I try my best to forget everything in my life & just concentrate on the road or trail in front of me as an escape. Etherial instrumental music helps to keep me focused on the ride. While I sometimes ride with a couple other people, I tune the chatter out or ride far enough ahead where I can't hear them. I'm here to ride, not chit-chat. Never carry a cell phone with me when riding. I know guys who talk on their cell phones their entire ride, why bother riding going.
__________________
Two wrongs don't make a right but three lefts do! Unknown