I won't ride with ear buds/headphones for a few reasons:
1) I don't feel safe. I need to hear what is going on around me. Sure, I have heard that headphone wearers can hear what is going on, but I don't feel comfortable doing that.
2) Along the safety line, I refuse to look like a victim. As a lone female cyclist/runner, I don't need anything to make me look like I am not aware of my surroundings and let someone else think they can take advantage of me. Think again.
3) I really don't feel the need to take my music everywhere I go, unlike our Ipod Nation. I see these things everywhere! I don't get bored on long rides, I don't need constant entertainment to keep my mind occupied while I push out the miles. My entertainment is hearing the wind whistle through my helmet straps, the cars whizz by, the happy chatter of others I ride with or the greetings of people I pass. If I want to listen to music, I will do so at home, off the bike.
Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.
2010 Kelson custom/Brooks B17 Imperial
2009 Masi/Terry Damselfly
2004 Specialized Dulce Elite/Terry Damselfly
2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara/unknown saddle
1987 Bridgestone 100/Terry Liberator X