Tunes while riding

[Jen12]

How many of you ride with an iPod?

I know someone who does this. She rationalizes it by using one earbud instead of both. I maintain it isn't safe and that you have to be much too actively engaged while cycling--even on a bike path--to have that distraction. (Of course, this person also texts while cycling. And driving. And hits the roof when you call her on it.)

I was on a ride once and a guy came up beside me who had music playing. He had something rigged up in his handlebar bag. That doesn't seem quite as dangerous to me, but you obviously can't walk away from it or it'll be stolen and you run the risk of damaging it if you go down.

Thoughts on music?

[tulip]

I ride because riding uses all of my senses. Listening to music prevents that. I also find it dangerous. I find it very annoying on group rides when people ride with radios (not earbuds) because it encroaches on my enjoyment of my ride.

[westtexas]

I have ridden with people who wear iPods. I found it annoying because when I had a flat, they probably went a mile or more before they realized I had dropped out behind (this was a not a group ride - this was a no drop ride with friends, there were three of us).

When I started riding solo again, I tried to listen to Pandora over my iPhone. I've never been scared of cars or traffic, but it is kind of unsettling not to be able to hear them come up behind you. I don't really listen to the music, it's mostly there to drown out the noise of the wind.

I think I prefer the sound of the wind!

[luv2climb]

When climbing, I always listen to music at low volume in the right ear only. I find it motivating, especially on tough climbs.

Around town I sometimes listen, but often don't.

[ny biker]

I have an mp3 player in my head. There is always a song stuck on repeat. Usually whatever was playing on the car stereo when I last turned it off. So I make sure it's a good song before I go for a bike ride.

It's hard enough to hear other cyclists, cars, etc. while I'm out riding, so I will not put anything in my ears.

If I see someone riding with earphones, even just one ear bud, I assume they are anti-social and don't care about the safety of those around them.

(Currently my internal mp3 player is playing "Bridge Burning" by Foo Fighters. Down crooked stairs and sideways glances...)

[jessmarimba]

I don't. BF does. He's got a set of headphones with just one ear bud (they were mine, I put a dresser down on the other one!)

I don't think he wears them when out with others but I'm pretty sure he likes music when he's doing a mtb race.

I sometimes wish I could - I'm not lucky enough to get full songs stuck in my head, usually just one line of a song I don't really know. It gets old after awhile!

[deeannef]

I just hope those who ride with the music going in the earphones/ear buds have their organ donation cards filled out so when they can't hear that car coming behind them and they get hit and killed, some good will come out of it. It is just plain silly, you need to hear what is going on around you when you are riding for safety reasons, period! Yes, this is harsh, but so be it.

[luv2climb]

I just hope those who ride with the music going in the earphones/ear buds have their organ donation cards filled out so when they can't hear that car coming behind them and they get hit and killed, some good will come out of it. It is just plain silly, you need to hear what is going on around you when you are riding for safety reasons, period! Yes, this is harsh, but so be it.
I hope you're referring to those who ride with music in both ears, not low volume in the right ear like I do. I have no problem hearing cars, dogs, birds, people talking, cicadas, crickets, bike sounds, and anything else I need to hear.

Proof is in my ride videos when overtaking cyclists say hi to me in a normal voice (not shouting) when they are behind me and I say hi back to them.

[ny biker]

It can be difficult to hear cyclists and cars behind you when there is nothing in either ear. So even one earphone is affecting your ability to hear things around you.

I don't speak to anyone with earphones on. I assume they're not interested in communicating with anyone else.

[luv2climb]

I don't speak to anyone with earphones on. I assume they're not interested in communicating with anyone else.
You know what they say about assuming things. ;)

[ny biker]

You know what they say about assuming things. ;)

I see no reason to waste my breath on someone who has something stuck in their ears.

[luv2climb]

I see no reason to waste my breath on someone who has something stuck in their ears.
I'm glad everyone doesn't have that attitude, as I've met some wonderful people over the years, with or without earphones.

[jessmarimba]

I just hope those who ride with the music going in the earphones/ear buds have their organ donation cards filled out so when they can't hear that car coming behind them and they get hit and killed, some good will come out of it. It is just plain silly, you need to hear what is going on around you when you are riding for safety reasons, period! Yes, this is harsh, but so be it.

Aren't too many cars on the singletrack around here.

*shrug*

[JuneHawk]

I rarely listen to music while riding but when I do, I do not put the earbuds in. Insteads, I hand them for one of the helmet's vents and close(ish) to my ear so I can hear the music enough to make a difference as well as everything else around me.

[Velocivixen]

I sing aloud James Brown's "I feel good", especially when I'm struggling!

[ZenBiker]

I never use my iPod when riding outside. Not only would it make it harder to hear cars or other cyclists coming up behind me, I find it kind of distracting - makes what I see in front of me seem less real, more like a video game. It's exactly because it's distracting that I HAVE to listen to music or an audio book or something like that when I ride on the trainer or a stationary bike, so I can be off in my own little world. Being in m own world on the street wouldn't be a good thing. :rolleyes:

I understand others' mileage may vary, that's just my answer.

