Music & Cycling: Am I crazy?

[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!

[sarahkonamojo]

Why headphones? Because I don't want to listen to other people's music. I really don't like the car as boom box phenomena, but the ski resorts are trying to attract those specific customers. At the ski area headphones. In the BC none. Kind of like in the exurbs: headphones. Out in the wilds: none.

Nothing beats hearing the canyon wren or the rush of the river or the crashing of waves. A close second is listening to a personally significant soundtrack while watching stars race across the Arizona sky. To each her own.

There are dangers to all outdoor activities. Riding a bike is dangerous. Certainly, listening to music while riding is also dangerous. Sadly, a young skier was killed by a snow machine this year while training on a race course. Seemed like everyone wanted to blame the headphones she had around her NECK... Everyone has to evaluate there own comfort level. Shouldn't we treat all other riders with caution.

Sarah

[betagirl]

I'm strictly a roadie, so I don't get into a whole lot of wilderness on my rides. I ride farm roads mostly, so I guess I could take in some 'moos' from the cows For me, riding to tunes helps me go further. I adjust my speed/cadence to the beat of the music when I'm out by myself. When I'm in traffic, I usually shut the music off or turn it down as low as possible so I can hear. I've been doing this 7 years and never had a problem (knock on wood). I understand the side that this is dangerous/stupid/crazy/etc. But for me, I enjoy my solo rides more to tunes.

[Kathi]

Sorry to break the bad news to those of you who live in Colorado, but, like California, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and earphones are illegal when operating a vehicle in Colorado too.

I've been seeing more and more riders with earphones. They worry me because they don't acknowledge me when I pass, most of them don't hear me when I yell, on your left! I don't worry about them getting hurt if they swerve and hit me, that's their problem, but I do care if I get hurt!

Kathi