i am no better, this is true. but i do think i enjoy the ride more. how often do headphones fall out, the camelback becomes uncomfortable, or the gps needs tweaking? also, for those that gear up this way, how often do you put off or cancel a ride b/c your ipod isnt charged or you forgot some other aspect of your gear? try riding without all the bells and whistles, it clears the mind so well.....