BTW, I participated in a major event ride this past spring and using earbuds (one or two) was forbidden - you could get pulled off the course for it. People still did it. With 3000 other riders of all abilities around you and being on an open course to boot, that seemed scary to me.

[zoom-zoom]

BTW, I participated in a major event ride this past spring and using earbuds (one or two) was forbidden - you could get pulled off the course for it. People still did it. With 3000 other riders of all abilities around you and being on an open course to boot, that seemed scary to me.

It scares and annoys me when I do duathlons to see how many people break the EXPRESSLY forbidden regulations against earbuds on the course. I don't like being anywhere near these oblivious people who are so dependent upon these crutches that they are so willing to openly shirk rules and the safety of others (more than half of the time those on the cycling leg doing the most weaving and erratic riding are those with earbuds--and they can't hear me when I alert them that I'm passing...I am not a quiet person, either). I always feel better once I've passed them and no longer have to deal with the added risk they bring. I wish races would be more stringent in DQing these knuckleheads.

[Owlie]

I don't ride with headphones, even on the bike trail. I happily use them on the trainer. I do like a little music, but I've started putting what I want on CDs and playing those in the car on the way to the trail. At least some of it sticks in my head.

[azfiddle]

I never use my Ipod when riding with others- that seems incredibly rude.

When I ride by myself, I take the Ipod about 1/4 of the time, and usually just one ear, not too loud. I have not had trouble hearing traffic, birds etc.

[zoom-zoom]

I never use my Ipod when riding with others- that seems incredibly rude.

Years ago I did a training run with a friend...we were both training for the same half-marathon. She had a bad habit of running every run at race pace. So she puts on her iPod and after about 2 miles pulls way ahead of me and I'm running solo for the rest of the 12.5 mile run.

About 8 miles in I come upon her standing on the side of the path looking like death warmed-over. She totally bonked and had to walk the remaining way. I didn't stop for her, just told her I'd wait for her at the car.

(We are no longer friends. This was just the first in a line of very self-centered moves, on her part. The last straw was when she and her hubby bailed on a 6 person trail race team <2 weeks before race day, leaving the rest of us scrambling to find replacements. The weird part about that is that it was SHE who would openly ignore/avoid me at later races, not the other way around...and I had good reason to give her the cold shoulder.)

[Koronin]

I don't even own an ipod. The base here just issued a new command (I guess) that anyone riding a bike or running on base is not allowed to use an ipod.

[pll]

So she puts on her iPod and after about 2 miles pulls way ahead of me and I'm running solo for the rest of the 12.5 mile run.

Wow! What is the point of running with someone if you intend to put the iPod on?

I have to say the lost-to-the-world look of people with iPods and smart phones brings my inner Luddite to the surface. Pedestrians texting walk erratically, cyclists with headphones are unpredictable...

Some weeks ago I had the first movement of Mozart's symphonie #25 stuck in my head. Watch this clip of Fabian Cancellara catching up to the peloton and you'll see where that came from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXqQqAc2pA

[hulagirl]

Oh don't get me started.

It's hard enough with nothing in (generic) your ears to hear what's going on with wind and everything else. I don't care how low the volume is. It's a safety issue for everyone involved, not just yourself. I don't appreciate the need to be extra cautious because you want to listen to tunes.

What do I mean?

If I come upon someone with headphones in I am now forced to watch them like a hawk for any sudden motion into MY path. I don't know if the headphones are on, off, blasting or whispering sweet nothings in French into your ears. All I can do for MY safety is watch you and hope to god you hear me coming so you don't cut into my line.

Regardless of the volume, one ear or two, that is inconsiderate to other people on the road because WE DON'T KNOW if you can hear us.

Personally, I'd like to throw a tire pump into the spokes of the people I pass that have headphones on so loud that *I* can hear them. Ahghghghgh!

(We actually had to go into traffic to pass an A$$ that was jogging in the bike lane with headphones on so loud that he couldn't hear us SCREAMING "On you left!". There was a sidewalk too. Instead, he decided to run WITH traffic in the middle of the bike lane with headphone blaring.)

And personally, I don't really care if people need the music for company, comfort, motivation, etc. Those are their own personal issues/needs. It's when they affect MY safety that I get angry.

[roo4]

Outside? Never. Not running, not bicycling. No. Inside is fine.

[Jen12]

I have to say the lost-to-the-world look of people with iPods and smart phones brings my inner Luddite to the surface. Pedestrians texting walk erratically, cyclists with headphones are unpredictable...



I was biking with about ten people this past weekend on a multi-use trail. There was a kid on a skateboard with headphones on and he was texting. He was completely surprised at the group of bikes passing him even with bells ringing and "on your left" being shouted. It would have been funny if it wasn't so scary.

I don't have any problem sharing the trails. I'm a runner AND a cyclist, but when I run and have my headphones on, they're low enough that I can hear what goes on around me AND I hug the farthest right area available. Cycling I never wear them, which is why I prefer cycling with a group to doing it alone.

[Jen12]

Years ago I did a training run with a friend...we were both training for the same half-marathon. She had a bad habit of running every run at race pace. So she puts on her iPod and after about 2 miles pulls way ahead of me and I'm running solo for the rest of the 12.5 mile run.

