Music & Cycling: Am I crazy?

[JasCali]

I've gotten a lot of slack in the past for listening to music through an earpiece while cycling, and I was wondering if anyone else does this on occasion? I'm not a competitive rider, so I don't go too fast, and I typically listen to quiet classical music, but I guess it could become a problem if you have trouble hearing cars, other bikes, etc..

And I just got a great new CD for mother's day, too -- not from my daughter, she's too young to barter, lol. It's this great classical CD by the singer Katherine Jenkins, I would highly recommend it, not sure if anyone else here listens to her or classical vocalists in general. I really like Andrea Bocelli, too, he had a great concert at the Universal Amphitheatre near my house recently. That's me, craving music constantly, hence the possibly dangerous habit that I've developed.

Maybe I should stop, I dunno? Listening to Puccini or Verdi while taking in a great view of the coast..

Jasmine

[betagirl]

When I ride alone, I always bring my iPod. I keep the volume low enough where I can hear what's going on around me. I don't ever ride with headphones with others though, so I can hear communications etc. So you're not the only rule breaker I know in some states it's actually illegal to ride with headphones, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone getting pulled over.

[sarahkonamojo]

You aren't alone except when you are alone. And when I ride alone I bring my Shuffle. I can still hear the traffic. In fact I prefer the slightly muffled traffic noise. Full on traffic noise is a little too loud and nerve racking. If I'm riding with others, I leave the shuffle at home.

I'm not the greatest singer, but also sing aloud as I ride. Maybe that is why I have to ride alone as often as I do.

skm

[slinkedog]

I'm one who doesn't ride with headphones/music. I do most of my riding on quiet, narrow country roads and it's hard to hear a car coming up until they're right on top of you. Same for cyclists. They're usually good to let me know if they're passing, but I almost never hear them until the very last second. I'm concerned that I'll be too cut off from what's going on around me if I ride while listening to music, much as I'd love to do it.

JasCali... I was an opera major in college, but I don't listen to it much now. I'll have to check out Katherine Jenkins. Kiri Te Kanawa was always my favorite soprano for true opera... so pure and beautiful and not too heavy. And I love Elly Ameling for art songs and lieder.

[Jo-n-NY]

I inched my way to riding with headphones, well I just put it in my right ear. I was the only one of our little trio (husband and friend) that didn't ride listening to music. I have an IRiver as I heard it was pretty decent and got it with my Amex points. I download music mostly from movies Phantom of the Opera, Pearl Harbour, You've Got Mail and others. This was the third step after getting use step one, new road bike, step two, clippless pedals.

I have to admit, it is quite nice when riding alone and this reminds me, better get some batteries during lunch. Yes, an IRiver takes 1 double A battery and lasts a very long time. But every so often you get a little buzzing sound I guess if I hit a frequency area or something.

~JoAnn

[ACG]

I listen to music, very low. I usually ride alone. I use a small walkman that clips on. Will probably get an IPOD soon.

[AutumnBreez]

I listen when I am alone, which is most of the time...99%
I am on country roads too, almost every ride the wind blows so hard/loud when I haven't had the music I still can't hear the cars, just from wind alone, I might as well enjoy the noise in my ears filled with music to motivate me. I use my eyes often and keep to the road in a consistant manner as I can, and look before I move into lane further in. I will also signal a bit before I look so that if someone is there they will not be nervous of my possible movement that may occur when looking behind me if there is someone behind me. Communication is key.

Rarely, no music is nice, but only very rarely takes place 1% of time when I am riding with another and want to hear the other person when they speak to me.

...if I don't have a spare battery to replace the other is when wind takes its place

I don't think it is bad to have music, as long as you have it to a volume that keeps you safe and motivated at the same time-
much like having your protien bar(cake) and eating it too

[yellow]

I listen to the music of my tires on the rough, chip-sealed roads.

I listen to the oak titmouse and olive-sided flycatchers calling (and this time of year, the warblers and wrens singing).

I listen to the flow of the streams that I follow and cross.

I listen to my breathing and sometimes to my heartbeat in my head.

These things so much define my solo rides...I can't imagine blocking them out or distracting from them with recorded music!

[AutumnBreez]

Must be nice....
No, I hear what your saying, but the wind is so strong the only thing I could hear out of those you mentioned was the heartbeat in my head-- internal

Very nice, your surroundings, I would enjoy that too!!

[SadieKate]

I listen to the music of my tires on the rough, chip-sealed roads.

I listen to the oak titmouse and olive-sided flycatchers calling (and this time of year, the warblers and wrens singing).

I listen to the flow of the streams that I follow and cross.

I listen to my breathing and sometimes to my heartbeat in my head.

These things so much define my solo rides...I can't imagine blocking them out or distracting from them with recorded music!

A very eloquent ditto from me. You said it beautifully, Yellow. Must be why I like to ride with you, rather why I like to follow you.

[caligurl]

i listen to music... bought an mp3 player just for riding..... never had an interest in one prior to riding... and don't listen to it off the bike!

i keep it low enough that i can hear cars or carry on a conversation! i have more trouble hearing people (or cars) when it's really windy!

[spazzdog]

I just bought a RIO Carbon... don't know why its called Carbon as it looks stainless steel. Anyway I bought it specifically for riding. I have an older pair of earbuds that I'll use with my helmet. I wind the wire on the bud side aroun the helmet straps by the ears, then tie them off (gently). The bud sits a bit outside my ear rather than in it all the way. I can hear traffic noise and my favorite rockers.

I like the RIO... it's about the same size as my litle cellphone.

I am such a toy geek... next high dollar purchase - the Oakley THUMP, sport sunglassses (flip-ups) with built in MP3; earbuds attached to earpieces.

[loni0908k]

the wind is so strong the only thing I could hear out of those you mentioned was the heartbeat in my head

I hear you on this one! In the surrounding Chicago areas my ears start to ache when the wind is really bad. And my headphones not only block the wind from rushing in, but they also keep me motivated to ride faster, harder, and longer!

[nuthatch]

I hear you on this one! In the surrounding Chicago areas my ears start to ache when the wind is really bad. And my headphones not only block the wind from rushing in, but they also keep me motivated to ride faster, harder, and longer!

Speaking of ear numbness due to whistling winds, is there anyway to lessen this effect and still maintain your hearing of important road noises? Some sort of earband to cut the whoosh? I've wondered about this when I'm riding fast - when I'm ambling, I'll enjoy the birds and streams with you, Yellow! Or the sound of my own voice singing sailor songs!

[profàvélo]

Dear Ladies,

I am shocked that so many of you use headphones/music while riding.

It is not safe, no matter how low you have the volume. It ranks right up there with not wearing a helmet.

Please reconsider, so that you can hear that car sneaking up behind you, or your fellow cyclist trying to give you a warning.

If not for yourself, please do it for your mother/son/SO/brother/favorite pet.