Music & Cycling: Am I crazy?

[Irulan]

entry found for lieder.
lied Audio pronunciation of "lieder" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (lt)
n. pl. lie·der (ldr)

A German art song for solo voice and piano

[JasCali]

I used a full CD player for a while, which was problematic because on several hour rides I would have to switch over CDs and carry them with me -- now I just load CDs onto a shuffle and go with that, it's lightweight, small, and works great. I understand the obvious dangers with listening, but again, I only wear a single earpiece, and a lot of the time I ride on car-less paths. I try to keep it low enough to hear around me well, too, but anyone who listens to classical music knows that it's very difficult to enjoy (and even hear) at low volumes.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who sneaks in some music on their rides. Definitely fun, although I swear I feel guilty about it sometimes, only sometimes.

[Trek420]

wow, such controversy. here's my $0.02.

when I'm on the road alone or with a group no headphones for me. I'm slightly hard of hearing so I need every sound I can get plus...I wear a headet all day and once off work sick of the &^% things.

If you ride with me be forwarned I will sing for no apparent reason, just whatever comes to mind especially when climbing.

If I'm out in the boondocks I want to hear the birds, wind, creek etc. Don't do much off road riding but if I can hear nature I prefer that to any music, best soundtrack on earth.

[yellow]

I find this whole need to listen to music whilst engaging in physical activities baffling.

Don't get me wrong...I LIKE music, but when I'm outside running or cycling or skiing, I'd rather be fully in tune with my surroundings in a spiritual sense (as well as for safety reasons-we have very large kitties here ). Why block it out or distract from it? I just don't get it. I guess it's just one of those things that's WAY over my head.

Does it provide motivation? Does it distract from pain you might be feeling? Does it make the time go by faster? Does it enhance your wilderness experience? I mean, there has to be SOMETHING to it otherwise so many people wouldn't do it.

To use a non-cycling example, I've noticed over the last couple of years that ski resorts have really jumped on the must-have-music bandwagon, to the point of it being amplified across half the mountain. Plus it seems that the ski resort parking lots have really become a boom-boom fest, mostly younger people playing music very loudly that is hardly musical while they suit up. When I'm in the mountains, I want to listen to the mountains, not Popular-Rappuh-O'-Da-Month. So more and more I go into the backcountry and listen to the real music of the mountains.

[archibella]

Lol, I have been curious about this topic too-- as I've just started cycling. Personally I decided that I didn't feel safe enough. But if someone wants to ride with headphones-- I won't tell them stop. I may choose not to ride so closely though, lol.

I had to share this 'sighting' with you ladies though (As I said, I'm a newbie, so if this is usual my apologies): On a weekly ride that I do, typically 50+ people go. It's a blast-- you meet lots of people, etc. The last two rides-- there's a guy hauling one of those baby trailer deals-- with a stereo/boombox in it! I think it's pretty funny-- but I definitely don't complain when I hear the strains of a cool song drifting my way

cheers!

[Kimred]

I would never wear headphones. I'm a very "defensive"rider. I like to hear everything. I feel I can hear cars coming up on me, especially if they are too close. After years of riding I am very in tune with the sound. Especially woman riding alone it's just not safe. Nope not for me.

Kim

[tatormc]

The article in Bicycling made note that the state of Oklahoma bans head tunes altogether which I agree with. I'm a person who loves music and listens to it all the time but the combination of me and headphones on a bike is not a good thing.

[Saxa82]

I listen to my iPod on all my rides except when I ride with someone else. I was a little skittish at first but I bought myself a 20$ bar end mirror that is hands down the BEST safety investment I have made (besides my helmet of course). I don't have to keep looking back for cars, I can see then way behind me before I need to make a left turn, and so on. I never though I would ever need a mirror and after riding 20 years I finally have one and simply cannot ride without now. When I bought my new bike this summer the first few rides were without a mirror and I felt a bit nervous. Putting the mirror on was the first upgrade I made. I urge you if you listen to music to get some kind of mirror- either bar end or helmet.

[MomOnBike]

My thoughts on the whole headphones thing:

As usual, it depends. In traffic situations, you need all your attention focused on the situation. Traffic, BTW, can include everything from Boston streets to a crowded bike path. I wouldn't feel safe listening to tunes there.

In less congested situations, it might be OK, especially if you are using the music to set a tempo for your spin, although a metronome on your bars could work just as well.

In any case, leaving the traffic side ear uncovered is probably a good idea.

I'd use headphones in certain situations. DH and I have been discussing having 2-way radios on in town so we don't have to scream at each other. (Car back! Pothole! Glass!) These would also be handy on a tour, since we don't always ride at the same pace. (Stopping for a picture. Car back.) I could argue that they are a safety device, as we are both watching out for each other.

I've also thought that on tour through long stretches, say the sandhills of Nebraska, a recorded book would enhance the experience. Preferably a book that has something to do with the area you are touring. That could be just nice.

[juvel01]

Well, I'm on the "its ok if you only have one ear covered" side. I have an iPaq with a wireless BlueTooth headset that I wear to listen to music or (egad) talk on the phone. I can say that I have never had an issue not hearing anything. In fact, the way the earpiece sits on my ear I have less wind noise with no sound coming through it. I havent been pulled over yet. I find that I ride better with music and I'm trying to put together a selection where the bpm will dictate my cadence.

[bluerider]

I ride alone all the time on average for 2 hours per ride and understand how tunes can make the ride so much enjoyable. That being said, I NEVER NEVER NEVER ride with headphones. I have an iPod Shuffle and could listen easily with it tucked in my jersey but cannot do it for sake of my SAFETY. No matter how low you turn your volume it’s a distraction. I understand the motivation of music because I cannot run without. I am guilty of doing it when I run at night which is quite dangerous. That being said I would never ride with tunes. You need all your senses alert when riding with cars.