About 8 miles in I come upon her standing on the side of the path looking like death warmed-over. She totally bonked and had to walk the remaining way. I didn't stop for her, just told her I'd wait for her at the car.

(We are no longer friends. This was just the first in a line of very self-centered moves, on her part. The last straw was when she and her hubby bailed on a 6 person trail race team <2 weeks before race day, leaving the rest of us scrambling to find replacements. The weird part about that is that it was SHE who would openly ignore/avoid me at later races, not the other way around...and I had good reason to give her the cold shoulder.)

I know someone just like this. She used to call me constantly to run with her and then one day she just stopped. Evidently she'd found another running buddy and I was completely dumpable. Selfish people are better off avoided.

[CyborgQueen]

For those who are using music as crutches (I don't mean those who posted, those who you see on the roads or saying "I cannot run without music") takes their hearing for granted.

I'm deaf. How do you think I feel?

While I do have cochlear implants and hear very well with them, but I cannot hear music and surrounding ambient sounds because of the way my "ears" are set up. It irks me to no end when people use earbuds. I don't give a flying fig if the music is on low. How am I supposed to know that?


There has been times when I would say on your left and the rider is surprised to see me. Oh I'm sorry, going 20 mph is too fast for you? Leave em off. Appreciate the fact you can hear, see, and walk.

Problems climbing hills? I just sing/hum "this is the song that never ends...". Yes the corny nonstop Lamb Chop Play Along song.

[ctdancer]

Guilty of riding with my Ipod (when I'm solo), as long as I'm riding in an area where I know the route really well, and not many cars. Fortunately where I live I have lots of "safe" places to ride, and the music really helps my cadence, especially up hills !
I keep the volume low, and I would never use them with company...

[Owlie]

It scares me when I see cyclists with earbuds in, even on the trail. There are are a few road crossings that force you to rely on hearing because of curves in the road and vegetation. And this group of people often overlap with the "don't even slow down to check for traffic" group! :eek:

[lph]

To answer the original question - I ride with earbuds all the time. It helps mightily for my motivation on long rides. It's not something I recommend to new riders because it takes practice and you may have to change your riding style somewhat. It's quite possible to ride safely and responsibly with earbuds, however.

And as a gentle reminder - putting earbuds in doesn't automatically turn an otherwise attentive rider into a self-absorbed zombie weaving all over the place and paying no attention... ;)

[ctdancer]

LPH - Agree ! In some ways, I think they actually make me pay more attention to my surroundings, and be more cautious rather than oblivious !

[amb]

I frequently ride with my iPod, right earbud only, music at a reasonable level. I too can hear traffic, birds, people, other riders....everything. There's a lot of people on their soapbox here assuming we're unsafe/can't hear a thing. Whatever, do what works for you and I will as well. I think more often than not, it's not an iPod that makes anyone unsafe, it's their lack of following the rules of the road!!

[roo4]

I think riders/runners with earbuds in are less aware of their surroundings. Period. For those of you insisting that you can hear cars and birds and crickets and whatnot while wearing earbuds, well goody for you. That is not the question. We are not comparing your super-sensory abilities with average riders. The comparison should be your ability with earbuds as compared with your ability without musical distractions.

[ehirsch83]

If I am riding solo, I ride with one ear but in( right ear- side away from cars). I hear everything just fine. It helps with motivation on work outs- different music helps push yourself farther or on an easy recovery ride something slower and fun(jack johnson station on pandora is great).

I would never ride with them on a group ride.

I feel it is a personal preference and people shouldn't be so negative to those who decide to wear them in one ear, as long as it isn't impeding you- it is ok.

[SadieKate]

I can't believe I'm posting on this worn out topic, but I'd truly like to know if anyone who says they have the music turned down so they "hear everything" has had their hearing professionally tested in a matching environment, that is riding a bike, wind noise, single earbud (earbuds cancel noise by design), etc.

How do you know you hear everything? I really, really want to know. Seriously. Maybe you can but I want to know how you measured your hearing in this situation.

[Dr.Doo]

Nope, never use the ipod on the roads. It's not just about my own safety but that of others too. I'd no sooner block up an ear (or ears) than put an eye-patch on, or ride with one hand, not even in light traffic. There's so many more motorized numpties on the roads nowadays - which is very noticeable to me as someone coming back to cycling, for exercise and transport, after over a decade off the bike and the roads.

Another cyclist (on a non cycling) board recently recounted this...

"Over the week end, a 48 year old woman, who was training for an upcoming triathalon, was passed by a truck who swung wide, passed her on her left and turned right, the truck clipped the front wheel of her bicycle, throwing her over UNDERNEATH the rear set of wheels of the truck, and yes. She was killed. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing a helmet. However, something L**** spoke about way back in the thread, something I never do, and was sort of shocked that people did, she was wearing an ipod in both ears and it is assumed she heard nothing."


I do admit that I ride with one ear bud in when on dedicated cycle tracks away from the roads.

