Originally Posted by
Ross520
Most people don’t realize how loud earbud music actually is, especially considering you have to compensate (volume-wise) for road/wind noise and deep breathing.
What would you do if you knew a car was approaching? I’m surprised such an experienced rider doesn’t know the answer to that question.
And I’m sure you’re quick, but there’s always someone faster. Do you hold KOMS on every single segment in your area? I’d assume not, which means you are always at-risk of being passed by a faster, or fresher rider.
I have a fairly in-depth knowledge of sound levels and hearing loss. I’m fully capable of determining appropriate sound levels for me. I would assume others are as well. My earpieces do a good job of blocking wind noise so I don’t need to compensate by turning the volume up. The same goes for breathing heavily.
Whether a car is approaching or not, I do the same thing. I try to hold a straight line. Do others really ride on the road looking back to see where each approaching car is? I trust that they see me and my blinking taillight and that they don’t want to hit me. If they want to hit me, I’m not going to be able to out maneuver a car. That leaves distracted driving. Do others really look at each approaching car and wonder if they’re going to try to jump the curb to avoid it? Maybe the drivers here are particularly respectful. If I thought I had to be aware of every single passing car in order to survive, I’d just ride the trainer at home.
The comment about not getting passed was humor. Even so, in about 65-70 hours of riding per month I get passed by one or two other riders per month. There just aren’t that many riders out when I’m riding. But there again, is passing another rider so dangerous? I just ride in a straight line, if another rider passes me, I trust him to do so safely.