I agree with Fleck, we should all appreciate things in identical fashion, and should abandon personal preference immediately.
Martin,
I did not see a smilely, but I hope that you are being sarcastic. I am all for personal expression, it’s just that when that personal expression starts to invade other peoples personal space, then what?
I like to listen to my music loud to - but I do it in the privacy of my own house or car. I would never do it, where others would have to listen to it who may not like or enjoy that type of music or want to hear any music. I could set up some loud speakers at the cottage so that we could listen to some nice Jazz down by the dock, but I am sure that our neighbours would not like that, so I don’t bother.
Here’s another example - what’s with the ridiculously loud motorcycles? I was in Lake Placid last weekend helping out at a training camp and there where bikes so loud that my ears where ringing after they went by. I simply have to ask, “Why”? I get it that these people are into things that are radically different than what I am into and that we have very different personal preferences - (other than enjoying the open road on two wheels!) I respect that. However, when the windows shake on the hotel room when they go by or my ears are ringing after they pass me on my bike, it seems a bit much.
I agree with Fleck completely about this sort of thing being a step backward…do we seriously need to be entertained while out on a bike ride? Are there enough people out there that can’t stand being alone with the sound of nature and their own thoughts? For me, no matter how many times I’ve done the same loop, time on a bike is time to myself…quiet time to think, reflect, or just turn the mind off completely. That works fine for me on all of my long rides.
I also agree with the noise pollution factor. I WOULD NOT ride with others who were playing music from their bike. Is that anal? Who knows…I just know that (to me) this whole contraption is ridiculous. I don’t want to breathe other peoples cigarette smoke, and I don’t want to hear their music while on a bike.
On the other hand, I (and many other solo riders) have been known to listen to music during the night laps of a 24hr solo MTB race…1-4am is the ideal time for a change to the routine. After 15 hours on a MTB, even this stupid contraption might come in handy, but I would likely prefer to stick with the usual one headphone thing. But at that point, it takes everything and anything just to keep the body going, and a little upbeat music can go a long way towards keeping you awake. Besides, there aren’t many people out there during night laps, so the course is pretty deserted. Once the people come back out, the phones go away. I could see this coming in handy for those few hours, but beyond that…no way.
Oh yeah, nothing like a good old book on tape to take away whats left of your fleeting attention. Some things jus don’t go well at the halucination point of a race…no books on tape, and no Pink Floyd.