[KateNTx]

I saw a young woman (college age) texting on her bike while riding down a 4 lane road at rush hour the other day. All I could think as I drove past was..."Are you kidding me?!" I ride/walk to escape my life...the last thing I want is my iPhone in my ears forcing me to be "reachable" (I carry a pre-paid for emergencies). a for music...when I was (much) younger I had a little transistor hooked up to a dynamo on the bike I kept at my grandad's place...dirt road, no traffic, usually rode down to the creek to fish. that was enjoyable, so I don't totally oppose music in a safe environment, but here in Town...fughettaboutit, too many other risks on the road for me to deliberately seek one out (and yes, I AM an organ donor).

[hulagirl]

Seriously! It's not about YOUR perception of what you can or can't hear. It's about YOU (earphone rider) placing more responsibility on US (riders overtaking you) because we see headphone and we don't know how loud the music is or is not. You now force us to be over cautious, hyper-aware and way more concerned about you hearing us or jumping into our line because you don't hear us.

THAT'S what pisses me off. I personally don't care what your issues are. (the need for music as motivation or whatever) But when it affects my safety, I do care. And I think using headphones on a ride is rude and places even more responsibility onto the folks that approach you.

[Crankin]

I feel the same way, Hula Girl. It's plain unsafe and is actually against the law here in MA.
But DH wears one earbud when he commutes and it pisses me off no end. I can't stop him, but I wish I could.

[Eden]

Gotta agree with Hula Girl - its not particularly about you... If you wear earbuds it forces me to treat you as if you can hear nothing.

On another note, volume is the least of your worries IMHO - the act of wearing headphones, up loud or not isolates you, and its not about what sounds can physically enter your ears - its about a state that your brain enters.

It's been shown that driving using a hands free device with a cell phone is no safer than driving holding a regular cell phone. This is because it is not the physical holding of the device that is the larger problem - it is the distraction of the phone conversation that causes the problems. It's about the human brain's ability (or rather non-ability) to truly multi-task..

Using headphones, causes a similar effect to cell phone distraction - even if you can actually hear things going, it doesn't mean your brain can effectively shift its focus to them. In a nutshell - the headphones may actually help you to focus more closely on certain things, but lose your awareness of the wider world, independent of your actual ability to hear... (thus why some people, especially ADD kids, can study more easily with headphones - they remove the distraction of the wider world).

This state of being very focused isn't the best brain state for cycling in traffic though - you want to be able to react quickly to a great many stimuli. Can you get yourself into that state without earbuds? Sure, but its definitely easier to achieve with them, so I'd encourage everyone to give up the headphones, even turned down low, even stuck only in one ear.

[owlice]

I wear an eyepatch. I wear sunglasses, too; eyepatches are sometimes a little shiny, and the sunglasses cut down on the glare coming from the one eyepatch into my other eye. Of course, I can see perfectly fine with just one eye; I can see cars and birds and tell that the wind is blowing and everything. Sometimes, I'll wear two eyepatches. I do this when I want to really concentrate; it helps me keep my mind on how I feel on the bike, what my legs are doing, how my body is moving, keeping my shoulders down, my arms loose. Some people have suggested that this might be dangerous, but how bad could it be? I'm still here, aren't I?

[tulip]

Well, I actually DO ride with only one eye, because only one of mine functions. While I refuse to be kept off my bike because of it (except at night--I don't ride or drive at night), I certainly wouldn't do it voluntarily and I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone else!

[szsz]

How do you know you hear everything? I really, really want to know. Seriously. Maybe you can but I want to know how you measured your hearing in this situation.

I can hear things with one earbud in that my husband can't hear with no earbuds. I do have exceptional hearing.

I only wear one earbud and only on one training route that I do. It definitely helps me with cadence.

[amb]

Seriouly, where is the eye roll smiley face when you need one?!?! The preachiness of this thread is all a bit much for me right now.

[Miranda]

I used to ride with one ear bud in my right ear. After my dog crash, which I was NOT wearing-using my iPod, I don't use it anymore.

I went out on one ride with the one ear bud post crash... had a dog chase, and potentially could have heard him coming a little sooner without the earbud.

I love music. It motivates and enhances my ride (life). I really miss it. Riding is not the same without music.

[lph]

I appreciate and respect that some of you dislike passing riders wearing earbuds, but it seems a bit much to get mad about it. I have to pass people all the time that are wearing earbuds, walking their dogs, chatting with their neighbour, talking on their mobiles or otherwise not 100 % focused on their surroundings, and I have to be careful. That's just people, part of a normal commute. If they actually DO something dangerous like veer or swerve I'll probably come here and rant about it, but if I were to be pissed off at their very presence on my route I'd spend a lot of time being pissed off.

I'm wondering if this has something to do with bike culture and riding style. Here in Norway no-one (and I mean no-one!) announces that they are behind you, drafting off you, or about to pass. They just do it. You can use a bell, but a lot of people don't. Nobody expects to hear anything or be spoken to, the only way to know someone is there is to look. So what you hear or don't hear doesn't mean much, you absolutely have to use your eyes to be certain. So I turn around, a lot. I have a habit of glancing behind me every single time I move just a little sideways, and often just to check in between. People seem to have no qualms about wheelsucking, or passing me closely, I've been part of the "morning peloton" often. My earbuds are barely visible under my Buff, though, and I've usually had visual contact with any followers.

