[ilnam]

I’ve been contemplating using my iPod for trips of about 180 miles on the interstate. I would most likely be listening to NPR podcasts, but I can see this being potentially more dangerous than music. Music is in the background more for me, while NPR and ebooks take more of my concentration. This is exactly what Rab was saying about the cost of our brains processing power. I know my brain is huge, but my concentration is a finite thing I’ll wait to try this when I have more experience.

[dcJohn]

Turns out we’re not as good at multitasking and dividing our attention as we think we are.
http://www.brainrules.net/attention (#3-#8 in particular)

[canstaett]

I usually use just one- it doesn’t affect what I can hear (not much anyway) and I still can listen to something other than whatever craziness is going on in my head that day. I will say though- I don’t do it when I leave at 3:45 in the morning, just on the way home. I figure my brain’s got enough to do, what with waking up and all.

[Loki]

I use Skull candy in ear head phones. Can still hear what i need but it blocks alot of the wind noise. And if theres a good song on and im alone and driveing slower i can make my bike dance.
Also John we might olny be able to do one task at a time the time it takes us to switch task is fast enough to seem like it doesnt take any time at all, unless your doing things that require alot of brain power. But riding a bike and listening to music isnt as bad as you think. Your concentraining on drive and the music is just there… playing, it doesnt require any feed back form you so you dont have to mutitask. Just keep riding and be more open with the eyes since you dont have ears anymore

[Munch]

I can see your point on this…..however… since 90% of my conscious life has music on all the time…. FOR ME ( I use caps only to make it a PPOV) music being on is just another day. My brain doesn’t focus on the music. However if your unlike me and not used to but select times of listening enjoyment… roll with Rab’s PoV.

oh yea… and no fiddling with the music…. cheap i-pod type thing…. enough songs for the ride… and then hit shuffle. Plug in, i-pod thing in inside jacket pocket….both hands on the bars… and RIDE!!!!

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[Munch]

I remember seeing some references to having GPS’s on the mods lists…hmmm curious how that fits in. Music can be easily ignored but if your looking to see if Garmin told you to turn a half mile back or waiting to see if you have to… now that would be a bigger distraction and danger to me then say having some tunes roll through your ears and not the whistle of the wind… and never mind the tub thumpers in the cage near ya somewhere at the stop light bangin out music that you may or may not like.

Now now don’t get to picking what I said apart…. just a humorous observation. Though I really do dislike the GPS idea…. Personally, plan the ride before you ride. That away everyone knows where your headed… be it your friends… or the company that occupies your same brain waves.

edit: BTW..thanks for the links I am now trying to find better options then the earbuds I wear…some of the ones above are great.

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[Jim]

Here is how I mounted my GPS to my bike . I use it for one of my hobbies Geocaching, and just glance down at it occasionally. I don’t find it to be a distraction. I don’t use it for day to day commuting, just on a longer ride or when I go geocaching.

[Author]

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