rumrunn6

I was so glad that I wasn't sorely disappointed to have forgotten the mp3 player. I had a decent 44 mile ride without any music! can't remember the last time that happened!

Velo Dog

i realize this topic has been beaten to death, but the notion of riding with my ears plugged makes me break out in a cold sweat. You only have two senses that keep you safe on the bike. Riding with headphones isn't as dangerous as riding with a blindfold, but it's second-worst. I can't even estimate how many times in 40 years of cycling that I've been alerted by the sound of cars coming up behind me.
Years ago, when MP3 players were new, i remember reading a post about whether they were safe to use on bikes. Somebody answered, "I see dead people..."
Up to you, of course. But you're not immortal.

rumrunn6

ok - so then don't keep beating the dead horse. but thanks for replying to my ever so unpopular thread! :-)

btw - I only use the right ear bud and only loud enough to hear the song. my memory fills in the gaps of stuff I don't pickup. I'm not one of those fools who block out ambient sound. I can tell what kind of vehicle is approaching from behind based on the sound it makes. I can even tell if it is gas or diesel, but then that's an easy one.

Chalupa102

I've never been a fan of earbuds. They never stay in because my ears are weird. I always listen to music through my ipod's built in speaker when cycling though. I can always hear everything around me and have the music in the background. Granted, the music gets pretty much drowned out when i'm flying downhill, going into a headwind, or when there's a lot of cars around. I can hear it clearly when working up hills and it helps keep me motivated.

Mr. Beanz

Why block out any of your senses at all? I use everything I got, I can tell if the driver is male or female by the sound of the approaching car!

You ride alone? We did a ride once with a dude that wouldn't ditch the tunes so it was suggested that he stay at the back of the line of 8 riders. We slowed to turn, riders called it out, some of us signaled physically. Sure enough, the dude didn't see the signal and never heard it. He took down the ride in front of him as well. I thougt the was going to take an arse whipping that day as tempers flared!

rumrunn6

I'm not that dude. and that dude's story is not my story

Wildflower

I'm glad that you are still alive. One of the first things that a cyclist should learn is that it is DANGEROUS to ride with things in their ears when riding. If you have things plugged into your ears, you can't hear the small sounds that spell danger. Pedestrians who wear things in their ears near cyclists are also a danger because they can't hear the cycle bells and move out of the way. Besides that, if you are listening to the music, you aren't focussed on riding fully.

Kneez

...

Chalupa102

I can understand everyone's concern, but he stated that he...
...which means he's NOT one of those people blaring their music oblivious to the things around him. At least that's the conclusion i get.

mikewille

If I manage to forget my tunes I usually notice before I reach the end of the driveway.

Booger1

Omg!

Moozh

I ride with music, do it with my motorcycle also, have for years and years, this topic always brings out the "sensory and safety police", I can still hear well enough to be aware of my surroundings, my eyes also work so is employed to lend a helping hand...oh, those tend to be on the bars tho, so I'm with ya. If you like to rock tunes while ur riding, ride on.

JMallez

I rode 4 miles before realizing i forgot my gloves once :-s

When i see people in cars with headphones on i think that surely can't be safe...i'd never do it on a bike, but that's just me, i think people in cars sometimes want to hit a cyclist...I actually enjoy hearing the sound of the bike, wheels on the pavement, my own breathing, the chain and everything when on a bike. Favorite sound is a long pace line going by!

Why don't more people at least mount a player on their bike for all to hear the music? I actually like riding near them on long rides

Roody

The worst thing I ever forgot was my underwear on a commute to work. I decided to wear the sweaty bike shorts under my dockers instead of going commando. (I suppose the anti-earbud people will hate on me for that.)