Metric Road Bike article

[rflnomad]

Hey everyone.
Nice page in the new Metric Road Bike about how the bikes (and the people ) are becoming too attached to their 'world' to relax on their bikes when riding. I totally agree.
I DO carry our cell phone but it is in the saddlebags. No Blackberry, GPS ( I use a paper map!) IPod hookups, pagers etc.
Maybe I am old fashioned but we ride to escape this hectic life. I feel sometimes that we are 'tethered' to technology.
The article is "Thinking Ahead" by George Blumberg. Give it a read.
Thanks.

[socwkbiker]

I read that article and agree completely with you and the writer. When we reach the point of having bluetooth in our helmet so we can call the office...that's when we're losing the fun of riding. I use an mp3 for my music and keep my cell phone at my side. Don't call because I won't pull over to talk to you. I have thought of getting a GPS, but haven't so far.

That article makes me wonder if we're not trying too hard to stay connected to the world.

[Todd]

a true +1

[fish]

All I need is the GPS so I don't end up back at home or work.

[audiogooroo]

I hear ya. The last thing I want to do while riding is take a cell phone call. That's what voice mail is for and I'll check messages at the next stop.

[dragon57]

I do carry a cell phone, for emergencies. I use a paper map; don't need a gps. If I get lost, I either ride till I find my way, or stop and ask someone.

[fish]

To stop and ask someone is not a man thing :-[

[blowndodge]

I have a scala rider bluetooth headseat. Only my friends have the number. I ride solo a lot so sometimes they just check in to see if I'm home. Not a distraction.

[dragon57]

Fish; Is it a "man thing" to need a GPS to tell you where you are?
I don't think so!

[socwkbiker]

I have a scala rider bluetooth headseat. Only my friends have the number. I ride solo a lot so sometimes they just check in to see if I'm home. Not a distraction.

I can understand that BD, especially since you are also a lonewolf.

[ringadingh]

I also carry a phone for me to send a call not recieve one, No gps yet, Im not sure if I really want one. The Ipod is nice, it holds a 1000 songs, no more trying to change CD's at 60mph or even carry them anymore. I use a Fm transmitter so the Ipod plays through my fairing speakers and no earphones. As for asking directions, it a last resort thing, last season I went from Newmarket to London Ontario about 150 mile trip one way. I took the backroads coming home and missed a turn, I ended up riding an extra 185 miles to get back home, but it was such a nice day I didn't give a damm.

[ells]

I've always thought the fewer the distractions on the bike itself, the more enjoyable and safe the ride. At first, I was disappointed with the lack of gauges and gadgets on the Vulcans but now appreciate the foresight of the designers to help us keep our eyes on the road. I've used GPSs for more than a decade in small aircraft but have found little need for one on a bike, although have used mine to check the speedometer. If I were to use one for navigation, I think I'd stop to look at it.

[Top Cat]

Back when I started riding a motorcycle 1965, we had none of this extra stuff. You got on the thing and rode. The solitude of the ride was what attracted me to it.
The only thing I need as far as communication goes is an intercom to talk to Cindy on the back. I bought one but it is winter here and haven't tried it yet.
I will not listen to music or take cell calls. I think that would be a major distraction for me. I use a paper map. If it is cold I dress warmer, no heated stuff.
Hard bags, windshield, Cindy and Me on the Nomad , thats all I need for a great day of riding

[audiogooroo]

I always have my cell phone with me, but it lives in the saddle bag while I'm riding.
But everyone has a different take on it. I have a friend who rides a Stratoliner and several times I've called him and he answers at 75mgh on his bike on the highway. Which really scares me because this guy is absolutely incapable of multi-tasking.

[fish]

Do any of us need or like cell phones, GPSs, puters, money or even electric can openers?
Between busy schedules, work, spouses ( I only have one spouse but 2 jobs ) etc. Over all they do make life alittle easier. thats my 02 cents.