<WARNING - MOTHER HAT ON>

Riding is inherently dangerous. We need to pay attention to everything no matter where we're riding. One of my worst accidents was due to inattention to the road - didn't see that big old rock because I was daydreaming. Listening to music or audio tapes takes your attention off of the task at hand.

One of the joys of riding is being in nature and fully experiencing Her majesty. That includes the sounds of birds, the wind, streams. For me, there is also the feeling that you cannot get through the usual senses that this is "what it is all about." The peace and serenity. The inner knowing that the world is a good place. I can't get that with U2 banging in my eardrums.

I save the headphones for the gym where I WANT to drown out the noise and escape into my own world.