When I was out riding this morning I thought of some of the people I have seen riding with earbuds in. There was no traffic, the birds were singing and I wondered why someone would ride with music in their ear, I enjoy listening to music but the sound of nature is relaxing. I guess to each their own.

You answered your own question.

You also don't know what they're listening to. Personally I'm listening to either NPR news or audiobooks. I ride 2 hours a day, every day, year round. Ambient sounds are great and I do ride without the bud once in a while and enjoy it, but all winter long there's nothing to listen to but the wind, and I hear birds and nature at home all day. Ride time is one of the few times I have to get some books consumed.

i too ride with and without depending on the ride itself. solo harder paced rides i use some music to help set the mood.....then again there is always the leisurely cruise with the sounds of nature.....choices are so great

I listen to Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, Hannity, Laura Ingraham.....gets the andrenaline going....I'd fall asleep riding if I were listening to NPR.

I can't hear the birds over the traffic and wind noise in my ears so I wear earphones and listen to recordings of birds singing.

Hour long commute 2x a day, a cassette player and 'books on tape' from the public library,
on the rural route, worked for me.. particularly at night on the way home.

Music? as a Musician I got plenty in there already..
... if I could just Eject all the advertising jingles.

I wear earbuds because the choice of music (Stevie Ray Vaughn, Blues in general) is what I need for hammering up hills. Takes my mind off everything.

Audiobooks are a godsend while on a commute. Also, you can listen perfectly with just one earbud and keep your traffic ear clear too.
Been thinking of getting one of these AfterShokz Sport Bone Conduction Headphonesas present for myself on me birthday, which should allow me to enjoy the bird songs too.

I use earbuds. In combination with "Tangerine" mac app. Generates playlists based on bpm and can set patterns. Start at 120 bpm and peak at 180 bpm then back to 120 at end of ride. = 60 rpm-90 rpm. Helps me pace. Also listen to audiobooks and catch up on the news. Soothing and helps pass the miles. YMMV