I guess with a bike culture where people both ride fast, pass closely, and talk to each other a lot, I could understand the irritation at someone cutting themselves off from the main form of communication. But on the occasions that I have tried to talk to someone, like pulling up on someone I know, I have to really yell to be heard above wind and traffic, so I'd be really wary of counting too much on hearing, at least on my regular commute.

Oh well. I wasn't really going to debate this (and probably won't any more), just wanted to add a few ideas.

[Catrin]

For me, listening to music while riding would remove part of my reason for riding - it connects me to the world around me. It is as simple as that. I like hearing my tires on the road, the sound of the wind and the birds in the trees. I get that some are still able to hear that with one earbud, but indent want to divide my attention when riding.

[blue_angel]

To answer the original question - I ride with earbuds all the time. It helps mightily for my motivation on long rides. It's not something I recommend to new riders because it takes practice and you may have to change your riding style somewhat. It's quite possible to ride safely and responsibly with earbuds, however.

And as a gentle reminder - putting earbuds in doesn't automatically turn an otherwise attentive rider into a self-absorbed zombie weaving all over the place and paying no attention... ;)

Thank you!

[roo4]

People that use earbuds while riding are kidding themselves. People are posting that they only use one earbud. Why only one? If it doesn't affect your hearing, then use two. The truth is that you know it adversely affects your ability to hear, and you are trying to find a compromise that allows you to plug in and ride at the same time. Can you really not ride without being plugged in? C'mon, folks.

[pll]

Peace! No number of arguments will convince one side or the other.

[Eden]

lph - I think that differing attitudes about driving between countries are also in play. I'm thinking that where you are the drivers are much more careful and courteous of you all on bikes.

It might be perfectly safe to be a bit tuned out on your bike in, say, Amsterdam - where biking is as common as walking about, most people do it pretty slowly, bikes are often separated from traffic, the auto traffic is also moving relatively slowly and the drivers are quite aware of all of the foot and bike traffic.

Here in the US, its the opposite. If you walk around or ride around the least bit distracted you are taking your life in your hands. Traffic generally moves fast and is aggressive and you really do have to assume that drivers have little to no regard for your life... There are even places in the US that are thinking about making crossing the street wearing headphones illegal...

Is it necessarily fair that we should allow drivers to run our lives the way they do - no, but it is the reality of things the way they are.

I do find it annoying when walkers, runners, bladers, cyclists are budded(or on the phone...), clueless and weaving/wandering around - but that's not why I discourage people from wearing ear buds....If I'm on a trail where I'm likely to encounter those type of folks, it's my responsibility to not run them down.... I discourage earbud wearing because I really don't think it is safe to do here. If you are going to interact with traffic in the US, you need all of your wits about you and earbuds, even low, really do tend to tune a person's brain out - whether or not they even realize it.

In the end it is not my decision - if it is legal in your jurisdiction you can do it, and in most places it still is. You still won't ever find me doing it, nor do I have to agree with anyone that it is a good decision. I think is also likely that slowly, like seatbelt wearing (went from encouraged, to mandatory over many years), places in the US will start to outlaw earphones on bikes and maybe even for peds.

[azfiddle]

There are so many distractions when cycling, walking or driving. So maybe this is hijacking the thread but it made me wonder how many of you ...

Eat and drink while in the car?
Listen to the music, radio, books, podcasts while driving? And at what volume?
Are involved in animated conversations while driving, cycling or walking?
Have active children in your car while driving?
Other common distractions?

Personally, I sometimes do not want to even talk while cycling because of the added distraction away from the road. One of my friends had a cycling accident and broke her pelvis because she was involved in a conversation and did not see a large chunk of asphalt in the road. (OTOH, when I am riding alone, I can see the road ahead, use a rear view mirror and am more likely to be checking ahead and behind, even while listening to music).

And.. which cycling situations are most likely to require utmost attention?
Urban commuting?
Rural roads with low traffic but potential for dogs or harassment by drivers?
Group rides?
???


And which distractions concern you most?

[mixie]

Seriously! It's not about YOUR perception of what you can or can't hear. It's about YOU (earphone rider) placing more responsibility on US (riders overtaking you) because we see headphone and we don't know how loud the music is or is not. You now force us to be over cautious, hyper-aware and way more concerned about you hearing us or jumping into our line because you don't hear us.

THAT'S what pisses me off. I personally don't care what your issues are. (the need for music as motivation or whatever) But when it affects my safety, I do care. And I think using headphones on a ride is rude and places even more responsibility onto the folks that approach you.


not just you, but others with this attitude. You should be careful passing other riders regardless if they have ear buds on or not. Plenty of sketchy riders out there without ear buds. Besides for all you know you can't see them and they have them in anyway. You should always be "on guard" when riding and what other people are or are not doing shouldn't dictate how you ride.

What if you think "oh great, I'll just pass this person" and as soon as you go to pass, they reach back in their jersey pocket to get a gel or go to grab their bottle or any of a million other things and they swerve and take you out. See, should have been paying better attention.

you're fooling yourself if you think passing anyone regardless of music or not should be handled any different.

[lph]

lph - I think that differing attitudes about driving between countries are also in play. I'm thinking that where you are the drivers are much more careful and courteous of you all on bikes.

