Quote Originally Posted by 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!
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.