So, we've been cyclists for about 4 years now. My H and I often ride country roads together, and we often have conversations. We know that our voices are usually raised in order to be heard above the sound of the wind in our ears.

Three months ago, we moved to a house that is about 100 feet off a main cycling route in our area. We are definitely in the country where there are no side walks, no stop lights and very little traffic.

The first time I was working in our garden (back behind the house) and I heard clear voices, I was startled. Who was that talking? Are they in my driveway? Why are they yelling? Then I saw the group of cyclists go by.

Yesterday, we were outside ALL day while painting our house. There was a sizeable organized ride that had two of the three routes passing by our house. All day long, there were cyclists riding by...and all day long we could clearly hear their conversations. "She's 65 and built like a house, could barely make it up the path" "Yep, that's why you need to wear sunglasses even when cloudy to protect your eyes from bugs and debris" "One time I made the mistake of turning left here and saw signs warning of an 18% grade!" "Keep up the pace, there's a hill up ahead"...and so on...

So, just as a friendly reminder from a cyclist that now lives on a cycling route - if you have a conversation while cycling, keep in mind that EVERYONE around you that is not on a bike can clearly hear every word you are saying - even the bad ones!