Foo - Anyone tried learning a language while cycling?

Now, before you jump down my throat and tell me that listening to my iPod is bad while cycling, I agree with you for road use, but as I'm on a canal track, any cars on there - well, shouldn't damn well be on there!

Plus, if it's a choice between music or the loud noise of wind rushing by (some would say 'through') my ears - I'll go for music. I don't have it too loud anyway, I can always hear the things around me - and I've not been passed on the path yet - so don't know if I can hear an oncoming bike approaching from behind.

Anyway, I've decided that as I'm on the bike for an hour at a time for my commute, that rather than listening to Poker Radio podcasts (The Circuit) or Van Halen - I should do something more constructive - and have tranferred 22 hours worth of Spanish lessons onto my friendly iPod.

Anyone else tried this? Anyone else been looked at suspiciously for repeating phrases like "No ablo ingless" (I don't know spellings) as they pass people on paths??

I'll let you know how I get on. Going to Spain for holiday's this year, so as long as i know how to say "Two pints of Stella Artois please" and "Where can I hire a bike?" - I'll be happy.

Recess, if you're a typical Glasweigan going to a typical Spanish holiday resort, the barstaff won't have a clue what you're going on about. "Stella? We only sell Tennents. And Irn Bru."
Sounds like a good idea though. As long as it's not Easterhouse you're cycling through.

Hey,

Good to hear from a fellow Scot.

I go through Springburn, touch on Possil, then through Maryhill on my way to work.

(For those who know not what I speak, think "Hell", "Hell with Burberry on" and "Hell with a smashed bottle of Buckfast in hand".)

They would all be what I call the "Sprint section" of my ride...

You've got a good point though. Go to the Majorca and speak Spanish, and all the English barmen will start getting worried "Wot's that mate? Senyor this!!!" (thump.)

Ditch the iPod. Seriously. It's a safety hazard. You should be learning from a book while on your commute.

You've got a good point though. Go to the Majorca and speak Spanish, and all the English barmen will start getting worried "Wot's that mate? Senyor this!!!" (thump.)

When I visited, the hotel and bar staff started up in German. They couldn't believe that I only spoke English, Spanish and French. :rolleyes:

I havent tried while cycling, but I tried studying for the patent bar while doing other things... it doesnt work. You really need to sit an concentrate to actually learn. The learning by osmosis thing doesnt ever really pan out.

On another note, I cycle with my Ipod all the time. I use open air headphones, so I can hear my music and the surroundings. Ive done this for years, and dont at all consider this a safety hazard.