More on cycling tours

One of the most interesting (and troubling to a certain degree) changes I've seen on bicycle tours over the years is the advance of technology. I'm not necessarily referring to bike technology like frame design and components; that part is almost a given. But things like MP3 players, cell phones and digital cameras have added a new social dynamic that has had both positive and negative effects on the cycling experience.

It's wonderful that digital cameras have been reduced in size to the point where weight and bulk are not the same concerns that existed when there were only cameras that used film. A small, high resolution digital camera with a lot of memory can record a week's worth of cycling without difficulty. Nowadays cell phones, by and large, are equipped with cameras and for folks who wish to combine the functions of communication and photography, are suitable choices. Bicycle tours are very scenic and a photo record of the experience is highly desirable.

It wasn't that many years ago that a land-line telephone was the only communication option for a bike tour participant. I recall strolling around in the small host communities on Ride the Rockies at the end of a day's ride and basically not being able to get near a coin operated phone.

It wasn't that many years ago either, that cell phones were not seen on bike tours. These days many of them can be seen in use at every aid station along the way and no one seems to need to use a coin telephone anymore.

I believe pervasive cell phone use on bicycle tours has trivialized communication to some degree. After the initial novelty of seeing cell phones on tours wore off, I began to wonder how valuable it is to use the thing throughout the day. I mean first day, first aid station, one hour into the ride basically and the phones are out, with participants talking or text messaging.

There have been accidents on bike tours, some serious, even fatal. Fortunately these have been few in number. On Ride the Rockies we usually hear about them during the cycling seminar at the end of the day or from the daily medic's meeting. From a response standpoint it may make sense to have a cell phone. But between the staff vehicles and the state patrol, the route is so well monitored that I wonder if any response time could be gained with an emergency call to report an accident.

I have grave apprehensions about the use of MP3 players with ear buds worn by riders while out on the course. Safety rules on a tour generally prohibit the use of "headphones". It sounds like common sense, but a significant number of cyclists disregard this important rule. Unfortunately, it has become more of a common experience to approach a fellow cyclist from the rear, say "on your left" while passing and have them not hear the warning because of the loud music coming through their ear buds.

I mentioned in my first remarks about bike touring that the countryside looks different at 15mph than it does at 65mph. I should also remark that the 15mph bicycle gives a much greater opportunity to enjoy the landscape. I would rather have technology enhance the experience, not detract from the experience; yes to the camera, maybe to the cell phone, no to the MP3 player.