Careful may be the case - oh, and Eden, I do appreciate you disagreeing with me in such a civil manner :). I'm sure there are many places that have more aggressive traffic than here, and that are more unsuitable for riding with earbuds. For that reason also I would never ever recommend riding with earbuds to anyone else, not only because it does take practice and certain skills. But courteous no, Oslo is definitely not Amsterdam or Copenhagen. We do not have that many bike paths, and there is a definite view among many drivers that cyclists are a huge PITA. You especially have to keep your eyes open for drivers passing you closely, even though very fast reckless driving is uncommon.

I'm certainly not trying to defend earbuds as riskfree, or encourage anybody to wear them. There are occasions in which I prefer to ride without them, when I'm tired, haven't ridden for a long while or am in unknown areas and liable to spend too much time staring in the wrong direction, wondering where the hell I am :D. Earbuds do muffle sound, and I'm not denying it. All I'm saying is that I'm not necessarily a total blithering idiot for riding with them.

Personally I feel that sight completely trumps hearing when it comes to safety, and the single most important skill a cyclist riding in traffic should have around here is the ability to check their surroundings visually often, without swerving. You wouldn't believe how oblivious some people are, completely earbud-free.

[Owlie]

Personally I feel that sight completely trumps hearing when it comes to safety, and the single most important skill a cyclist riding in traffic should have around here is the ability to check their surroundings visually often, without swerving. You wouldn't believe how oblivious some people are, completely earbud-free.

True, although there are some intersections around here where you have to trust your hearing because of the vegetation and road curves involved. They're fine in winter, but...

I thought of this thread during my ride today. I had a few moments where I wished I had my iPod. My mental soundtrack was getting rather annoying. Of course, my mental soundtrack for rides seems to consist of Johnny Cash, selections from The Biochemist's Songbook (I'm a nerd) and Colonel Bogey's March. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8peZOFVYxTI) (Plays in the background of linked Monty Python sketch. May be NSFW.) :rolleyes:

[Pedal Wench]

I'll sometimes ride with music - not earbuds in my ears, but draped over my helmet straps and just loud enough to hear the tune, but it doesn't block out sounds. The volume is such that I'm still usually the first one to hear a car back and call it out.

One thing that I've noticed is that it actually helps keep me in the moment while riding. Without music, my mind can wander and I really have tuned out the world. With music, it keeps me focused on the road.

[Owlie]

One thing that I've noticed is that it actually helps keep me in the moment while riding. Without music, my mind can wander and I really have tuned out the world. With music, it keeps me focused on the road.

I haven't noticed that problem with riding, but I definitely notice it while sitting still and trying to do homework or something. I think I spend enough time having to dodge sticks and chipmunks (and listening to that obnoxious mental soundtrack!) on the trail that I don't have time for my attention to wander...

[hulagirl]

you're fooling yourself if you think passing anyone regardless of music or not should be handled any different.

I noted in my post that it forces me to be OVER cautious more so than normal.

I sure as hell don't pass without a care in the world. Not because of what's in front of me, but the drivers in Hawaii in most cases are HORRIBLE.

I am an extremely defensive rider. :D

[trista]

For those of you who do wear earbuds, my problem is that when I wear them, I get this wind-whooshing sound coming around the earbuds that drowns out the music. If I could figure out how to get past that, I'd still wear them more often than not. I love music when I exercise, I really do.

I totally agree w/ lph's statement about sight trumping sound. I can't hear crap when I ride - headphones aside - pretty much all I can hear is wind (which I hate), so I rely completely on my sight. I cannot hear most cars coming up behind me... but I don't worry about cars to the rear anyway. The ones I worry about are the ones ripping out of their driveways/neighborhoods or at intersections, which I can see anyway. It's rare I encounter another bike, but recently I was overtaken and I didn't even notice the guy till he was alongside me. If he said something, I couldn't hear him over the stupid wind.

Anyhow, if anyone has advice on good earbuds that don't whoosh in my ears that would be awesome :)

[ctdancer]

For those of you who do wear earbuds, my problem is that when I wear them, I get this wind-whooshing sound coming around the earbuds that drowns out the music. If I could figure out how to get past that, I'd still wear them more often than not. I love music when I exercise, I really do.

I totally agree w/ lph's statement about sight trumping sound. I can't hear crap when I ride - headphones aside - pretty much all I can hear is wind (which I hate), so I rely completely on my sight. I cannot hear most cars coming up behind me... but I don't worry about cars to the rear anyway. The ones I worry about are the ones ripping out of their driveways/neighborhoods or at intersections, which I can see anyway. It's rare I encounter another bike, but recently I was overtaken and I didn't even notice the guy till he was alongside me. If he said something, I couldn't hear him over the stupid wind.

Anyhow, if anyone has advice on good earbuds that don't whoosh in my ears that would be awesome :)


What she said !! Thank you ! I agree !

[szsz]

People are posting that they only use one earbud. Why only one?

Following the law!

[lph]

Anyhow, if anyone has advice on good earbuds that don't whoosh in my ears that would be awesome :)

Given the temperature of this thread I don't want to post something that could be viewed as wholesale encouragement, but I do have practical tips to give. PM me if anyone's interested.

[Dr.Doo]

No earbuds necessary!

