, tourists, general bike-haters – they’re only getting more common on race mornings. As a club, we need our marshalling presence to be attentive, vigilant, polite, and involved. Blow your whistle with gusto when the packs approach. Cheerfully inform pedestrians that, for their safety, they should stay in the rec lanes when they hear those whistles. If they give you grief, cheerfully INSIST that, for their safety, they should stay in the rec lanes when they hear those whistles. It’s that simple.
Yin/yang; love/marriage; peas/carrots; Forrest/Jenny; Boonen/blow . . . and RACING/MARSHALLING. If you’re a racer, you’re a marshal. And being a good marshal is a hell of a lot easier than being a good racer. CRCA can’t exist without good marshalling. Please do your part and revel in the importance of your job! Thank you!