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/scoobs63/IMG_0221-1.jpg



I'll get my coat then..... ;)

[Dogmama]

What is wrong with listening to your own thoughts on a ride? Or just being with nature, in the moment? What's wrong with silence?

Obviously, I think earbuds are not a good idea. Even people who say they can hear traffic, etc., get "caught up" in a song & become distracted. I've seen it too many times. Cycling is inherently dangerous. I want all of my senses to be sharp.

Besides, with earbuds I might miss the obnoxious rap music coming out of some cars at stoplights. :p

Owlie, I get songs in my head too sometimes. Annoying!

[buffybike]

Guilty of riding with my Ipod (when I'm solo), as long as I'm riding in an area where I know the route really well, and not many cars. Fortunately where I live I have lots of "safe" places to ride, and the music really helps my cadence, especially up hills !
I keep the volume low, and I would never use them with company...

+1, although I haven't used the iPod in over a year. Last year when I was training for a century, there were a few 60-70+ mile rides I had to do alone and, I'll admit, I used earbuds for part of the time just because I got so bored. I can never hear cars anyway due to the wind and my poor hearing in general. I'd never wear them if I was riding with someone else though.

[trista]

What is wrong with listening to your own thoughts on a ride? Or just being with nature, in the moment? What's wrong with silence?

I don't think either answer is wrong or right, it is just personal preference.

Speaking of getting songs stuck in your head, on one of my routes there is a spot where I ALWAYS start singing the theme song to Gilligans Island. It is incredibly annoying!!!!

[tulip]

On yesterday's ride, I realized how lucky I am not to ride with music or talk in my ears. When I'm on my bike, my thoughts flow and I come up with great ideas and solutions to problems. It's quite remarkable; I solved a couple of nagging issues on yesterday's ride. All it took was allowing my mind to work freely without directing it anywhere. It's like my mind opens up or something. It's pretty cool.

[mixie]

Is everything so black and white to so many people here?

Music turns you into a blank brained zombie? If you are listening to music you can't hear your thoughts, or enjoy nature? Music just shuts you down? Some of the comments on here you'd think people were listening to hypnosis while riding. It's astounding...Sorry, I actually started giggling hysterically when I read Tulips post above. It really comes across as condescending.


"wow. I am SOOO GLLLLAD I don't do what YOU do. It makes me SO MUCH BETTER"

I can think and concentrate quite well while listening to music. It's quite remarkable really :P


Is it that difficult or am I just that exceptionally talented? :p

[tulip]

Is everything so black and white to so many people here?

Music turns you into a blank brained zombie? If you are listening to music you can't hear your thoughts, or enjoy nature? Music just shuts you down? Some of the comments on here you'd think people were listening to hypnosis while riding. It's astounding...Sorry, I actually started giggling hysterically when I read Tulips post above. It really comes across as condescending.


"wow. I am SOOO GLLLLAD I don't do what YOU do. It makes me SO MUCH BETTER"

I can think and concentrate quite well while listening to music. It's quite remarkable really :P


Is it that difficult or am I just that exceptionally talented? :p

Yes, since my cycling accident and resulting brain injury, it really is VERY difficult for me to concentrate on two things at once, including listening to music and doing anything else. Laugh away, honey. I don't find it particularly funny. I was relaying what works for me. If you don't like it, you can ignore it.

[gnat23]

+1, although I haven't used the iPod in over a year. Last year when I was training for a century, there were a few 60-70+ mile rides I had to do alone and, I'll admit, I used earbuds for part of the time just because I got so bored. I can never hear cars anyway due to the wind and my poor hearing in general. I'd never wear them if I was riding with someone else though.

+1. I used a single earbud during some long solo stretches of a double century. You don't want to know what thoughts were in my head before then.

Getting a thought or song stuck in your head is one thing, but getting ONE LINE of a song stuck for 14 hours? Yeah, I almost swerved myself into the ditch just to take myself out of the misery.

-- gnat! (I wanna rock and roll ALL NIGHT! and party EVERY DAY!... I wanna rock and roll ALL NIGHT! and party EVERY DAY!... I wanna rock and roll ALL NIGHT! and party EVERY DAY! ---)

[lph]

gnat, you're hilarious :D Thanks for lightening things up.

[snapdragen]

Ladies, can we please not attack individual posters?

Thank you.

[mixie]

[/B]

Yes, since my cycling accident and resulting brain injury, it really is VERY difficult for me to concentrate on two things at once, including listening to music and doing anything else. Laugh away, honey. I don't find it particularly funny. I was relaying what works for me. If you don't like it, you can ignore it.


that's great that it works for you. Live and let live. I don't tell people "omg they HAVE to listen to music while they ride" that is their choice and that is fine.

Why do the non iPod wearers feel the need to tell the others they're not allowed to have that choice which is really what it seems a lot of this thread is about.

[luv2climb]

Why do the non iPod wearers feel the need to tell the others they're not allowed to have that choice which is really what it seems a lot of this thread is about.
Amen! There were some earlier posts in this thread (NOT Tulip's) that were a jab at my post stating that I have no problem hearing things around me with music at low volume in my right ear.

I think the world would be a much better place if people would live and let live and mind their own damn business. I don't go around telling people how to live, and I expect the same from others.

[Dogmama]

Turkey's long burnt. Put a fork in it and get it out of the oven.

Put it on the counter. And back away.

Now go for a bike ride and have some glazed duck instead.

+1

One of the nicer things about this board is that we don't attack people. We relate our experiences, express our opinions, observations and agree to disagree. I would hate for the civility to end.

So, to echo Snap (my fellow zipperneck) can we please stop the personal attacks?



BTW - thanks for the song gnat. Now I've got it too (I wanna ROCK & ROLL ALL NIGHT...)

[gnat23]

+1
BTW - thanks for the song gnat. Now I've got it too (I wanna ROCK & ROLL ALL NIGHT...)

Yeah, sorry. The only way to get rid of that KISS song is to think of the line "Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie".

...[wait for it]...

Now, the only way to get rid of THAT song is to drill a hole in your skull and empty out all your braingoo.

-- gnat! (Sorry.)

[zoom-zoom]

Ooh...evil! Take this:

I GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT I GET UP AGAIN, YOU'RE NEVER GONNA KEEP ME DOWN...

[Sardine]

Yeah, sorry. The only way to get rid of that KISS song is to think of the line "Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie".

...[wait for it]...

Now, the only way to get rid of THAT song is to drill a hole in your skull and empty out all your braingoo.

-- gnat! (Sorry.)

I agree that you're absolutely evil. I can't believe it. I'm off on a long ride on Friday and this song had better be out of my head by then... :p

Edit: I don't own a drill.

[Owlie]

We all live in a yellow submarine...

[zoom-zoom]

I'm on the highway to HELL!!!

Or how 'bout...
I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more...
(I really love that song, though a couple of guys butchered it badly at a karaoke bar last week and I can't get their "version" out of my head, now).

[Sardine]

La, la, la.. I'm going to stop reading this thread. Oh my god, now they're taking turns since I only know about one line of each. Yellow submarine out in the lead at the moment though. Thank goodness i don't know the last one.

[Catrin]

Riding the storm out, waiting for the fallout...

[zoom-zoom]

This is the song that doesn't end...it just goes on and on my friend.
Some people started singing it not knowing what it was,
And they'll continue singing it forever just because...
This is the song that doesn't end...

[grey]

This is the song that doesn't end...it just goes on and on my friend.
Some people started singing it not knowing what it was,
And they'll continue singing it forever just because...
This is the song that doesn't end...

I was going to post that! No FAIR!!! :p

I get one line stuck in my head too. Lately I've listened strictly to lyric-less music, for MONTHS, it helps a lot as far as preventing the one-line-constant-repeat of a (usually really stupid) line of a song. I don't mind so much when I come around a bend, see the biiiiiig old mountain range open up next to me, and have inspiring, beautiful music come to mind and get stuck on a 10 second repeat quite so much as lyrics. :D

I VERY RARELY ride with my ipod, in the right ear. Only once this year, on a Sunday morning, in a really traffic-less area. I saw three cars the whole 25 miles, and was watching for them. I like to live to see another day. Most of the time though, I like the sounds around me. Most of my riding is in really remote areas, and the sounds and smells of nature are really nice (ok, sometimes the chicken farms stink).

[roo4]

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

[zoom-zoom]

Today I had TWO issues during an open course duathlon race with participants wearing headphones. First one was in the first transition...kid is moseying through a narrow aisle...totally oblivious of the people actually running to their bikes during a RACE. I had to yell at him to get out of the way.

Second instance was trying to get around another cyclist weaving around while wearing headphones. I called on-your-left...person continued to weave, then looked sort of startled to see me there.

Headphones should NEVER be allowed during multi-sport events. Not ever! This is a brand new race, so I think organizers were being uber-relaxed to attract a bigger field. This field was, by far, the highest percentage of new racers I've ever encountered at a duathlon. I love that so many people are trying a fun multisport event, but it makes me very nervous to see so many who are inexperienced AND adding such an unnecessary element to the race. A race on hilly, curvy roads with cars and nearly 100 other participants.

Bad, bad move for race organizers to set such a relaxed precedent, IMO. Now they will have a b!tch of a time ever implementing a stricter headphones policy in the future.

[RubyTuesday]

Today I had TWO issues during an open course duathlon race with participants wearing headphones. First one was in the first transition...kid is moseying through a narrow aisle...totally oblivious of the people actually running to their bikes during a RACE. I had to yell at him to get out of the way.

Second instance was trying to get around another cyclist weaving around while wearing headphones. I called on-your-left...person continued to weave, then looked sort of startled to see me there.

Headphones should NEVER be allowed during multi-sport events. Not ever! This is a brand new race, so I think organizers were being uber-relaxed to attract a bigger field. This field was, by far, the highest percentage of new racers I've ever encountered at a duathlon. I love that so many people are trying a fun multisport event, but it makes me very nervous to see so many who are inexperienced AND adding such an unnecessary element to the race. A race on hilly, curvy roads with cars and nearly 100 other participants.

Bad, bad move for race organizers to set such a relaxed precedent, IMO. Now they will have a b!tch of a time ever implementing a stricter headphones policy in the future.

Where is the "like" button when you need it?